Regular vs. electric toothbrushes : be.georgetown.edu

There are many different types of toothbrushes currently on the market. Many people are trying to decide between using a regular toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), manual toothbrushes are just as effective as powered ones. The main trick is the way in which the toothbrush is used. For good dental health it is recommended that a person brush their teeth for a full two minutes and floss. Some of the electric toothbrushes have a timer built in to indicate when two minutes is up.

Despite the ADA statement, many dentists believe that power toothbrushes may have an edge over manual toothbrushes in:

• Reducing plaque.
• Reducing the amount of force applied to the gums when brushing.
• Reducing inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
• Reducing stains and buildup.
• Increasing brushing time---people may actually brush the whole recommended two minutes.
• Reaching crevices in the mouth that otherwise would not get clean (especially for those with braces).

Bottom line, it is best to choose a toothbrush that will make you want to brush your teeth regularly and properly. If you have specific questions about what toothbrush to choose, talk to your dentist. If you choose to use an electric toothbrush be careful to read the directions before you get started. Some toothpaste may damage the handle of the brush.