There’s no denying that the market is saturated with different toothbrushes you can buy. From simple ones at the dollar store to electric ones with a price tag of hundreds of dollars, it can be challenging to know which ones to purchase. While you don’t have to break the bank to buy a fancy electric toothbrush, there are many benefits to using a variety of electric toothbrushes in many price ranges.
Healthy Teeth, Gums, and Tongue
While a manual toothbrush might be good at keeping your teeth clean, it’s impossible for it to reach all of the tartar and plaque that can build up between your teeth. The straight, stationary bristles can’t effectively move into all the tiny crevices where food and bacteria hide between teeth. With a rotating or vibrating brush head, the bristles on an electric toothbrush can reach into those areas to thoroughly clean them while applying equal pressure from the brush.
Additionally, many types of electric toothbrushes also come with a built-in sensor that will alert you if there is too much pressure on the brush. It’s a helpful feature, as too much pressure can cause gum damage and painful irritations.
Although routinely brushing your tongue might seem unusual, it’s essential for your dental health. Brushing your tongue helps effectively remove the layers of bacteria that are known for causing bad breath and can also impact the taste of your food. An electric toothbrush can effectively brush and scrape your tongue quickly and easily, which will provide many benefits.
Timed Brushing
One of the most important but challenging aspects to remember when it comes to proper care of your teeth is the amount of time you need to brush. Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes each time.
When using a manual toothbrush, many people fail to use a timer to ensure that they are brushing long enough. However, most electric toothbrushes come with a timer so that you are brushing an adequate amount of time every time you brush.
Multiple Brush Head Options
With a manual toothbrush, you get a single brush head to do everything you need it to do. Unfortunately, it’s not equipped to handle all of your mouth’s brushing needs. However, with many electric toothbrushes, you have several different interchangeable brush heads for different goals, including the following:
- Regular, daily brushing
- Whitening
- Deep cleaning
- Cleaning your tongue
- Cleaning sensitive teeth
Different toothbrush head options can allow the main toothbrush body and its battery to last much longer, usually between 3 and 5 years. In this way, an electric toothbrush will save you money over the long run and keep hundreds of manual plastic toothbrushes out of landfills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Toothbrushes
How Do I Keep My Toothbrush Clean and Hygienic?
After each use, be sure to rinse your toothbrush with clean water and allow it to air dry. You can also sanitize the bristles with antibacterial mouthwash. It's important not to share your toothbrush with anyone. In addition, you may want to keep the head of your toothbrush covered when not in use.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
Dentists and other professionals recommend getting a new toothbrush approximately every 2–4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or bent. Keep in mind that brushing your teeth more than twice a day or using an aggressive brushing technique might cause your toothbrush to wear out faster.
JM Dental of Westbury: Your Partners in Dental Health
At JM Dental of Westbury, we are your partners in dental health. Whether it be guiding you in what toothbrushes are best for your teeth, providing routine dental care and cleanings, or helping you achieve your cosmetic smile goals, we are here for you.
Contact our office today to learn more about our services and providers and to schedule a consultation. You can reach us by phone at 516-334-3444 or contact us online.