The idea of a toothbrush is to remove plaque (biofilm created by the food that are deposited) and to stimulate the gums. Most toothbrushes will keep the teeth clean if you know how to use them.
Manual Toothbrushes
The manual toothbrushes are the brushes which require no charging or no batteries. There are many advantages to the ages old manual toothbrushes.
Advantages include:
- Cost and availability. It’s inexpensive and accessible. Electric toothbrushes may be too expensive for many people, so it’s nice to know that you can do a great job brushing with a manual toothbrush.
- No bulk The brushing head of a manual brush will not be as bulky as electric toothbrush. Hence they reach easily in difficult areas when compared to the electric toothbrush.
- Puts less pressure on teeth and gums. You can feel [how much pressure you’re using] as you grasp the toothbrush. This helps you to avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth. With an electrical model you can’t feel that as well.
- Good for kids. Even young children can use manual brushes safely and effectively once they’ve learned how. There will also be a platform for proper learning of brushing technique because of more tactile sensation.
Powered Toothbrushes
Nevertheless, there are some situations where an electric toothbrush has clear advantages. We recommend it for people who can’t do a good job with a manual toothbrush. For older people or people who have less manual dexterity, like those who have arthritis, the electric toothbrush may clean more effectively. They don’t require more work, but manual brushes do require. With a powered toothbrush, all you need to do is place the tooth brush at 45 degree angle and let the toothbrush do all the work. Dropping a toothbrush may be fatal as they are easy to break.
How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush
Today, electric toothbrushes are outfitted with a variety of features. Though they make nice additions, pressure sensors that tell you if you’re brushing too hard or timers that indicate when you’ve brushed long enough don’t directly affect how well the toothbrush actually cleans your teeth.
Electric toothbrushes with bristles that rotate together in one direction, and then switch and rotate in the opposite direction — a process known as rotating-oscillating — appear to be more effective than manual brushes and other electric brushes that spin in only one direction. If you do opt for an electronic toothbrush, a model with rotating-oscillating bristles is probably your best bet.
How Often Should You Get a New Toothbrush?
Whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft or medium bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they fray. Bristles are very important. Brushes need to be replaced every three months or when the bristles are no longer straight and firm. In that condition, they will not clean the teeth as well as they should.
Your oral health will remain healthy (despite which type of toothbrush you use) as long as you consistently take care of your teeth.
