Sugarland, TX dentist talks of electric vs. manual brushes

Are electric vs. manual toothbrushes a matter of preference, or do they differ? Read what Sugarland, TX dentist, Dr. Paul Davey, says about both.

The American Dental Association recommends individuals of all ages brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Flossing is an important once a day habit. Does it matter which kind of toothbrush you use? Learn about electric and non-electric brushes and the pros and cons of each from Dr. Paul Davey, your dentist in Sugarland, TX.

Why should we brush and floss?

Preventive dentistry rests on a foundation of good oral hygiene in the home. When approaching that bathroom sink twice daily, use the toothbrush that best suits your oral needs and helps you keep in the thorough brushing habit. After all, brushing and flossing remove harmful plaque from tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. They keep gums pink and healthy, too. The aim is no tooth decay and no gum disease–in other words, retaining a bright healthy set of teeth and gums for a lifetime.

The manual toothbrush

The mainstay of dental hygiene, the manual toothbrush has several advantages, not the least of which is low cost. Easily replaced after 6 weeks of use or after a bout with the flu or a cold, the non-electric brush comes in many shapes, designs and sizes, catering well to personal preference.

Dentist such as Dr. Paul Davey usually recommend soft-bristled brushes as these treat tooth enamel and gums gently, cleansing well with a circular motion and minimizing abrasion to soft tissues and teeth. They give patients maximum control over which tooth surfaces they scrub, and unlike their electric counterparts, they do not vibrate or make any noise.

The electric toothbrush

In use for decades, the electric toothbrush also comes in many shapes, designs and sizes. The biggest advantage of the electric toothbrush, according to registered dental hygienists, is that this kind of brush does most of the work for the user–a great advantage for the youngest of dental patients. Dental hygiene becomes a matter of aiming the brush and moving it around to all parts of the mouth, including the tongue.

In addition, research conducted by Consumer Reports indicates that electric toothbrushes may do a better job at removing plaque–21 percent more of it than a manual toothbrush removes. People with arthritis in their hands, or with some other disability which limits their manual dexterity, like electric toothbrushes because of their ease of use and bigger handles. Children like electric models simply because they’re “more fun.”

Which toothbrush is for you?

When you come to Texas Got Smile for your semi-annual examination and cleaning, ask your dental hygienist or Dr. Davey which kind of toothbrush is best for your healthy smile. Depending on what’s going on in your mouth, they can recommend an at-home oral hygiene routine that effectively maintains strong tooth enamel and intact, vibrant gums. Contact your Sugarland, TX dentist for your routine cleaning and exam today!

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