When choosing the right toothbrush, it counts to pick the one that suits you best. Although it does not seem like much, oral hygiene is just as important as other body parts. Brushing your teeth regularly with the right appliances can help ensure that. But it is also where things become a bit divisive.
Some people are comfortable using only manual toothbrushes, whereas others are adamant that electric toothbrushes are the future. It raises the question: which kind of toothbrush should you choose? Well, if your goal is to whiten your teeth and keep your gums healthy, here is a comprehensive guide that shall help you make an informed choice.
How does an electric toothbrush whiten teeth better than a manual toothbrush?
While both electric and manual toothbrushes serve the same purpose, they go about fulfilling it in entirely different ways. To understand that in detail, take a look at various aspects of a typical toothbrush:
Better cleaning with lesser effort
Electric toothbrushes have an electric motor powered by an in-built rechargeable battery to power the brushing motion. Thus, they require much less effort during the brushing process from the user. What you might also find commonplace is an electric toothbrush with a timer. Such toothbrushes automatically switch off after 2 minutes, allowing you the perfect duration for your brushing session. In contrast, manual toothbrushes do not possess any automation. You have to brush your teeth with the correct technique on your own.
Ability to tailor your brushing
Due to their modular design, electric toothbrushes are highly customizable. You can choose from various brush heads that best suit your dental needs. Additionally, there are several modes and settings that you can configure, making minute adjustments to get that perfect thorough cleaning for all gum types. Nothing like that works with manual toothbrushes. Their features are invariable out of the pack, and they can only work as good as your motion allows.
Effectiveness against plaque and other issues
Electric toothbrushes allow for a thorough mixing of saliva, water, and toothpaste that acts as a cleansing agent. Since the motion is limited to a smaller area, it can help clean inaccessible regions, reducing the chances of plaque and bacterial build-ups. In the case of manual toothbrushes, the user needs to apply the proper technique to keep away the more serious issues.
Higher brushing strokes per minute
Any manual toothbrush can achieve a maximum speed of around 300 strokes per minute without damaging the gums. However, it can often be lower if you have sensitive teeth or underlying dental problems. On the flip side, electric toothbrushes can manage speeds of around 30,000 strokes per minute without being too harsh on the gums.
Value for money
Sure, the initial cost of an electric toothbrush is comparatively higher than a manual toothbrush. Still, you need not buy the appliance when the soft bristles on the brush head grinds out. Brush heads are much more economical to replace than a new manual toothbrush. You have to throw away the latter and buy an entirely new one to use. It makes electric toothbrushes much more economical and maintenance-free long term, as their motors, batteries, and internal circuits can last for years before giving out.
Which type of electric toothbrush is best for whitening teeth?
Electric toothbrushes can further be of two types: oscillating-rotating toothbrushes and sonic toothbrushes. The former applies a physical motion to power the stroke. Sonic toothbrushes work on the principle of resonance. These vibrations are low in amplitude but higher in frequency, allowing for 30,000 strokes per minute. It makes them much more effective in whitening the teeth, especially for individuals with sensitive gums.
Are you still deciding on which toothbrush to use? You might want to consider the Colgate Electric Toothbrush. It comes with 33 customization options that enable you to tailor your whitening needs and everything else. Also Colgate Electric Toothbrush hasSqueaky Clean and Sparkle modes which are suitable for the whitening and polished cleaning needs.
Other additional enhancements include:
It comes with four separate modes, with 10 vibrational intensities for the perfect brushing motion.
Smart pressure sensors prevent you from harming your gums with excessive force.
An electric toothbrush with a timer that lets you know of your brushing achievements. It shuts off the brush automatically after around 2 minutes, depending on the active mode.
Smart coaching ensures that you brush each quadrant thoroughly before moving to the next. It uses quad pacer pulses that are configured to 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth.
It uses advanced replaceable Gum Care Brush Heads with soft, tapered bristles. Their ultra-slim 0.01 mm tips and compact design make them perfect for reaching every corner of your mouth.
A rechargeable toothbrush that lasts for up to 15 days with a 4-hour charging cycle based on brushing twice a day on Squeaky Clean mode.
The beautiful and ergonomically designed handle offers a comfortable grip for any hand.
For best results, pair with Colgate® Optic White Whitening Toothpaste and Colgate® Plax Fruity Fresh mouthwash.
How often should you replace the brush head on your electric toothbrush?
Most dental professionals recommend replacing the brush head on your electric toothbrush every three months. Nevertheless, it depends on how often you use your toothbrush and the type of bristles it has. You must also replace the brush head if you are experiencing any problems with your teeth or gums. Moreover, it helps to keep an eye on the condition of the bristles. Worn bristles can not offer an effective cleansing solution.
How to use your electric toothbrush to get the best results
Electric toothbrushes have a variety of functions and modes. It is why you need to keep a few tips in mind to obtain the best results for your oral hygiene:
Brush along the teeth at a 45-degree angle, just as you would with a manual toothbrush.
Use the timer on the toothbrush as much as possible. It not only saves battery life but helps you keep track of the duration of brushing.
Do not move the toothbrush across the teeth or apply excessive pressure. Hold it in place for a few seconds over the surfaces of each quadrant.
Once the brushing is complete, rinse and floss between the teeth gaps. Keep a separation of no more than 15 hours between consecutive brushing sessions.
Are there any side effects to using an electric toothbrush?
The short answer is no. Most electric toothbrushes are safe to use for your daily oral healthcare routine. Reputable institutions conduct definitive research on the use of electric toothbrushes. It proves that electric toothbrushes are not only safe but much more effective in whitening your teeth than manual toothbrushes.
Summing up
In conclusion, electric toothbrushes offer a lot more benefits than manual toothbrushes. They make it easier to stick to a healthy oral routine and help retain the colour of your teeth for viable durations than manual toothbrushes. Contact your nearest dental professional to know more about the perfect toothbrush for you.
