Are the rumours about electronic toothbrushes true? Find out now

Our world moves quickly and is dominated by technology. We are all aware that technology exists to make our lives easier, and occasionally it can work its magic by making getting up in the mornings simpler.

No, we are not referring to a toaster and a kettle that can help you quickly prepare breakfast. Instead, we're discussing an electric toothbrush. You didn't anticipate it, did you?

The craze right now is an electronic toothbrush. You can notice practically all of the well-known influencers utilising the tool to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Did you ever wonder if the electric toothbrushes featured in the tens of thousands of reels and Instagram stories were actually worth the hype? Or what if they possess a feature that our regular manual toothbrushes do not?

We will provide you with the clarification you want, so relax and keep reading.

Benefits of an electric toothbrush

Better at removing plaque 

Tooth plaque is formed when bacteria in your mouth mix with starchy or sugary food you consume. It is a sticky film that accumulates in between your teeth. Removing dental plaque becomes necessary as it can cause gum diseases, cavities, and other oral health problems.

Electronic toothbrushes do a better job of removing dental plaque than manual toothbrushes.  As per research, electric toothbrushes remove plaque by 21% after three months of usage. At the same time, they reduce gingivitis by 11%. 

When it comes to manual toothbrushes, they aren’t as effective as electronic toothbrushes as they do not reach the gaps to remove plaque. As for electronic toothbrushes, they vibrate or rotate to remove plaque build-up from your gums and teeth. 

They come with built-in timers

Did you know you should brush for at least 3 minutes to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy and stronger? So, do you follow the rule or keep the toothbrush back before the prescribed time? We get it, who keeps counting seconds and minutes while brushing their teeth? 

This is where electric toothbrushes have the upper hand. They come with a built-in timer to help you brush your teeth for the recommended and ideal duration. 

Comes with different cleaning modes and next-gen beneficial features

Struggling with sensitivity? Turns out, electronic toothbrushes come with a specialised mode to help with sensitivity. Not just for sensitivity, there are different modes that cater to the different dental needs of individuals. 

Here are some of the most common features of electronic toothbrushes that give them an edge compared to manual toothbrushes: 

• Come with pressure sensors to let you know when you’re brushing too hard
• Reminders to change your brush head
• Oscillating/pulsating and cupping motion for efficient cleaning
• Bluetooth connectivity to keep track of cleaning and dental hygiene
• Unique tracking technology that guides and helps you cover every area
• Compatible with multiple brush heads to choose between bristles

Consistent performance and cleaning

Positioning and motion are essential for effective cleaning of the teeth. If you are using a manual toothbrush, your hand positioning and motion matter more than you realise. However, as your hands are constantly in motion, you get tired, failing to deliver constant pressure to the teeth and gums for cleaning.

As far as electronic toothbrushes are concerned, you get the same consistent movement essential for proper cleaning.

Disadvantages of electronic toothbrushes

While there are certain advantages of electronic toothbrushes, there are certain disadvantages as well. Let’s look closely at them: 

They are costly

An electric toothbrush belongs on the higher end of the price line. So, if budget is a concern, you can skip it. However, you must ensure that you apply a proper cleaning technique for optimum dental health.

Too-aggressive brushing can cause more damage than good.

Even though this risk also runs with manual toothbrushes as well, brushing too hard can cause bleeding and damage to the gums. Applying excessive pressure using an electric toothbrush can cause gums to recede or deteriorate already existing dental issues.

Therefore, do electronic toothbrushes live up to the hype?

Yes, without a doubt.

Even though a manual toothbrush may be as effective as an electric one, the manual toothbrush's need for knowledge, right technique, and time might be a barrier. Due to its efficiency and automation, electric toothbrushes can provide a quicker solution in such a situation.

Patients with limited or impaired mobility who struggle to utilise a manual brush because it applies too much pressure might consider electric toothbrushes. They are also appropriate for people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, arthritis, and other developmental problems.

But if you are someone who believes they can maintain optimum dental health without investing heavily in an electric toothbrush, go ahead with manual toothbrushes.