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Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes, What is the Best?

Choosing a toothbrush can be a headache with so many styles available, and the introduction of electric toothbrushes has only added to the confusion.

But are electric toothbrushes actually a better choice than manual ones?

With correct brushing technique, you can achieve optimal results with both manual and electric toothbrushes, says Peter Alldritt, consultant to the Australian Dental Association's Oral Health Committee.

"If someone is doing really well with a manual brush and not having any problems with plaque or brushing too hard, there is little to gain from switching to an electric toothbrush," Dr Alldritt says.

Mastering the tooth brushing technique:

The whole reason we brush and floss our teeth is to remove plaque, which is a biofilm of bacteria that tries to attach itself to our teeth.

The right brushing technique achieves a perfect balance between getting the toothbrush close to the gum — so you remove all the plaque from the gum line — without pressing too hard and causing damage to the teeth and gums, Dr Alldritt says.

Oral hygiene tips:

No matter which toothbrush you choose, the rules for maintaining oral hygiene are the same and brushing technique will always be of the utmost importance.

Plaque starts to form near the gum line, not on the top of the tooth, so when you are brushing aim the toothbrush bristles at the gum line.

Then move the toothbrush in a circular motion so that it sweeps plaque away from the gums, Dr Alldritt says.

"Move around the teeth gradually in a systematic fashion; don't just brush randomly in all sorts of places," he says.

"Start in one area and work your way around … so you know you are going to be thorough."

Some other important tips include:

Choosing a soft-bristle toothbrush rather than a hard or medium brush.

Cleaning your teeth in the morning after breakfast and before you go to bed at night.

Replacing both manual and electric toothbrushes every three months (for electric toothbrushes, only the brush head will need replacing).

Not underestimating the importance of flossing to remove plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.

Cleaning your tongue to remove plaque that is full of bacteria and can cause bad breath.

(08/13/2020)
by Jenny Galbraith

More Information: https://www.abc.net.au/life/are-electric-toothbrushes-better-than-manual/11164280

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