Dentist in Medford Recommends an Electric Toothbrush

The ingredients of good oral hygiene are pretty basic: brush for two minutes, twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months. When it comes to brushing your teeth, though, you do have one choice to make: electric or manual?

Your dentist in Medford says that for most people, an electric brush is the wiser choice. By paying just a little more upfront, you may save money on costly restorative dental care in the long run. Keep reading to find out about the differences between powered and conventional toothbrushes — and why it matters.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

While you can technically do a proper job cleaning your teeth with a manual brush, many people just don’t manage to do so. It’s not that you necessarily need a powered brush to do the job right — but, because it does the hard work for you, an electric toothbrush can make your life a lot easier.

Compared to a manual toothbrush, an electric one offers the following benefits.

• Most come with a built-in timer that will help you make sure you are brushing for the recommended 2 minutes each time.
• Because the head spins or pulsates on its own, you don’t have to worry about getting the right motion to thoroughly remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
• Electric toothbrushes reduce the risk of gum recession caused by aggressive brushing.
• By helping you achieve a more thorough clean, an electric toothbrush can reduce your risk of needed costly or complex care later on.
• Electric toothbrushes come at a variety of price points, so there is sure to be an option that fits within your budget.

Nailing the Right Technique

Even knowing all the benefits of an electric toothbrush, many people still prefer to use a manual one. That’s perfectly OK, too — just take some time to make you are using the right technique when you brush. Clean in gentle circular motions, and set a timer so you know you are brushing for the recommended 2 minutes, every single time. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or as soon as its bristles begin to show wear (the same goes for an electric toothbrush head).

The Oral Hygiene Trio

Remember that brushing your teeth is just one aspect of a clean, healthy smile. Whether you prefer to use a good old fashioned toothbrush or something a little more advanced, floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least every six months. Follow these steps and you will know you are doing your part to maintain a healthy, happy smile!

About the Authors

The East Islip dental team is known for providing superior general dentistry services from the comfort of a state-of-the-art office. To learn more about the oral hygiene basics or to schedule an appointment for excellent care, you are invited to contact their office at 631-581-8600.