Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

As long as you utilize the appropriate brushing techniques and methods, brushing with a manual toothbrush can be quite effective. Here are some key tips for your brushing technique:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush in a circular motion across the teeth.
• Remember to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

If you use the technique above and are not showing any concerning oral health symptoms then you are okay to continue with oral hygiene as you are. Be sure to also floss daily!

However, if you struggle to brush all of your teeth sufficiently with a manual toothbrush, or if you or your dentist feel your oral hygiene routine could use a boost, you may find an electric toothbrush to be a helpful tool.

Can an electric toothbrush help you?

The small, round head on an electric toothbrush rotates in a way that cleans teeth in an ideal motion. Avoid electric toothbrushes that make a sawing motion if you can.

Electric toothbrushes can take a lot of the work out of brushing since they do all of the necessary motions for you. Simply apply your toothpaste to your electric toothbrush, place it up against your teeth, and turn it on. Then all you have to do is guide it gently around your mouth, over all the surfaces of your teeth.

You don’t need to perform the brushing motion yourself, and this makes it much easier to clean the backs of your front teeth (which can be awkward with a manual toothbrush), and the small round head makes cleaning your back molars and other tight or hard-to-reach areas a little easier, too.

And because the head spins so quickly, electric toothbrushes can do a great job of removing surface stains from your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes even have timers so that you know when your full two minutes are up!

Overall, an electric toothbrush can help you brush more thoroughly, and may even make brushing feel like less of a chore.

Are you worried that you may be brushing too hard?

Some people hesitate to try an electric toothbrush because they are concerned it would not be gentle on the enamel of their teeth, or their gums.

However, many electric toothbrush users find that it actually helps them brush more gently because they don’t have to make the scrubbing motion themselves. Scrubbing tends to make you want to apply pressure, and this is a non-issue with an electric toothbrush, as it performs the motion for you.

If you are very concerned about brushing too hard, many electric toothbrush brands sell heads with soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn more about the different toothbrush and oral hygiene options, please contact our Chilliwack office today to request an appointment.