A Comprehensive Guide to Toothbrushes
One of the most important facets of dental hygiene is brushing our teeth every day. There are a few different types of toothbrushes at our disposal. They vary in functionality and cost. So which of them is better? Let's find out.
Table of Contents
- Electric Toothbrushes vs Manual Toothbrushes
- Types of Electric Toothbrushes
- How to Charge Your Electric Toothbrush
Electric Toothbrushes vs Manual Toothbrushes
This is a commonly debatable topic, but several studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better at plaque removal than manual toothbrushes. A manual toothbrush can be just as effective, but it is very dependent on technique and how long you brush for.
Ultimately, the best type of toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the most effective way to remove plaque and reduce gingivitis, an electric toothbrush may be a good option for you. However, if you are on a budget or prefer the simplicity of a manual toothbrush, a manual toothbrush may be a better choice for you.
Types of Electric Toothbrushes
There are a few different types of electric toothbrushes at our disposal, such as:
- High-frequency sonic toothbrush: Philips Sonicare toothbrush is the most common, which delivers up to 62,000 brush movements per minute.
- Oscillating toothbrush: Oral B is the most common, which provides a rotary, circular motion. Many of the new Oral B toothbrushes have pressure alert technology that alerts you to too much pressure on your teeth.
- Other electric toothbrushes: Quip is another popular choice for an electric toothbrush, providing a high-frequency toothbrush that runs on AAA batteries and is designed for you to replace the toothbrush head every 3 months on a subscription basis.
How to Charge Your Electric Toothbrush
Some electric toothbrushes don’t have rechargeable batteries, but the ones that do come with chargers. These chargers vary on how your electric toothbrush is connected. Some have you rest your toothbrush on top of the charger, others have a cup that you place the toothbrush in, and others have a peg that you place the electric toothbrush over. You can leave your electric toothbrush on its charger at all times when it’s not used – most electric toothbrushes don’t allow them to over-charge.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.