Does the Toothbrush Type Really Make a Difference?
Before buying your next toothbrush, you might want to know whether an electric toothbrush is really the best toothbrush you can buy. There certainly are many choices available today, and they all have a new and improved design. The only thing that really matters, though, is how good of a job it does in cleaning your teeth.
Many Kinds of Electric Toothbrushes
When you go to the store to buy a good electric toothbrush, you may be surprised to find so many different kinds. Not only are there some top name brands, but you can also choose between rechargeable toothbrushes, sonic, battery operated toothbrush, and a travel electric toothbrush. Then you must also consider the options they come with, such as a timer, an electric toothbrush with pressure sensor, variable brushing modes, etc.
Advertising
Another element that needs to be considered is the advertising. There is plenty of it, and as might be expected, they all claim to be the best – but are they really?
Types of Powered Toothbrushes
Many electric toothbrushes use the word “power” to describe them. They all use electric power of one sort or another, whether battery operated or plug-in, so this term really does not differentiate them.
Battery Operated Toothbrushes
This type of toothbrush operates using an AA battery, which can be easily replaced. The power vibrates the head, giving it a little more cleaning power.
Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
This toothbrush needs to be plugged in when it runs low on power. They often have heads that need replacing about every three months, and they will either have oscillating heads, rotating heads, or possibly sonic capabilities. This kind will usually come with a number of features, too.
Sonic Toothbrushes
These toothbrushes take brushing teeth to the next level. The heads on them vibrate at very high speeds – between 30,000 and 40,000 vibrations per minute. The advertisement also claims that it can clean places where an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach. It can do this by swishing the water, toothpaste, or saliva into the crevices between teeth, enabling it to clean where other toothbrushes cannot reach.
This toothbrush, many claim, gets their teeth cleaner and they are also more confident that it is doing a good job. Of course, the vibrating speed seems to have influenced some to think it is doing a better job.
The Top Electric Toothbrush
When you consider which model is the top electric toothbrush, it is also worthwhile to think about what makes any toothbrush a good one. When it comes right down to it, it is not the variety of options a toothbrush has that makes it valuable, it is the user.
Whether a user takes a minute with a good toothbrush, or a minute with a high-powered one, the difference depends on how careful the user is to brush all the surfaces of his or her teeth. If he or she is careless, or in a hurry, surfaces will be missed, and it will provide a place for plaque to start building up.
Flossing Still Necessary
No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it cannot take the place of flossing. A toothbrush cannot get all the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. While a sonic one may get a little more than other ones, you still need to floss and do a thorough job in order to get the best protection for your teeth.
Despite the advertising claims, a high-tech toothbrush cannot do any better than a standard non-electric version, if you rush brushing your teeth or do not floss.
Which Is Better?
Over 30 studies have been conducted to investigate the issue of which is better – a manual or an electric toothbrush. The conclusion is that one is not necessarily better than the other because it all depends on the user. A rotating toothbrush, however, did seem to rate a little better.
Consumer Reports indicates that the best toothbrush may be an electric toothbrush. A particular type was not indicated. Care needs to be given, though, when it comes to how much pressure you use, and how often you use it.
Are They for You?
A high powered toothbrush is not for everyone. If you are the kind of person who can still take the time to ensure you hit all the surfaces of your teeth – and floss regularly, you are the one who can benefit most from it. On the other hand, if it will make you lazy or careless, or if you might come to think that it is all you need for clean teeth, you may want to avoid it.
It is also important to understand that a toothbrush, no matter how fancy, is still not a substitute for going to the dentist. A dentist still needs to check for cavities so that they can be stopped before they get worse. Checking for gum disease is another issue, as well as for the possible start of oral cancer.
Letting an experienced dentist help you with dental care, in spite of having the best toothbrush, is a good idea. If you live in the Farmers branch Texas area, you can let Champion Dental Clinic, meet you and your family’s dental needs. For a consultation or treatment on how to get better oral health, you can contact our office at today at (214) 747-0764.
