There will always be two schools: manual toothbrush enthusiasts and those who swear by electric toothbrushes. Often, when you start using them, it’s hard to go back.
Effective brushing
The only question that arises is what are the advantages and disadvantages of the two. “It’s all in the gesture. If we do the right thing, that is to say cleaning from the gum to the tooth, and we make the brushing last for two minuteswe can absolutely continue to use a manual brush”, recommends Dr. Lequart.
However, an electric toothbrush removes twice as much plaqueand this aspect is fundamental. “If dental plaque is not properly removed by brushing, it calcifies and will require scaling”, says the dentist. In addition, it is easier to respect the duration of two minutes if the gesture is carried out a little “automatically” because brushing will require less effort. You should know that in France, average brushing time is 43 seconds ! When it should be two minutes.
To find yourself on the shelves, keep in mind that the market is divided into two categories. The first group consists of oscillating-rotating toothbrushes. The brush head, small and round, performs circular movements, alternating the direction of rotation. Manufacturers often point to the so-called “2D” technology. Some models add vertical movements, or pulsations (this is 3D). Their small size allows access to hard-to-reach places. Another advantage is that they are also fast since their speed ranges from 10,000 oscillations to 40,000 beats per minute. Of course, the question of price must be taken into account when choosing a toothbrush.
Variable prices
Manuals will always remain very affordable. For electrics, on the other hand, the price scales can vary from one to ten. We find some at 25 euros for the first models, and we can see some that cost up to 300 euros. But the average remains between 45 and 75 euros. The price may also vary due to the accessories supplied with cases, supports, chargers, etc. Consideration should also be given to the need for change the brush head. Whether for a manual or an electric, it must be changed every 3 months. And before if you have been sick, for example if you have contracted a virus.
Some electric brushes are not expensive because you cannot change the head. They are not the most ecological because often they work with a disposable battery. Better to give preference to electric brushes with interchangeable heads. But it remains a budget of around 4 to 15 euros, depending on the brand. There is a second group of electric brushes: so-called sonic brushes which have a rectangular shape similar to a manual brush. The vibrations can go up to 30,000 times per minute and have the big advantage of pulverizing dental plaque effortlessly.
Last thing to consider, the battery whose autonomy can range from 40 minutes to 4 hours. This criterion should therefore not be neglected when making your choice.
According to age and desires
In terms of handling, “they are very practical for people who have mobility problems or hand motor skills because the handle is well adapted. And limits effort”, emphasizes Dr. Lequart.
Finally, let’s add that for children, the electric toothbrush is quite suitable because it improves the quality of brushing.
For fans of high-tech type gadgets, new models connected to smartphones and operating in bluetooth are developing on the market. It’s up to you to see if the game is worth the candle! In any case, the electric toothbrush offers many advantages, but fans of manual brushes can keep classic toothbrushes, provided they respect the right gesture, the right duration (two minutes) and wash their teeth at least twice a day. And three if possible.
Read also:
- Electric toothbrush: the most effective models
- 9 Foods (Other) Than Candy That Promote Cavities
- Dental hygiene: do you have the right reflexes?
