Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

There are a vast number of products available to help patients with oral hygiene at home and most people understand the importance of regular brushing. However, they may not be aware of the difference between manual and electric toothbrushes. Which one would benefit them more depends on how they brush.

Studies do not show that there is any difference in the oral health of patients who use either kind of brush as long as they use it properly. This, however, is a very important qualifier, because very few people use manual toothbrushes the right way. Manual toothbrushes need to be used for two full minutes at a time, be held at a 45⁰ angle, and moved in a circular motion (or up and down on the backs of the incisors).

Electric toothbrushes drastically cut down on how much the patient has to move their arm and make tens of thousands of brush strokes per minute, instead of only hundred. It is easier to overbrush with electric brushes, but there is little risk of not doing it enough. Obviously, electric toothbrushes are much more expensive, but for people who can’t use manual toothbrushes or who have problems using them for the right amount of time, the investment may be worth it.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.