Brushing your teeth is all about getting rid of food particles and plaque – the sticky, acidic film that forms on teeth when bacteria in your mouth feed on those particles, especially sugars and carbohydrates. Plaque destroys tooth enamel and causes cavities and decay, explains Durban dental hygienist Keshree Naicker.
Handheld brushes have been the staple of oral care since the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians used frayed twigs between 3500 and 3000 BC. Regular brushes are affordable, easily accessible and require no additional equipment or charging. Their effectiveness lies in your using proper technique – brushing twice a day with soft circular movements for two minutes. However, not everyone manages this or uses the most effective type of brush. “A small, soft head is best, because medium and firm bristles can damage tooth enamel and gums over time,” says Naicker. “A large head makes it difficult to get behind back teeth.”
Electric toothbrushes were invented in 1954 and can provide a range of benefits:
• They use either oscillating-rotating technology (the head spins as it cleans) or sonic technology (ultrasound and sonic waves vibrate as you brush), to more effectively and rapidly dislodge the plaque and debris from teeth and gums. In a Cochrane review of studies (the gold standard), they generally performed better than manual brushes. “There was an 11% reduction in plaque at one to three months of use, and a 21% reduction in plaque when assessed after three months of use,” the researchers noted. “For gingivitis (gum disease), there was a 6% reduction at one to three months of use and an 11% reduction when assessed after three months.”
• They are easy to use, doing most of the work for you. You simply hold the toothbrush at a 45⁰ angle to your teeth and move it slowly from tooth to tooth. This makes these brushes especially useful for the elderly, who may have arthritis, or for anyone with limited dexterity or hand mobility, and for those wearing braces.
• They have specialised features, including timers to ensure you brush for the required two minutes. Some have different speeds; pressure sensors to prevent you brushing too hard and damaging enamel and gums; digital reminders to replace your brush head; Bluetooth connectivity so you can track your brushing progress and improve the way you brush; and tracking technology to guide you in real-time, ensuring you cover every area.
• They can make brushing more fun for children. Many electric toothbrushes feature cartoon characters and play music, so little ones are more likely to develop healthy habits from early on, improving their long-term dental health.
The one disadvantage of electric brushes (other than requiring electricity, an issue if you have none), can be cost. They involve more outlay upfront than regular toothbrushes, and the heads need to be replaced every three or more months, or when your dental health provider recommends. However, this needs to be weighed against the potential long-term savings on dental treatments.
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