The basis of proper oral hygiene involves brushing the teeth after every meal, even more so if the person wears orthodontics.
Faced with this daily routine, various doubts arise regarding the technique used or the use of other hygiene elements.
But the first dichotomy is often the same on many occasions: electric or manual toothbrush?
In this article we are going to clear up all the unknowns on this subject, read on!
Is an electric or manual toothbrush better?
Many patients ask us if the manual toothbrush is less effective than the electric toothbrush.
The truth is that the key is to apply a proper brushing technique that allows the complete removal of food debris accumulated in the mouth.
Thus, as long as it is used properly, the manual toothbrush is as efficient as the electric toothbrush.
But the traditional toothbrush par excellence has two fundamental advantages over the electric toothbrush:
Its price is suitable for all pockets.
It is easily transportable and can be used outside the home very comfortably.
The manual toothbrush is easily transportable
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BOX TO CARRY THE TOOTHBRUSH
Advantages of the electric toothbrush over the manual toothbrush
We have just explained that both types of toothbrushes are capable of cleaning the oral cavity effectively.
So, why does the electric toothbrush present a greater number of benefits compared to the traditional one?
Specifically, it is the characteristics of these toothbrushes that make optimal dental hygiene possible with less effort.
There are three factors that allow us to confirm the effectiveness of the electric toothbrush in combating bacterial plaque and tartar:
The very shape of the electric toothbrush, with a long handle and a narrow brush head, makes it a more manageable instrument.
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It is easier to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as the front of wisdom teeth and other nooks and crannies.
The brush head manages to surround each tooth, eliminating all the sides of the tooth: not only the vestibular -external- part, but also the back of the arches and the interdental part.
Thanks to the movement of the bristles -they rotate in one direction and then rotate in the opposite direction-, brushing is much more effective.
Is the use of an electric toothbrush suitable for everyone?
Electric toothbrushes are suitable for children and adults, even for people with physical or mental disabilities.
Not only that, but it is the ideal product for people who suffer gum damage due to aggressive brushing.
Innovation in dental hygiene has allowed these brushes to be equipped with a sensor that stops their movement if the pressure exerted is higher than recommended.
In addition, its timer tells us if the time we dedicate to oral hygiene is the right amount of time.
According to dentists, the minimum brushing time is two minutes.
The electric toothbrush has a round brush head.
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HYGIENE WITH AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
From what age can an electric toothbrush be used?
Both the electric toothbrush and the manual toothbrush are suitable for children’s oral hygiene.
However, it is advisable to wait until the age of 8 before using an electric toothbrush.
When choosing a toothbrush, it is preferable to opt for one with a head adapted to the child’s mouth and, if possible, with an attractive design.
In this way, the toothbrush will be perceived as a toy and the hygiene routine as a game.
Likewise, electric toothbrushing is a pattern that, being typical for adults, is often attractive to children.
There is a wide variety of electric toothbrushes on the market for children that are smaller and better adapted to the size of their oral cavity.
Until they reach the age of 10 or 12, children do not have full motor mobility of their limbs.
Therefore, by using a children’s electric toothbrush we ensure that they will pass it correctly through all areas of the mouth.
Technique for brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush
In order to brush your teeth correctly, it is necessary to avoid certain practices and keep in mind that a correct hygiene routine consists of several actions.
This is the only way to maintain complete and lasting dental health.
The oral cleaning technique that it is advisable to adopt is as follows:
To make brushing more thorough, dentists advise dividing the mouth into two groups: upper and lower arches, starting with the first one.
The brush should be placed at 45º to the gum line, passing it along the vestibular side of all the teeth.
Repeat this same routine on the lingual (inner) side of the teeth of the same arch.
Do not forget to go over the grinding side of the tooth with the brush, the side used to chew food.
Once we have finished with the upper teeth, repeat these three steps on the lower arch of the dentition.
Finally, we must pass the brush over the tongue to eliminate bacteria correctly.
We explain the manual and electric toothbrushing technique.
Why is the use of a toothbrush not enough?
Surely you have already been warned at your dental clinic about the importance of combining the use of the toothbrush -manual or electric- with other oral hygiene elements.
Including dental floss, interproximal brushes or mouthwashes will ensure an optimal oral hygiene routine.
Dental floss is intended to remove food debris and bacteria that nestle in the spaces between our teeth.
We will floss all the interdental spaces in our mouth, both in the upper and lower arches.
Interproximal brushes -also called interdental brushes- have the same purpose.
Their use is especially indicated for patients with dental implants, with braces and those suffering from periodontal disease.
Although the tongue is the forgotten part of our oral hygiene guidelines, it is precisely where there is the greatest number of bacteria.
For this reason, the use of the tongue scraper, an element specially designed for tongue prophylaxis, is recommended.
In order to eliminate microorganisms and food debris in the oral cavity, we can use a mouthwash on a daily basis.
Manual toothbrush
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COMBINE BRUSHING WITH FLOSSING
I have decided to use an electric toothbrush, but which one should I buy?
We have already mentioned that there is a wide variety of electric toothbrushes on the market available to patients.
Don’t forget that brushing your teeth after every meal does not guarantee complete dental hygiene. Use other hygiene elements.
Although each person can opt for the brand they prefer, depending on its price and features, from Ferrus & Bratos we want to give you some tips to choose it:
Choose a brush with a pressure sensor. This way, you will not damage your mouth while brushing and you will keep your gums healthy.
The fact that it has a timer is an indicator that you are using the recommended time for your daily hygiene.
Opt for a brush with soft or medium bristles that will not irritate the gingival area.
Whether you have a manual or electric toothbrush, change your toothbrush and brush head about every 3 months.
Otherwise, the brush will not only have insufficient action, but will harbor more bacteria than usual.
Now that you know the virtues of each type of brush, you can buy the one that best suits your needs.
At DrAW Dental Clinic, our dental hygienists will instruct you on the most suitable toothbrush for you.
We invite you to contact us and ask for a first appointment completely free of charge.
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