It’s no secret good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Studies have also shown a direct link between your oral health and overall general health. Choosing the right type of toothbrush is important. Should you choose a manual or electric toothbrush? There are several types of toothbrushes available today. Choosing the best toothbrush may seem like a challenge, but with these tips you can make the right choice for you and your family.

Manual Toothbrushes

The modern toothbrush has its roots in the 1930s. This is when nylon bristle toothbrushes made their debut. Back then you didn’t have much choice as far as the bristles and design. Today, however, you have several choices in softness and design. Bristles range from soft, medium, and hard. Most people will feel comfortable using a soft bristle brush. Dentists recommend soft or medium bristles because hard bristles can damage the gums and introduce bacteria into your bloodstream.

Head designs are also very varied. Choose a design that has a head which is small enough to reach your back teeth, yet large enough to clean effectively. The handle of your manual brush should be long enough to reach the back of your mouth, and comfortable for you to hold. One of the main benefits of a manual toothbrush is the convenience. You can travel with it easily and they take no batteries. The cons include the fact there is no timer, and it takes more work to brush your teeth.

Electric Toothbrushes

Like manual brushes, electric toothbrushes come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Many electric toothbrushes give you the option of interchangeable heads so that you can use your toothbrush for the entire family. Studies have found that electric toothbrushes with oscillating and rotating heads removed a greater amount of plaque from the teeth than manual brushes.

The pros of electric toothbrushes include the fact it takes less work to brush your teeth. The electric toothbrush does all the work for you so there is less chance of brushing too hard and damaging your teeth and gums. Most electric models have a built in timer so there’s no guessing at how long you should brush. Electric toothbrushes are fun for children to use and this may make it easier to get them into a good oral hygiene routine.

The cons include cost, the need for charging or buying new batteries, they may not be easy to travel with, and if you drop them they may break or become damaged. Although electric toothbrushes may have these cons, they are still a good investment for your oral health.

Contact or call our office today and ask about the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes. Dr. Taylor and her staff are ready and willing to answer your questions and give you recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean.