Some studies have shown that compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque by up to 21 percent, and gingivitis by 11 percent. Those who are prone to brushing too hard with a manual toothbrush can also damage the enamel on their teeth, and this is less likely with an electric toothbrush.
Electric Toothbrushes Are Better for Cleaning Teeth
Research has shown that those who use electric toothbrushes in general have better results for cleaning their teeth. While the difference isn't massive, it does mean that electric toothbrushes have the edge when it comes to maintaining great oral health.
More effective at removing plaque in hard-to-reach areas
A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do remove more plaque and decrease gingivitis (gum disease) than manual toothbrushes over time compared with a regular manual toothbrush.
When using an electric toothbrush it is not necessary to press hard or scrub while brushing. Instead, gently guide the brush along as it scrubs. Some electric toothbrush models include pressure sensors, which will let you know if you are pressing too hard.
A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.
Examining the Experts' Opinions
The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that both electric and manual toothbrushes remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, as long as you use a proper brushing technique. In fact, they've said that the technique is more important than the tool.
At the end of three months, the group using an electric toothbrush showed 20 percent better plaque removal and 11 percent less gingivitis than the group using the manual toothbrush. In studies that ran six months and longer, the benefits of the electric toothbrush were even more pronounced.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, electric toothbrushes outperform manual brushes. In this study, over 80% of the patients who switched to an electric toothbrush had better oral hygiene after making the switch.
In babies/ toddlers, it is generally not safe to use the Electric Toothbrush because children at this age tend to move a lot. If you introduced a vibrating toothbrush into their mouth, and they jerk their head, the toothbrush head can cause damage to their cheeks, jaws or throat.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Also, consider using an electric toothbrush as it can clean your teeth more efficiently and may help loosen and remove tartar.
Electric Toothbrush & Your Enamel
In general, electric toothbrushes on their own don't damage your enamel. The problem is just if you're pushing too hard with your brush, using a toothbrush head with hard bristles, or using abrasive toothpaste. These things can wear away at your enamel faster.
To rid your mouth of plaque and bacteria, dentists recommend using a good electric toothbrush twice a day for two minutes – achievable, right?
The path that the brush should follow around your mouth is exactly the same as for a manual toothbrush (see guide here). Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle with a little pressure, and hold on each tooth for 3 to 5 seconds.
Most dentists will recommend a soft bristle toothbrush as it is the most comfortable and safest option. Depending on how vigorously you brush, softer bristles are easier on the gums, whereas hard bristle brushes can actually damage the gums, root surface and tooth enamel.
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.
Because it does all the work, a powered toothbrush is better at removing plaque. It is also a better option for smokers who want to prevent staining.
Many people prefer manual toothbrushes because they are much cheaper, which makes changing them regularly more cost effective. Also, people, especially those with small children, worry that an electric one will pinch them. Manual toothbrushes are easier for children to use.
After more than 100 total hours of research, interviewing dental experts, considering nearly every model available, and testing 36 toothbrushes ourselves in hundreds of trials at the bathroom sink, we've found that the Oral-B Pro 1000 is the best electric toothbrush.
In general, you should replace the head of your electric toothbrush every 12 weeks. This should be done more often than for a manual toothbrush because electric brushes often have shorter bristles. For this reason, they tend to become worn down more quickly and must be replaced sooner.
Your bottom front teeth (incisors) are more prone to buildup because they are some of the most challenging teeth to clean due to their shape and location. Most standard toothbrush heads cannot easily access the curvature of your front lower teeth to clean the surface properly, allowing plaque to develop.
Do you have to floss if you use an electric toothbrush? Regardless of what kind of toothbrush you use — and how good your brushing technique is — it can't replace flossing.
Thus, the conclusion is that that you should not scrape off tartar at home. It is dangerous and can cause problems worse than tartar buildup. Going to the dentist is the best option if you want to get scraping or scaling done.
The best way to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth is by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will help to keep bacteria at bay in hard-to-reach areas.
Lane recommends her patients use an electric toothbrush twice a day. She said, "when brushing with a manual or an electric toothbrush, you should spend two minutes brushing in the morning and the evening".