Your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL works hard to ensure your oral health. But in between visits, it’s essential to practice good oral care habits at home. Brushing, flossing and rinsing are the basics that everyone needs to adhere to. If you’re interested in doing the best for your teeth and gums, you may be interested in using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush instead of a regular toothbrush. But are electric toothbrushes better, or are they just a marketing gimmick?

Cleaning Power

With a hand toothbrush, the user has control of how much power or pressure to exert. Some people may brush harder than others, and some people might not brush hard enough. While the electric toothbrush is still handled manually, it does have inherently more cleaning power. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes, especially those with oscillating or rotating heads, can remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. The consistent motion and speed of the bristles ensure a more thorough cleaning, reaching areas that might be missed with manual brushing.

Ease of Use

For those with limited dexterity, such as older adults with arthritis, handicapped adults or children, there is a greater ease of use with electric toothbrushes. The work of scrubbing, moving the brush around and maneuvering it in all the right ways is all done by the motor action. In this area, electric toothbrushes excel.

Cost

Electric toothbrushes cost much more upfront than a manual toothbrush. Not only that, but replacement heads are more costly than buying a replacement manual toothbrush. This added cost might make some people hesitate before replacing their electric toothbrush head as often as they should, so cost should be carefully considered before switching to an electric toothbrush.

Environmental Impact

Manual toothbrushes are often—but not always—made of plastics that aren’t recyclable. This means that there’s more negative environmental impact from manual toothbrushes; worth thinking about if a person is striving to live environmentally-conscious.

Ultimately, for those seeking superior cleaning, ease of use and advanced oral health benefits, electric toothbrushes are an excellent choice. However, manual toothbrushes remain effective when used correctly, making them a viable option, too. At the end of the day, as long as you brush often with a quality toothbrush, you’ll be doing your best. Contact your dentist today for general dentistry in Elk Grove Village, IL.