Peter Robinson of Sheffield University in the United Kingdom conducted a study about electric toothbrushes. He proved that there is an 11% chance of diminished plaque formation and 6% reduced chances of gingivitis and gum disease formation on a person using an electric toothbrush. This is in comparison with a manual toothbrush, of course, and all other factors being constant – brushing time, brushing technique and type of toothpaste used.
Now, does it answer our question? Yes it does, in one sense though, there is a BUT. Using an electric toothbrush is more desirable than a manual toothbrush because we know that it can help with gum problems and diseases. BUT how does it help? And what type of electric toothbrushes do you have to use? Read on so you will better understand all about plaque, gum disease and electric toothbrush connections.
Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush
Why is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush? The electric toothbrush cleans more compared to the manual toothbrush at the same amount of time. This is because the electric toothbrush rotates faster. Let us say for 30 seconds – the electric toothbrush has covered and cleaned thoroughly the upper outer portion of your teeth. At the same amount of time and manual brushing motion, the coverage is half less than the former. It means that the electric toothbrush cleans the mouth and teeth effectively and at least twice as fast as the manual brushing.
With the manual toothbrush, it is difficult to reach back teeth and it is more often left unclean. It also cannot effectively disturb plaque formation like the electric toothbrush can. The electric toothbrush can penetrate even the unreachable areas. Because it is electric, the brushing motion can disrupt the bacteria from forming on the teeth and gum line. This is the only thing that prevents bacteria from destroying teeth and gums – periodic cleaning with a dentist and every day brushing. (For severe cases, brushing with an electric toothbrush and a special type of grainy toothpaste is advised by dentists.)
Orthodontic.az also performed a study on the tooth brushing time between electric and manual. It is said that manual tooth brushing is a daunting task and the brushing technique is really complicated. If you do not know how to use it, it can even damage your teeth and gums. In the same manner, if you fail to use it at the allotted time frame, germs and bacteria will not be washed off. Brushing will be useless.
To continue with the study, the experts at Orthodontics.az agreed that 2 minutes is all you need when brushing using an electric toothbrush. And the same also dislodges more dental plaque compared to a manual tooth brushing time of 6 minutes. Imagine that, 2 minutes compared to 6 minutes and the latter is not even enough!
To taint the reputation of electric toothbrush makers, bad publicity like quick brushing action can destroy the teeth, was released. This is a false accusation on electric toothbrushes. There are no studies to supplement that hearsay. But there are studies which show how efficient an electric toothbrush are for users. No wonder people have shifted to using electric toothbrushes and threw away the manual ones. It can help solve gum diseases at a lesser amount of brushing time.
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