You start and end every day standing in front of your bathroom sink, brushing your teeth. But how much time do you spend thinking about the tools you use to do this? You may find yourself debating which toothpaste is right for your current oral health, but you may find yourself simply reaching for the most inexpensive toothbrush on the shelf.
While this might seem inconsequential, using the right toothbrush can make a major difference in your oral health. If you haven’t already, now might be the right time to invest in an electric toothbrush. In this blog, we’ll explain why this small upgrade in your oral hygiene routine can make a major difference in your long-term oral health.
The Role Your Toothbrush Plays in Your Oral Health
Your toothbrush is an essential tool in protecting your teeth against everyday plaque buildup, lingering food particles, and harmful bacteria. When you brush your teeth, any buildup you’ve experienced throughout the day is effectively removed, helping you protect your teeth against decay that may otherwise occur.
But it is important that you don’t just use any toothbrush. Using a firmer-bristle toothbrush can be incredibly harsh on the sensitive tissue in your mouth. It may lead to small cuts and irritation along your gumline, increasing your risk of bacteria entering the tissue. Over time, this can cause inflammation and increased irritation, making it more painful to brush.
The next time you need to purchase a new toothbrush, it might be best to invest in an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes provide a reliable way to scrub the surface of your teeth, removing the toughest buildup and helping to fight against surface stains, without irritating your oral tissue.
The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
As technology advances, it isn’t uncommon for more dental patients to consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes provide a thorough cleaning, addressing the toughest debris, especially on your molars and in areas that may otherwise be neglected. There are many great benefits to incorporating an electric toothbrush into your everyday oral hygiene routine, including:
Deep Cleaning Capabilities
When you use a manual toothbrush, you rely on only your hand to remove plaque buildup from your teeth. However, when you incorporate an electric toothbrush into your routine, the additional pulsating action does a great job of breaking down plaque from the surface of and between your teeth. If you’ve noticed increased plaque and tartar buildup, this is a great way to begin addressing it and preventing further problems.
Easy to Use
Another great benefit of incorporating an electric toothbrush into your routine is its ease of use. The toothbrush does all the action for you, allowing you to simply move it throughout your mouth to ensure every tooth is appropriately cleaned. This ease of use is especially helpful for individuals with arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma, who may find it uncomfortable trying to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush.
Timed Cleaning
If you find yourself struggling to brush for the two minutes recommended by dentists, investing in an electric toothbrush is a great way to achieve this goal. These toothbrushes are equipped with built-in timers that beep, blink a flashing light, or vibrate in 30-second intervals. These intervals allow you to adequately brush each quadrant of your mouth, ensuring the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
Great Option for Children
When trying to get your child excited about starting their oral hygiene routine, using an electric toothbrush is a great way to do so. Many children’s electric toothbrushes come in bright colors or feature their favorite cartoon characters, which can help get them excited about using them every day. If you want to ensure they use it as recommended, it is best to brush alongside them.
Pressure Sensors
Some dental patients may find that they apply too much pressure when brushing, resulting in gum recession. Many newer electric toothbrushes come equipped with pressure sensors, alerting you when you’re applying too much pressure. With these sensors, you can trust that you are using just enough pressure to address plaque buildup without compromising your long-term oral health.
How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush Head?
While using an electric toothbrush is an incredibly important part of your oral hygiene routine, it is also essential to change the toothbrush head frequently enough. But how often should this be changed? To protect your smile from potential oral health complications, you should replace the head of your toothbrush once every three to four months.
However, there are a few situations where it may be necessary to change the toothbrush head earlier than this. If you are recovering from a virus, such as the flu or a cold sore, you may want to replace your toothbrush head to prevent reinfection. Additionally, if your dentist has recently treated you for more severe periodontal disease, it may be time for a replacement.
Finally, if your toothbrush head is frayed, this can compromise your toothbrush’s ability to provide a thorough cleaning. If it is frayed, replace it to ensure your toothbrush can effectively remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. By replacing it regularly, you can achieve a thorough cleaning without worrying about spreading infection and bacterial growth.
Protect Your Smile at Avenues Dentistry
In addition to using an electric toothbrush, it is essential that you schedule regular appointments with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. For over 60 years, we’ve provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the Salt Lake area.
From standard dental cleanings to periodontal treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and more, we offer a comprehensive range of services. No matter your dental needs, you can trust that we have the tools and training to help you achieve your brightest, healthiest smile. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team of experts at Avenues Dentistry, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
