But are electric toothbrushes actually more effective than manual ones? Here’s what research has to say about whether or not an electric toothbrush could get your teeth cleaner.

Electric Toothbrushes May Remove More Plaque

Some research shows that electric toothbrushes may remove more plaque—the substance responsible for tooth decay and gum disease—from the teeth. In one study, electric toothbrushes removed 21 percent more plaque compared to manual [1].

Electric toothbrushes could be more effective for people who have a lot of plaque in their mouths or have existing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease as the result of plaque.

Going Electric May Help Improve Gum Health

Because electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque, they allow people to clean their teeth in a way they otherwise wouldn’t, which can improve gum health [2].

Electric toothbrushes also tend to be a bit gentler on the teeth, which can be helpful for people who brush their teeth too hard with a manual toothbrush. Brushing too hard is a common cause of enamel damage and gum recession, so using a battery-operated brush may help people who have existing recessive or sensitive gum tissue.

Electric May Be More Effective for Some People

Switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric one may be more effective for people who have trouble manipulating their movements, such as people who are older, people who have health conditions such as arthritis, or even children [3].

These individuals may find it easier to operate an electric toothbrush to see a greater impact on the health and cleanliness of smiles rather than attempting to use a manual brush with limited control over its movement.

Brushing Is Important Regardless of What Method You Use

While some evidence shows battery-operated toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums, other oral health professionals say that as long as you’re brushing and flossing, it doesn’t really matter which one you use [4]. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s essential to keep up with brushing your teeth twice a day for best results!

Are you an electric toothbrush user or do you prefer a regular toothbrush? As long as you’re brushing your teeth and keeping your regular dental appointments, choose whichever toothbrush you enjoy using the most!

Sources:
1. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-
manual/index.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652371/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/electric-
toothbrush/faq-20058325

The post Is an Electric Toothbrush More Effective? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But how often do you need to change your electric toothbrush head? Here’s how often you
should replace this essential part of your electric toothbrush and why it’s so important.

Every Three to Four Months

Surprise! Just like a regular toothbrush, approximately every three months is still the standard
for it to be swapped out. The benefit of having an electric toothbrush is that only the head
needs to be replaced, not the entire toothbrush.

Dentists recommend to change your toothbrush head every three or four months with regular
use, although there are certain circumstances under which your toothbrush head will need to
be changed sooner.

When Should I Replace It Sooner?

Your electric toothbrush head will need to be replaced sooner if you have tooth decay or gum
disease and have received treatment for it.

For example, if you’ve recently had a cavity filled or received a deep cleaning for gum disease,
your dentist may advise you to swap out your toothbrush head. This is important because the
bacteria that caused your tooth decay and gum disease may still be present on your
toothbrush, so switching it out for a new head can provide you with a clean start.

You may also choose to replace your toothbrush head sooner if you’ve been sick in an effort to
not re-introduce bacteria back into your body. And, of course, you should always replace your
electric toothbrush head if someone else used your toothbrush in order to not exchange
bacteria!

Why You Need to Change Your Electric Toothbrush Head

Changing your electric toothbrush head is important for several reasons. With regular use, the
bristles can become frayed or worn out, which can actually damage gum tissue and cause
bleeding or infection. Even if you can’t see the wear on your toothbrush, it’s still a good idea to
change the head as recommended, as the wear can’t always be seen.

Another reason to change your toothbrush head is because of bacteria build up, especially if
you’re not properly storing your toothbrush. Keeping your toothbrush in a moist, enclosed
environment such as a case, a medicine cabinet, or an area with poor air circulation can keep
your toothbrush moist between uses and encourage bacteria growth.

Ideally, you want to keep your toothbrush in well ventilated area where it can dry out between
uses to prevent bacteria growth and keep your smile healthy. Regardless, changing the head
every few months helps eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination!

You can make swapping out your electric toothbrush head easy by keeping a spare head
nearby. Many electric toothbrush starter kits come with at least one replacement head to get
you started. By replacing your electric toothbrush head every three to four months, you can
keep your brush effective at doing its job to keep your smile clean and healthy!

The post When Should I Replace My Electric Toothbrush Head? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.