Dental Tips: "Types of Toothbrushes: Electric or Manual"

"Recently, my observation has been that the one area that seems to attract the most indecision is the subject of what toothbrush to buy. With manual toothbrushes people ponder over whether to get a soft bristle, or a medium, or a hard bristle. Should it be angled or straight? In my office, people also often ask: "How often should I replace my toothbrush?" (As often as once every other month. Don't let it go beyond three months on average. Also, replace them after being sick. The bristles retain germs.)

Is an electric really better than a manual? If so, what kind? Sonic, rotary, or oscillating?

It can get pretty confusing. So let me sum it up for you.

I'm not sure every dentist will agree with me (only "three out of four" of us agree on anything anyway) :-) but here goes my opinion:

If you're buying a manual brush, get a soft bristle. If you are deciding between a manual and electric - go for the electric. In my experience battery-powered brushes are fine, but rechargeable brushes are more convenient and eliminate the cost of frequent battery changes. Rotation-oscillation is usually preferred, but I have seen excellent results with the sonics as well.

Soft bristles are kinder to the gums, and since you should be paying attention to your gum-line when you brush, this is important. When I was in dental school I recall a lecture explaining that soft bristles were also "end-rounded," which means that if you looked at the tips of the bristles under magnification, their ends are, well, rounded. This is opposed to bristles cut off at sharp angles on the harder brushes. I guess the manufacturers figure if you're going for the harder bristle, "What the heck. There is no point to rounding off these babies, let's keep 'em really rough." The trouble is this can be abrasive to your gums.

As for the electric brush, I think a consensus exists that -- per time spent brushing -- more plaque is removed. So this is worth the extra investment. If finances are tight, I believe that you still can achieve excellent results with a manual brush - if you use it correctly. This means brushing in the correct directions, with the right motions and with the appropriate amount of force. Have your dentist or hygienist demonstrate the recommended technique to you. Also, if you have all your teeth, you should also spend at least two minutes brushing them. In my observation, the trouble is that most people simply don't brush long enough. So time your brushing. One study showed most people think they are brushing much longer than they actually are. Since human nature seems to be inclined to "rush the brush," this is where electric brushes have an advantage over the manual. Many of them have built-in timers. You can still cheat, but at least you will know you are doing it."

Author: Richard J. Walicki, D.M.D

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