3 Reasons to Use an Electric Toothbrush

Dr. Thomas Bursich • March 22, 2022

Have you ever wondered if it is better to use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush? Maybe you think that there is no way an electric toothbrush can clean as well as a manual. 


Here are three reasons to consider ditching your manual toothbrush and investing in an electric one instead.


1 – Plaque Removal

Plaque removal is essential to preventing cavities. One of the biggest issues we see during dental exams is inefficient plaque removal. This can be because of a lot of things like the amount you brush and floss, the kind of toothbrush you use, if you use mouthwash or not. 


One way to ensure you are getting as much plaque off your teeth as possible is investing in a good toothbrush. Studies have found that electric toothbrushes tend to be more effective at getting rid of plaque buildup. Because of the oscillations and vibrations, electric toothbrushes make micromovements that help breakup and remove the plaque. If you are looking for an electric toothbrush, look for one that spins and vibrates!


2 – Built-In Timer

Brushing for the right amount of time every time you brush your teeth is the best way to ensure you are removing as much plaque as possible and getting your teeth as clean as you can. The standard recommendation is two minutes every time you brush (ideally 2-3 times a day). Two minutes can feel like a long time, so we don’t always end up brushing for that long.


Most electric toothbrushes have built-in timers, so they run for two minutes without stopping so you know exactly how long to brush. This is helpful for those of us who tend to do very short brushing sessions.


3 – Equal Pressure

Each person uses different pressure when they are brushing their teeth. For instance, a right-handed person will clean the right side of their mouth much differently than they will the left side. If you are using too little pressure, your teeth will not get as clean as they could. If you use too much pressure, your gums could get damaged causing pain and bleeding.


With an electric toothbrush, you can brush your entire mouth with an equal, appropriate pressure. There are even some new toothbrushes that have built-in pressure sensors to make sure you aren’t using too much pressure. 


Finding the right toothbrush doesn’t have to be hard; if you are looking to enhance your brushing routine, consider getting an electric toothbrush. Remember, while brushing is important, so are your dental checkups. Call today for an appointment!