Electric Toothbrush: 5 Reasons Why You Should Try It

Toothbrush is perhaps something that we use almost every day. But when it comes to buying one, we hardly care about what we want. An overwhelming majority of people use manual brushes, which are very basic and easy on the pocket. But if you are looking for a change and want to try electric toothbrushes, there is no reason why you should not.

Here are five reasons why you should try electric toothbrushes:

1. Recent research has shown that electric toothbrushes are better for oral health. An 11-year study on ‘long-term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health’, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in May 2019, found that electric toothbrush usage “has a long-term protective effect on the oral health”. “It seems that the PTB [powered toothbrush] usage in the long run helps in maintaining the number of teeth in the oral cavity and reducing the progression of periodontal disease burden,” the study says.

2. They are also considered more effective when it comes to removing plaque. “Electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, or ‘oscillating’ heads, are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay,” says Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of UK-based Oral Health Foundation.

3. For the elderly as well as those with arthritis or any other medical condition that limits dexterity, an electric toothbrush can be easier to operate. “If you use an electric toothbrush, make sure it’s comfortable to hold and easy to use. Your dentist might suggest a model with a rotating-oscillating head or a head that uses ultrasonic pulses to move the bristles,” advises Mayo Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical center.

4. While experts recommend brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, more often than not, most of us don’t bother to follow the advice. But with some electric toothbrushes, you can set a timer for 2 minutes to ensure you brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time.

5. You should change the brush head of your electric brush every three months. With an electric brush, you can choose from a range of speed, depending on your comfort. “Due to their detailed cleaning, many professionals recommend electric toothbrushes for use on braces,” says Orthodontics Australia.