Brushing teeth is an integral part of every person’s life. Using an electric brush can significantly improve oral hygiene. However, this device is not suitable for everyone. It is necessary to study the benefits and harms of an electric toothbrush before acquiring it.
What is a toothbrush
A distinctive feature of this product are moving or vibrating elements.
Classic brush with rechargeable battery and charge indicator
Devices are divided into several types. The differences are in the following characteristics:
- type of movement - vibrating bristles or rotating head;
- type of food - battery or pinky battery;
- bristle speed - classical, sonic and ultrasonic.
In addition, there are brushes created specifically for any category of persons (children, adults, people with gingivitis, etc.).
Baby brush
Unlike a conventional brush, an electric toothbrush removes more plaque. The most advanced ultrasound models can remove plaque even at a distance of 5 millimeters.
They perfectly cope with problem areas between the teeth and allow you to brush your teeth much faster.
The effectiveness of an electric toothbrush is a special effect on remote and inaccessible areas of the dentition. But if a person suffers from hypersensitivity or dental diseases, then using the device may be contraindicated.
Possible variations of devices with a classic shape
In what cases can I use
Indications for use are the following conditions:
- periodontal disease;
- the presence of braces;
- the presence of prostheses and crowns.
Also, a person with absolutely healthy teeth can brush his teeth with an electric toothbrush. However, it is worth consulting a dentist: a specialist will definitely tell you about the advisability of using an electric brush, based on the individual characteristics of a person.
Experts recommend paying more attention not to the brush, but to the method of cleaning the teeth. It is important to carry out all the actions correctly and devote a sufficient amount of time to this procedure.
Even with an electric toothbrush, it will not be possible to get to the plaque between the molars if the wrong cleaning method is used.
Before you start using the device, you should carefully study the list of prohibitions. An electric toothbrush has contraindications that are not recommended to be ignored.
When to use is prohibited
There are a number of contraindications in which it is impossible to brush your teeth with an electric brush. It can not be used:
- after operations in the oral cavity;
- with stomatitis;
- with strong tooth mobility;
- with hypertrophic gingivitis.
An electric toothbrush has no contraindications that would accompany a person throughout his life. All pathologies can be eliminated, after which you can begin to use it. If a person experiences discomfort when brushing his teeth, then he should refuse to use vibrating brushes.
The benefits of using an electric toothbrush
The advantage of this device is that it is possible to eliminate plaque much faster and more efficiently.This is an excellent caries prophylaxis. Electric toothbrushes have a better effect on the cervical region of the teeth (the place between two teeth, in which caries most often appears).
In addition to more effective cleaning, the product allows you to deal with simple gingivitis. With regular use, it is possible to get rid of severe bleeding gums. After the disease is cured, the prevention of gingivitis will have an effect on the gum area with vibrating bristles.
Devices operating at the ultrasonic frequency manage to destroy dental deposits, including stone and other cosmetic defects. This allows you to maintain your teeth in excellent condition without the use of professional brushing by a specialist.
The product, which operates at an ultrasonic frequency of over 20,000 Hz, creates more than 2 million movements per minute. This allows you to effectively get rid of the most difficult deposits and strong plaque. It is advisable to use the ultrasonic mode of operation only when necessary so as not to damage the enamel. After buying an electric brush, you need to carefully study the instructions.
What harm can an electric toothbrush do?
Some dentists are negative about this type of device. An electric toothbrush can really harm your teeth if a person uses it incorrectly or has not consulted a specialist before purchasing it.
The main negative effect of using this product is the thinning of tooth enamel. If a person has problems with enamel (fluorosis, demineralization), then the aggressive effect of the device will harm her. This will not happen if the choice is made in favor of a product with soft villi.
In other cases, harm is done only if the person has not studied contraindications for use. When used for infectious periodontitis or after operations in the oral cavity, the electric brush has a negative effect. It can complicate the course of the disease or interfere with the healing process after the intervention. The best solution to the problem in the presence of infectious inflammation or wounds is to postpone the use of the product for a short period of time.
Also, problems can arise if you do not change the brush head for a long time. Even with proper storage, over time, a huge number of microbes collect on it, which, when vibrated, will actively spread throughout the oral cavity. In addition, the villi wear out and lose their effectiveness. It is necessary to replace this element in time. It is recommended to do this at least 1 time in 3 months. If desired, replacement can be made more often.
Benefits of using
Among the obvious advantages are:
- more effective cleaning;
- cleansing from pigmentation, which arose due to bad habits;
- comprehensive cleaning of the entire oral cavity;
- the fight against tartar;
- less time consuming.
Thanks to a more effective cleaning, it is possible to spend much less time on the procedure in the morning and in the evening. Also, when using an electric toothbrush, the entire oral cavity is cleaned, including the gums.
A wide range of different types of interchangeable heads will help you choose the right option
Depending on the type of brush, the benefits may be more or less. Professional options have wide functionality, but cost a large amount of money.
To get the maximum benefits, you must entrust the choice of product to a professional. If you turn to the dentist, he will be able to advise the device of the desired type, based on the individual characteristics of the teeth, gums and the entire oral cavity.
disadvantages
The product has advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage of an electric toothbrush is its high cost. You will need to periodically change the head with bristles, which also costs a large amount.
In addition, the following disadvantages of the device can be distinguished:
- inability to use for some dental diseases;
- erasing enamel with too hard cleaning.
The ultrasonic type of devices has its drawback, which is that during cleaning, seals, restorations and veneers can be damaged. Therefore, the ultrasonic cleaning regime must be used with great care. On any ultrasonic electric brush, it is possible to turn on and off the heavy duty mode.
The disadvantages of the product are much less than the advantages. This suggests that if you have free money and want to intensely monitor oral hygiene, acquiring an electric brush is a good solution.
How to use
To minimize the disadvantages of using an electric brush, you need to use it correctly. An important point is that you can not press the product on the teeth during the cleansing procedure, otherwise enamel can be damaged. Each person has the ability to regulate the force of pressure. When using an electric toothbrush, there is practically no need to press.
How to use any brush
People spend very little time on the back row of teeth and their inner side. This is a big mistake. Because of this, caries and other diseases very often develop.
It is necessary to carefully clean the space between the teeth and do not forget about the gums
Conclusion
The pros and cons of an electric toothbrush make it clear that the benefits of using it are much greater, especially in terms of caries prevention.
It is advisable to use other means to improve oral hygiene (dental floss, gels to strengthen teeth, irrigator) to minimize the risk of tooth decay. In addition, at least once every six months, you need to visit the dentist. In the office you can carry out professional cleaning and get rid of dental plaque.
