If you need to improve your oral hygiene, or you have trouble cleaning your teeth manually, your dentist may recommend switching to an electric toothbrush.
Electric or powered toothbrushes need to be used as often as a standard toothbrush, but for many people they can deliver improved results, improving oral health and lowering the risk of needing a filling or more serious treatment.
If you need to talk to a Perth dentist for oral health advice, or to help with a problem, contact our experts at Swish Dental today or book an appointment online. We have two locations in Everton Park and Mitchelton.
Does an electric toothbrush clean better?
Studies have found that using an electric toothbrush does tend to reduce plaque and associated oral health problems, though this depends on the individual. Someone who already has good oral health using a manual toothbrush might not benefit from switching to electric.
A long-term study published in 2019 found that people who used an electric toothbrush over a period of 11 years had 18% less tooth decay and were 22% less likely to have receding gums, as well as tending to keep their natural teeth for longer.
Electric toothbrushes can clean more effectively because they make it easier to reach all parts of teeth, including hard-to-reach areas where leftover food and bacteria can accumulate.
Electric vs manual toothbrush
Some advantages of electric toothbrushes are:
- More effective at cleaning teeth and lowering oral health risks
- Available with lights, sounds and other features
- A reusable toothbrush reduces plastic waste
However, a manual toothbrush can be:
- More comfortable for some people
- More portable, if you’re somewhere without a power socket or batteries
- Cheaper to buy, though an electric toothbrush can last for many years
Who should use an electric toothbrush?
Not everyone is suited to a power toothbrush, but your dentist may recommend one if:
- You have poor oral health and they think you need to improve your brushing habits
- You have limited mobility and find it difficult to use a normal toothbrush effectively
- Your child is a reluctant brusher and could be more motivated by an electric toothbrush with features
- You have sensitive teeth or gums, as some products such as sonic toothbrushes may help to reduce sensitivity
Looking after your oral hygiene
It’s not just the type of toothbrush you use that affects your oral health, but how well you use it. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, dentists recommend:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally before breakfast and right before going to bed
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent the build-up of plaque
- Choose a toothbrush head with soft bristles that won’t damage the enamel
- Replace the electric toothbrush head or the manual toothbrush every 3 months, or when the bristles become frayed
- Clean between your teeth before or after brushing using floss or other interdental cleaning tools
- Limit sugar and acids in your diet to reduce decay and erosion
- Drink plenty of water
- Visit the dentist once or twice a year for a check-up and professional hygiene care
See a dentist in Mitchelton or Everton Park
For more oral health care advice or to make an appointment with a Brisbane dentist near you, contact Swish Dental today. Call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton team on (07) 3354 3341.
References
Pitchika, V, Pink, C, Völzke, H, Welk, A, Kocher, T, Holtfreter, B. Long‐term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11‐year cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2019; 46: 713– 722. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13126