Is It Better To Use a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?
Everyone knows that a daily brushing routine is a crucial part of taking great care of their teeth, but in this day and age, there are several decisions that need to be made. Frankly, making dental care choices isn’t necessarily straightforward and it can feel a little overwhelming when you’re standing in the toothbrush aisle at the store.
Should you get soft bristles or harder ones? (In most instances, the answer is soft.) Is one brand of toothbrush better than another? (For the most part, they’re the same.) Should you get a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush? That’s the question that’s not necessarily as easy to answer.
The good news is that your local Woodbury dentist at Corsi Dental Associates is here to help! In today’s post, we’ll be breaking it all down so that you can make the right decision for your mouth. Keep reading to learn more!
Which Toothbrush Is Right For You?
First and foremost, we should mention that there’s no wrong choice when it comes to an electric toothbrush versus a manual one. Both will do the job, and in many instances, it comes down to your personal preference — or the recommendation of your dentist. With that in mind, we’d like to share a few things that we think are important to consider when making your decision.
The goal with a toothbrush, of course, is to remove plaque and help protect your teeth from tooth decay and your gums from gingivitis.
Manual Toothbrushes
When you choose a manual toothbrush, one of the main benefits is how inexpensive they are. For a couple of dollars, you can be the proud owner of a toothbrush in pretty much any color you choose. As the most common toothbrush, they’re also the ones that have a history of doing their job effectively. Additionally, you can walk into pretty much any store and get one. Whether it’s a gas station, a grocery store, or your local big box store, you’re all but guaranteed to find a toothbrush upon entering. Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months for the best results.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are a little bit harder to come by. They’re also a little bit more expensive, although prices have decreased greatly in recent years, allowing you to pick up well-respected models for around $20 or so. They are appreciated because they’re easy to use; all you have to do is turn them on, move them across your teeth and gums, and let them do the work. Many even come with built in timers, letting you know when to switch quadrants and they stop when two minutes are up. Some studies even show that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than their manual counterparts. Like manual toothbrushes, they will need replaced every three months, but with electric toothbrushes, you can often simply swap out the head.
A Few Things to Keep In Mind
Although electric toothbrushes are more expensive, some make the argument that they end up being less costly over time. After all, you purchase the unit, then swap out the heads every three months. If you use aftermarket heads, the price comes down even further.
There are other things to consider, of course, and the video below offers even more useful insight in helping you to choose which option is best for you. The end of the video sums it up perfectly — “If you’d like guidance, your doctor is the best resource to help you pick a toothbrush that best meets your oral care needs.” We’re happy to share our recommendations based on your specific needs, so don’t hesitate to ask at your next appointment!
Schedule Your Visit With Our Team Today
If you’re looking for a dentist in Woodbury, look no further than Corsi Dental Associates. Our goal is to offer the best possible care for our patients, and we strive to provide the most affordable prices for all of our services. From dental implants to teeth whitening to porcelain crowns, we can do it all.
We know that it can be really intimidating to come in for a visit, but we want you to know that we go above and beyond to put you at ease. No matter the reason for your visit, you can count on us to offer kind and compassionate care that puts you first. We utilize the most advanced technology in conjunction with good old fashioned know-how to provide our patients with an experience that simply can’t be beat.
Whether it’s been awhile since you’ve been in for a visit or you’re new to the area and in need of an annual checkup — or any other reason, for that matter — we’re here to take great care of you. Schedule a visit with our team today. We look forward to hearing from you!