We all know how important dental care is for our health and well-being. Good oral hygiene not only gives a radiant smile but also protects against cavities and gum diseases. Electric toothbrushes are an effective way to keep your teeth sparkling white and healthy.
Table of Contents
Difference: hand-operated toothbrush vs. electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush - which cleans better?
How do I brush my teeth correctly with an electric toothbrush?
How long should I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush?
How often should I change the attachment of the electric toothbrush?
The primary distinction between a hand-operated toothbrush and an electronic toothbrush lies in the way the brushes work.
Using a traditional hand-held toothbrush, one must physically move the brush to eliminate bacterial dental plaque and leftover food particles. At the same time, the effectiveness is highly dependent on the technique and duration of brushing.
To properly clean the teeth with the manual toothbrush, small, circular movements should be performed on each tooth. The toothbrush must be held at a 45° angle to the tooth. Then the loosened deposits are brushed "from red to white" from the gums over the tooth. This requires time and skill.
Electric toothbrushes take over this complex movement for you. Depending on the technique, they have oscillating, rotating or pulsating brush heads that automatically move and can thus clean your teeth and gums efficiently and gently.
Those who have until now used a traditional hand-held toothbrush have likely pondered the query: Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? There are numerous studies that deal with the question of which type of toothbrush has the edge in terms of cleaning performance.
A meta-study by the Cochrane Collaboration*1 evaluated the results of 56 scientific investigations into the cleaning performance of electric toothbrushes. The focus was particularly on the removal of plaque, as this plays an important role in the prevention of cavities and gum diseases. The results show that electric toothbrushes can remove plaque from teeth more effectively than conventional manual toothbrushes.
After 1 to 3 months of dental care with an electric toothbrush, plaque was reduced by an average of 11%. After 3 months, it was reduced by 21%. Gum inflammations (gingivitis) were alleviated by 6% after 1 to 3 months of use and by 11% after three months.
In addition, electric toothbrushes are particularly suitable for people with limited motor skills or gum problems, as they enable gentle yet effective cleaning. They are also a good choice for children, as they simplify the cleaning work and make brushing teeth less tedious for the little ones.
There are different types of electric toothbrushes on the market. The two most common techniques are rotating-oscillating toothbrushes and sonic toothbrushes.
Rotating-oscillating toothbrushes have been established on the market for a long time and have proven themselves. These toothbrushes have small, round brush heads that both rotate and oscillate. They are effective in removing plaque and are suitable for most people.
These toothbrushes have elongated brush heads, similar to a classic manual toothbrush. They generate particularly fast vibrations (depending on the model between 30,000 and 62,000 per minute), which gently clean the teeth.
Ultimately, the choice between a rotating-oscillating toothbrush and a sonic toothbrush depends on your individual needs.
The correct use of the electric toothbrush is crucial for effective dental care. To properly clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush, you should follow some important steps:
The recommended brushing time with an electric toothbrush is about 2 minutes twice a day. Most electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that helps you to maintain the right brushing duration. Divide your oral cavity into four quadrants and brush each area for at least 30 seconds. The electric toothbrush vibrates briefly every 30 seconds and three times after 2 minutes. After 6 minutes, the toothbrush automatically switches off.
We recommend changing the attachment of your electric toothbrush every three months. This is because the bristles wear out over time and the cleaning effect decreases as a result. If the bristles are worn out or frayed earlier, they may need to be replaced more often. Even if there are no visible signs of wear and tear, bacteria and germs gradually accumulate in the brush head. Therefore, it is also advisable to change it on a regular basis.
To keep your electric toothbrush hygienic and clean, you should clean the brush head and the device itself after each use. We recommend the following cleaning routine for our electric toothbrushes:
Electric toothbrushes are an advantageous method to enhance your oral hygiene. By applying the right technique, frequently changing the brush heads and adequately cleaning the toothbrush, you can maintain your oral health in the long term.
Besides a solid oral hygiene regimen, numerous other strategies can maintain your dental health in the long term.
1. Regular dentist visits are a must
Regardless of how meticulously you maintain your oral hygiene at home, it is crucial to regularly visit your dentist. They can identify and address issues promptly before they escalate. Therefore, you should go for a check-up at least once a year. A professional cleaning can also help to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum diseases.
2. Dental floss is your friend
Brushing alone is not enough to thoroughly clean the spaces in between. This is where dental floss comes into play. This helps to prevent gum diseases and cavities between the teeth. For slightly larger spaces between the teeth, interdental brushes are suitable. They are available in different sizes. Your dentist can advise you on choosing the right size.
3. A balanced diet for healthy teeth
A balanced diet also contributes to dental health. Reduce the consumption of sugar and acidic foods, as these can attack tooth enamel. Instead, you should opt for high-fibre foods, fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain products. Dairy products are also a good source of calcium, which is important for strong teeth.
4. Drink plenty of water or unsweetened drinks
Water and unsweetened drinks are not only important for the body but also for oral health. They help to rinse away food residues and balance the pH value in the mouth. In addition, water promotes saliva flow, which protects against cavities.
5. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Ingesting too much alcohol and tobacco usage are not just detrimental to overall health, but also to oral health. Both can result in issues with gums and staining.
Source:
*1 https://www.cochrane.org/CD002281/ORAL_poweredelectric-toothbrushes-compared-to-manual-toothbrushes-for-maintaining-oral-health
Beurer Healthguide
This advice page was made by Beurer GmbH and is intended to help you feel healthy and happy all round.
The content of the Healthguide is intended to provide assistance and information and can in no way replace the advice of a doctor.
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