Should I switch to an electric toothbrush?

Or is my old toothbrush doing the job?

For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric toothbrush. You’ll still need to floss and get regular dental checkups. But, using an electric toothbrush is the next best thing to getting a professional cleaning here in our office.

If you’ve used a traditional toothbrush all your life, you might not feel the need to make the switch. And it’s possible, if you are truly doing a thorough job brushing and flossing, you may not see much improvement with an electric toothbrush.

However, for many people, the fast, ultrasonic vibrations help reduce plaque buildup and maintain their healthy teeth and gums. Senior citizens or those with disabilities and other physical impairments might not have the coordination required to brush manually. For these individuals, an electric toothbrush is a solution.

The biggest downside to an electric toothbrush is the cost. Some higher-end models can be more than $100. While that may be expensive, if the result is improved oral health, you might prevent more costly dental problems in the future!

Much like a regular toothbrush, you should switch brush heads every 2-3 months, or when the bristles begin to fray or become damaged. Additionally, take care not to apply too much pressure and risk injuring your gums. Just let the toothbrush do the work! Furthermore, never share your toothbrush with another person, even loved ones and close family members. Transferring bacteria to each other can increase the risk of cavities.

With your new electric toothbrush, you’ll be well on your way to improved oral health!