Tis the season to stuff stockings and pile gifts around the tree, but have you thought about giving the gift of dental health this year? There are plenty of gifts to give the oral care enthusiast in the family, with everything from floss to toothpaste, to toothbrush travel kits and mouthwash. Yet when it comes to the perfect toothbrush stocking stuffer, the options can be overwhelming.
The Pros and Cons of Toothbrushes
Manual - Pros
The best part about a manual toothbrush is it is relatively small, compact, and travels easily. With different kinds of brush heads, it’s easy to find a toothbrush that fits your mouth and dental needs. A manual toothbrush, when used regularly, removes most of the plaque in your mouth, which alleviates the onset of periodontal gum disease and tooth decay.
Manual - Cons
Unfortunately, many people do not know how to properly brush their teeth so that all tooth surfaces are clean. Additionally, the pressure used when brushing teeth manually is sometimes hard on the gums and can cause recession and/or bleeding. Those who lack the dexterity or have arthritis may find brushing with a manual toothbrush difficult and often miss those hard-to-reach places because of this.
Electric - Pros
When it comes to overall deep clean, electric toothbrushes take the cake. Because their brush heads either pulse or spin, the brush is able to gently remove more plaque than manual brushing can. In a study published in 2013, it was determined that after a 42 week period, powered toothbrushes significantly reduce the amount of plaque present in comparison to manual brushes. Additionally, electric toothbrushes work best for those with limited dexterity or arthritis due to the elimination of excessive movement and longer handles.
Electric - Cons
The biggest drawback to electric toothbrushes is their cost. Traditionally, these toothbrushes run anywhere from $30 to $150. Also, electric brushes tend to be bulkier than their manual counterparts, which makes traveling with them rather cumbersome.
If you have questions about which toothbrush is right for you, a family member, or friend, it’s best to talk to your local dentist. At most Smiles Dental offices, electric toothbrushes are available for purchase. The teams also have great recommendations on the best toothbrush to meet your dental health needs, so make sure to ask!
Whether you are buying the brush for a dental health enthusiast, or simply trying to get that teenager of yours to brush their teeth regularly, an electric toothbrush is sure to make the holidays merry with bright, clean teeth.
Discover the Smiles Dental difference today!
Are you ready for the happy, healthy smile of your dreams? When you choose Smiles Dental Services, you’re putting your smile in the hands of highly-trained professionals you can trust. Above all, we provide our patients with leading-edge dentistry that goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality results with a gentle, personal touch.