In the fast-paced world that we live in today, many people try to live better and lead a healthier lifestyle. From ditching sugar for healthier alternatives to eating organic foods and exercising regularly, there are a plethora of small habits you can change to boost your well-being. But what about our oral health? Do we care about it as much as we should? Many people are not aware of this but dental health impacts the rest of your body. Like the other parts of our body, the mouth teams up with bacteria, which is mostly harmless. However, the mouth is the entryway to the respiratory and digestive tract, and some of these bacteria can cause diseases.
Usually, the body’s natural defences and proper oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. But without good oral health care, bacteria can reach levels that might cause oral infections that can play a role in some diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy and birth complications.
Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral care. According to experts, both battery-operated and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease. However, a battery operated toothbrush tends to offer a few extra benefits for oral care. Plus, a battery operated toothbrush comes with different features, such as special models for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. Some models have pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard, and digital reminders to replace the brush head, all which promote better oral care.
So, are battery-operated toothbrushes better? Yes. Here are a few reasons why.
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Cleans Your Teeth More Thoroughly
Electric toothbrushes are much better than manual brushes when it comes to cleaning your teeth. The whirring bristles of electric models remove plaque better and faster. Plus, their more advanced design allows them to reach hard-to-clean areas, like the backs of molars and the gum line. All this helps prevent cavities and gingivitis.
Prevents You from Brushing Too Hard
In an attempt to get your teeth nice and clean, sometimes you might end up brushing them too hard. In some cases, this may injure your gums, which can result in gum recession. Brushing too vigorously can also remove the enamel from the teeth’s surface, resulting in sensitivity to heat, cold and other stimuli. With an electric toothbrush, all you have to do is hold the handle and let the moving bristles do the work. You will need to move the brush to different parts of your mouth, but you don’t have to vigorously move it back and forth or apply any pressure. Models that come with sensors will automatically reduce the power if you start brushing too hard. If you are prone to using a little too much force when brushing your teeth, you may want to consider a brush with this feature.
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Built-In Timers to Ensure You Brush the Proper Amount of Time
You are supposed to brush your teeth at least 2 minutes at a time, spending at least 30 seconds on each side of your month’s four quadrants. However, you probably don’t spend that much time brushing your teeth. If you measure the time you spend cleaning your teeth, you’ll be probably disappointed by the results. Another great thing about electric brushes is that most of them come with timers that beep when two minutes are up. Some may even emit a beep after 30 seconds, so you know it’s time to switch to another section of your mouth.
Can You Clean Your Tongue with an Electric Toothbrush?
Sure. Some models actually come with a tongue cleaning mode, which is a shorter cycle that provides less power and motion to the brush’s head for a more gentle clean. Other brushes have a brush head that has a tongue cleaner on the back which can be pulled along the tongue’s surface to clean it. The only problem you may find in using an electric toothbrush is that the vibrations and sensations it creates on the tongue may make you more sensitive to gagging. In this case, a scraper may be better.
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How to Clean Toothbrush Head and When to Replace It
Generally, you can clean your electric toothbrush head the same way you clean your regular toothbrush – with warm water or a quick mouthwash soak. Storing your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to keep bacterial growth to a minimal. Experts suggest replacing the brush’s head every 3-4 months. But there are some signs that it might be time to change your toothbrush head. For instance, if the bristles appear bent or frayed (they can clean your teeth as effectively) or if someone in the household is sick. If anyone in your household has a contagious disease and you keep your toothbrushes stored side by side, this could cause bacterial cross-contamination among bristles.