Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth It?

Have you been thinking about getting an electric toothbrush? Electric toothbrushes vibrate or rotate brush bristles to remove plaque. You may be wondering if it’s any better than a manual toothbrush. Let’s talk about the benefits and downsides of using an electric toothbrush.

Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

1. More Effective

Some studies suggest that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and improving oral health. After three months of use, electric toothbrushes reduced plaque in participants by 21 percent. Electric toothbrushes can do more of the work for you to remove plaque in hard to reach places.

2. Convenient Timers

Some electric toothbrushes even come with two-minute timers built-in. The timer ensures that you are brushing long enough to clean your teeth.

3. Gentle on Teeth & Gums

Some people may find that they don’t brush as aggressively with an electric toothbrush. Scrubbing your teeth and gums with too much force could lead to tooth sensitivity and gum recession. If you are an aggressive brusher, you may want to switch to an electric toothbrush to see if it will help encourage a proper brushing technique.

4. Easy to Use

People with limited mobility may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush. There’s less manual motion required, which makes it ideal for people with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or developmental disabilities.

Downsides of an Electric Toothbrush

The most notable downside of an electric toothbrush is the cost. It can range anywhere from $20-$250. Not only do you need to buy the toothbrush, but you also need to get brush heads replaced. This is an added cost that you should consider. Meanwhile, a manual toothbrush is affordable and easy to buy from any local store. They are still a useful tool to clean your teeth when used correctly.

Don’t Forget Regular Visits to Prairie Dental Group

No matter which toothbrush you decide to use, you still need to visit our Eden Prairie office for a routine exam and cleaning every six months. Your biannual routine appointment will allow our team to spot problems early and keep your mouth healthy. Please give us a call today to schedule your routine visit.