Does Everybody Need an Electric Toothbrush?

Power toothbrushes have some advantages over manual toothbrushes. They can be a good choice for certain people. Those with fine motor skills issues or certain medical conditions can maintain independence in this daily task, which is important to self-esteem.

When Is an Electric Toothbrush the Best Choice?

Electric toothbrushes are much easier to use correctly than manual toothbrushes. Examples of situations in which people can benefit greatly from using electric toothbrushes, according to "What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Choose?" from the September 15, 2008 issue of dentalhealth.com, can include old or young age (children and the elderly), arthritis in hands, braces on teeth and other health issues and disabilities.

In a 2007 office visit with Dr. Robert Hohenstein, D.D.S., shared with AssociatedContent-YahooNews writer, Lynn Pritchett, the dentist stated that people who tend to brush vigorously can benefit from using a power toothbrush. Hearty brushing can push the gums down so that part of the root of the tooth might be exposed. A power toothbrush does all the work, with little to no pressure needed on the tooth or gum line. This helps the gums maintain their health into later years for people who brush too forcefully with manual toothbrushes.

When Is an Electric Toothbrush Not Necessary?

However, not everyone will benefit from using an electric toothbrush. There are some reasons not to use power toothbrushes, too. Expense may be the top reason in these tough economic times. A manual toothbrush can cost as little as a dollar. Power toothbrushes start at about $5.00 each and can cost as much as $200.00.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states, "Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean teeth." Many people can take great care of their teeth using manual toothbrushes. The Dental Health Site says that studies have not found manual toothbrushes or power toothbrushes to be better or worse than each other. If considering a purchase of an electric toothbrush, consult with a licensed dentist before making the investment. You may not need it.

In general, any toothbrush with the ADA seal of approval is a good oral health tool for everyone's twice-a-day brushing. Whether it is manual or electric, the size of the toothbrush head should be small enough to fit all the way to clean the teeth furthest back in the mouth. Toothbrush bristles should be soft to help prevent over-aggressive brushing, so that gums are not damaged.

Oral care is easy, once the right toothbrush is chosen. Getting advice from licensed dentists is the best way to be sure if an electric or a manual toothbrush is the better choice to make for personal oral care.

The Bottom Line

Only sharks get the luxury of unlimited free replacement teeth throughout their lives. Humans just get one shot at baby teeth and then one shot at adult teeth, so it is important to choose the right kind of toothbrush for each stage of life and personal need.

Sources:

"Oral Health and Women," Oral Health Care, Center for Disease Control.

"Which Toothbrush Should I Use?" Dental Health Site.

Clifton O. Dummett, DDS, "Prophylaxis in Periodontology," JMNA.

"Chemotherapy and You," National Institute of Health.

"Safety and Acceptability of Electric Toothbrush on Patients," Department of Periodontology, Dental Clinic, University of Milan, U.S. National Library of Health.