At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, California, we feel that regular toothbrushes do a great job if they’re used correctly. But let’s be honest, many of us rush through our dental hygiene routine because we’re trying to get out the door in the morning and then we’re too exhausted in the evening to brush properly, especially in the hard-to-reach areas. This is why we recommend an electric toothbrush to many of our patients.
Brushing with a Regular Toothbrush
You may say, “But I brush every day!” and Gateway Dental Care applauds that important routine. However, even if you brush every day, it doesn’t mean your teeth are getting 100 percent clean. The truth is, we all try to do a good job with our regular toothbrushes, but it can be hard to give each tooth the attention it needs. We may press firmly in one area and not apply enough pressure in another. In the hard-to-reach areas at the back of our mouths, many of our patients who use a regular toothbrush have a difficult time moving and rotating the brush to clean those areas effectively. To top it off, our gums often miss out entirely. For many of our patients, the electric toothbrush is the perfect solution to help them improve their overall oral care, making sure that their teeth and gums are carefully cleaned.
Who Should Use an Electric Toothbrush?
At Gateway Dental Care, we think almost anyone can benefit from using an electric toothbrush, but we’ve noticed that some of our patients are naturally suited for making it part of their daily dental routine. Children tend to love electric toothbrushes because they’re lots of fun, make a cool noise, and they’re easy to use. People with braces often find that an electric toothbrush does a better job than a regular brush because the rotating bristles can move in between metal parts in a way that’s not possible with a regular toothbrush. Those who have problems with their hands, like arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, may find it less painful than regular brushing.
Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush
So, exactly what happens when you use an electric toothbrush versus a regular toothbrush? What can an electric toothbrush do that a regular toothbrush can’t? If you choose to use an electric toothbrush, you’ll quickly see the benefits of this useful mouth-care tool:
- Rotating bristles easily clean hard-to-reach areas
- Hold it in place, and it does the work for you
- Cleans both sides of your mouth equally
- Has a built-in timer, so you know when to stop
Learn More About Proper Dental Care
Now, remember, just because you use an electric toothbrush instead of a regular one, doesn’t guarantee you’ll be cavity-free. You must keep a good routine of twice-daily brushing and stay away from sugary drinks, candy, and gum, to name a few. If you have any questions about using an electric toothbrush, or about the care or health of your teeth, contact us today in Pleasanton.