When folks in Hendricks County visit Danville Family Dentistry, our staff always stresses the importance of brushing your teeth regularly. If you want a whiter, healthier smile, daily tooth brushing is the key. Regular tooth brushing also helps reduce tartar and plaque build-up, which can lead to gum disease and periodontitis. While a regular toothbrush will get the job done – if you use it correctly, some people prefer to use electric toothbrushes for a variety of reasons.

What Is an Electric Toothbrush?

As you would think, an electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electricity to make the brush head and bristles move automatically to clean your teeth. Depending on the type of electric toothbrush, the brush head and/or bristles may:

• Move from side to side.
• Rotate or oscillate in a circular direction.
• Oscillate in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.
• Vibrate.

The speed or frequency of their movement is what sets electric toothbrushes apart. Rotary or power toothbrushes move at 3,000 to 7,000 strokes per minute. Sonic toothbrushes move at about 31,000 strokes per minute. Ultrasonic toothbrushes vibrate at a very high frequency. And astonishingly, ionic toothbrushes don’t move at all – instead they use a low electric current to attract plaque.
To make an electric toothbrush work, some require batteries, while others require you to plug them into a charging base that uses a rechargeable battery.
How well do electric toothbrushes work in cleaning your teeth? According to the Mayo Clinic, they may be more effective in removing plaque and improving gum health than manual toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush enables you to brush your teeth more thoroughly. Plus, the bristles on an electric toothbrush are better at removing plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

Who Should Use Electric Toothbrushes?

Anyone can use an electric toothbrush. However, electric toothbrushes are a good choice for certain Hendricks County residents, such as:

• Children. Electric toothbrushes help kids clean their teeth better. Plus, they’re easier for kids to use and a lot more fun.
• People with braces. They help remove food particles caught in braces and other orthodontic devices better than regular toothbrushes.
• Lazy brushers. For people who just don’t like to brush or don’t feel like they do it very well, electric toothbrushes can do the work for you.
• People with medical conditions. Electric toothbrushes make tooth brushing easier for people who have trouble grasping and maneuvering a manual toothbrush.

Should You Try an Electric Toothbrush?

If have difficulty brushing your teeth for a full two minutes or problems handling a manual toothbrush, give an electric toothbrush a try. Many electric toothbrushes have built-in timers or automatic off switches to make sure you clean your teeth for a full two minutes. Whatever type of toothbrush you use just make sure you clean your teeth thoroughly.
Also, remember to schedule a professional oral exam and cleaning at Danville Family Dentistry at least once a year. An exam and cleaning enables Dr. Jon Erickson to make sure your mouth stays healthy while addressing any oral health issues you may have. And if you have any questions or concerns about electric toothbrushes, talk to Dr. Erickson. Contact our Hendricks County office at 317-745-4400 to make an appointment.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.