“When cleaning the teeth with a manual toothbrush, we make approximately 300 to 600 movements per minute. Although this might seem like a lot, it is nowhere near the tens of thousands of vibrations per minute that an electric toothbrush makes – it makes as many movements in one two-minute cleaning as a regular toothbrush would do in a month.”
“Those who have tried electric toothbrushes emphasize both a particularly strong feeling of cleanliness and convenience – this type of brush ensures thorough cleaning of teeth without unnecessary effort, plaque is cleaned much more efficiently and modernly – the device will remind you to change the area to be cleaned every 30 seconds, but the built-in two-minute timer will take care of the required cleaning time,” explains Māra Užbale.
It’s a pleasant cleaning experience that can greatly improve your oral hygiene routine. Regardless of whether you use a mechanical or electric toothbrush, the most important thing is discipline and taking care of your oral health every day.”
Aspects to pay attention to when choosing the right electric toothbrush for you
- Type of electric toothbrush: the first step is to choose the type of operation of the electric toothbrush: rotating or sonic brush. Toothbrushes with a rotating head make circular movements, but in terms of sonic shape and action, they are similar to a mechanical toothbrush – they make side-to-side movements. When the desired mode of operation is chosen, attention can also be paid to the number of movements of the brush – it can be tens of thousands of times per minute.
- Cleaning modes: there are models with different modes of operation, for example, for daily cleaning, gentle cleaning of sensitive teeth, gum care and others – you just have to choose the one that suits you best.
- Timer: The recommended brushing time is two minutes, so many electric toothbrushes come with a timer, saving you from consciously watching the clock while brushing.
- Intervals: models are also available with a 30-second interval reminder that vibrates or beeps to indicate that time is moving to another cleaning zone.
- Tips: Today, there is a wide variety of interchangeable tips available in different hardness, size, shape and bristle types. Like regular toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads should be replaced every three months. There are also models with a built-in brush head replacement indicator or reminder.
- Pressure Sensor: Avoid brushing too hard when brushing with any type of toothbrush, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel. Some types of electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors that warn you of brushing too hard.
- Charging: Pay attention to battery life and ease of charging, i.e. whether the brush can be charged with an adapter or works with replaceable or rechargeable batteries.
- Mobile app: There are models of electronic brushes that also have a mobile app on your smartphone that can help you monitor the brushing process – especially useful for parents with small children. Brushes in different colors and with patterns are also available for children’s enjoyment.
- Price: electric toothbrushes are usually more expensive than manual brushes, but nowadays this difference has decreased significantly, and even such brush models are available in pharmacies that cost a little more than 10 euros. In addition, the advantage of the electric toothbrush is that you can buy only one handle, but a separate toothbrush head for each household.
“Patients often ask which toothbrush would be the most suitable for me. Electric toothbrushes are suitable for almost everyone, all you have to do is choose the set that suits you best. For example, children’s gums are much more sensitive, so you should choose a toothbrush with less power and softer bristles.
On the other hand, people with sensitive teeth, dentures and implants can use tips and cleaning regimens for sensitive teeth and gums.
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If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, electric toothbrushes with special orthodontic brush heads or modes will help prevent plaque more effectively. In addition, their use requires less movement, so they can also be convenient for diseases that limit movement, such as arthritis. Before choosing an electric toothbrush, you can definitely ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice,” says M. Užbale.
How to properly care for teeth?
“Proper dental care, as well as regular visits to the dentist and hygienist, are essential to avoid oral health problems. Irregular and technically incorrect brushing of the teeth, for example, only horizontal rubbing of the teeth, does not fully remove dental plaque.
In addition, the disease in the oral cavity can occur seemingly imperceptibly, without pain, slightly bleeding gums, until the disease develops acutely, and the patient feels significant discomfort. Then the problem is already “set in” and serious treatment will be required,” reminds the dental hygienist.
“Dental health can also be negatively affected by daily diet, especially sweetened drinks and products that contain a significant amount of sugar, bad habits and other diseases, such as gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes.
On the other hand, long-term inflammation of the gums and the presence of bacteria can reduce the overall health of the body. For this reason, oral cavity disease prevention and healthy daily habits are the best way to take care of the body as a whole, as well as save worries and expenses in the long term,” adds pharmacist Alina Fleišmane.
2024-03-05 11:37:22
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