Do you have an electric toothbrush? If so, you probably would never trade it for a manual one. Besides doing a better job at cleaning your teeth, an electric toothbrush can also keep you healthier. These are only two benefits of using an electric toothbrush. Here are some of the ways the electric toothbrush has improved during the last 65 years, along with why so many people prefer an electric toothbrush over a manual one.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
People didn’t have many choices when the first nylon-bristle toothbrushes came on the scene in the 1930s. Fortunately, today there are many options. The first electric toothbrush, known as the Broxodent, was invented in 1954 by Dr. Philippe Guy Woog in Switzerland. It then appeared in France before being introduced to the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1959.
As for features, the electric toothbrush has made huge strides since its early days. For example, today’s electric toothbrushes contain rechargeable batteries, meaning you can use your toothbrush without having to plug it into a wall outlet. What’s more, modern electric toothbrushes have high-quality brushes, come in a wide range of sizes, feature compact designs and other perks.
Some models even have a built-in Waterpik. There are others that can sync with smartphone apps, delivering information. For instance, they can tell you the amount of pressure applied when brushing. They can also record how long you brushed your teeth, in addition to how well you brushed. Furthermore, some models are constructed from biodegradable substances, making them environmentally friendly.
WHY ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES ARE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN MANUALS
Electric toothbrushes have several benefits over manual toothbrushes, such as:
- They decrease the number of bacteria that can cause periodontal disease and gum disease. By reducing the likelihood of periodontal disease, you can also lower the odds for developing severe health problems, such as stroke and heart disease that could even be fatal. In fact, heart disease is the top cause of death in America.
- They reduce the risk of developing dental conditions and overall health issues. As a result, you can save money on both dental and medical costs when you use an electric toothbrush. For example, there’s less threat of cavities. Without insurance, the average cost for an amalgam (silver) filling is $160.
- Electric toothbrushes cover larger areas of teeth is a shorter span of time than manual toothbrushes. While a manual toothbrush only makes about 300 strokes per minute, an electric toothbrush averages thousands of strokes with some of them making up to tens of thousands of strokes per minute.
THE TWO TYPES OF ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
There are two main types of electric toothbrushes: sonic and electric. Sonic toothbrushes are similar to electric toothbrushes, but they have higher velocity speeds that can get rid of plaque better than regular electric toothbrushes. This is because the bristles on normal electric toothbrushes move straight and forward and don’t scrub or rotate from a forward to backward motion as sonic toothbrushes.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND WARNINGS
- If your manual toothbrush isn’t removing enough plaque, your dentist might recommend using an electric one.
- Electric toothbrushes offer more accuracy than manuals.
- At Barron Family Dental, we have several types of brush heads from which to choose. The right one for you depends on your specific oral health requirements.
- To remove everyday plaque, you’ll need a daily clean mode.
- On the other hand, if you have more sensitive gums, a sensitive mode is better as it produces fewer movements.
- A pressure sensor is another handy feature for people with sensitive gums. Consider that applying too much pressure on your teeth can cause gum irritation and isn’t helpful in removing additional plaque. It can even be harmful.
- People wearing braces can especially benefit from using an electric toothbrush as more plaque can build up on braces. Consider how an electric toothbrush is more effective in cleaning plaque around braces and preventing gum disease.
- Children love using electric toothbrushes because these toothbrushes are fun to use, besides easier.
THE BOTTOM LINE
- Electric toothbrushes have come a long way since they were first introduced.
- They’re considerably more effective at keeping teeth clean so that you have improved oral health, besides better overall health.
- When you’re healthier, you can save you money on medical costs.
Questions? If you’re considering switching to an electric toothbrush, contact your dentist and discuss your options on the one that’s best for you. You can depend on the dental pros at Barron Family Dental to give you the highest quality of dental care for everyone in your family. Please contact us for all your dental needs.
