Brushing is essential to maintain healthy, cavity-free teeth and strong gums. You must brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably first thing in the morning and last thing at night, to remove dental plaque, a sticky biofilm continually forming over your tooth surfaces. Plaque contains harmful bacteria, so if it isn’t removed, these bacteria can soon build up and create oral health problems. Without regular removal, plaque soon hardens into calculus or tartar, a crusty, hard substance that can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning in Oshawa. With a good oral care routine, you can prevent gum disease and cavities and enjoy lower dental bills in the longer term.

Should I Invest in an Electric Toothbrush?

Margolian Dentistry is frequently asked if an electric toothbrush will be more effective than a manual toothbrush. A powered or electric toothbrush can effectively clean teeth with minimal effort. It might be worth investing in an electric toothbrush if you have recently had some problems with tooth decay in Whitby or other dental issues or if you have begun to find using a manual toothbrush tricky, perhaps due to problems with dexterity.

How Do Electric Toothbrushes Work?

There are three main types of electric toothbrushes. These include brushes with an oscillation action, where the toothbrush head spins so the brushes rotate, cleaning teeth in a pulsating motion. Sonic toothbrushes also rotate and oscillate but at much higher speeds. Ultrasonic toothbrushes use a high-frequency vibration to help remove dental plaque and food debris.

Which Features to Look Out for?

Electric toothbrushes include basic models or those with all sorts of features, but you may not need all of these for everyday cleaning. Most will include several cleaning modes, including different speed settings, deep cleaning, teeth whitening and gum health. Some have pressure sensors, which can be useful because they will alert you if you are pressing too hard, which could damage your teeth and gums. If you travel frequently, check your electric toothbrush has dual voltage, as not all come with this feature. Another nice feature of electric toothbrushes is that they will time you, ensuring you can brush your teeth for the full two minutes. Most will alert you when it’s time to move on to cleaning another section of your mouth, ensuring you can brush your teeth methodically and thoroughly. Some even have wireless connectivity giving you more information on how well you are brushing.

But Is an Electric Toothbrush Any Better Than a Manual Toothbrush?

You might not want to switch if you are perfectly happy using a manual toothbrush and have good dental health. You don’t need to use an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth thoroughly, provided you clean your teeth using the right techniques, don’t press too hard and use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will not damage your teeth and gums. Manual toothbrushes are cheap, easily available, and come in various shapes and sizes. Make sure you pick a toothbrush head that is small enough to fit right to the back of your mouth to clean those hard-to-reach teeth.

Whichever toothbrush you choose, remember you need to replace a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush head every three months or more frequently if it starts to look worn. A worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth effectively. Also, don’t forget to schedule regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings in Ajax to help ensure your teeth and gums remain in great shape.