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Nicholas Dose, DMD Family Dentistry
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Nicholas Dose, DMD Family Dental Care in Lake Oswego

Do Dentists Recommend Using An Electric Toothbrush?

added on: January 27, 2022

Do you use an electric toothbrush or do you stick with the manual kind? If you haven’t tried an electric toothbrush, you may be wondering whether the extra expense is worth it in the long run. Truthfully, there can be some pros and cons to each type of toothbrush, and the experts agree. So what does your dentist in Lake Oswego recommend? Let’s find out. 

Examining the Experts’ Opinions

Truth be told, it appears that the official word on whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush is still in debate. There have been numerous studies on the matter, and the results can vary. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that both electric and manual toothbrushes remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, as long as you use a proper brushing technique. In fact, they’ve said that the technique is more important than the tool. Now, another survey published by the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 13,000 out 16,000 patients who used an electric toothbrush for the duration of the study reported better oral health. 

Electric May Be Better For Some

Since we mentioned that technique is more important than the tool, we want to talk about those who may benefit from an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush. Those who have trouble holding onto a toothbrush and manipulating it to scrub all parts of the mouth and teeth can absolutely see improvement in oral health by switching to an electric toothbrush. Some of these patients can include kids, those with arthritis, or people who have braces. 

A Look at The Pros & Cons

As with most things, there are some pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush over a manual brush. 

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Most have timers to make sure you brush long enough
  • Some may feel that their teeth are cleaner

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Requires charging
  • Difficult to travel with

So, after all of that, does your dentist in Lake Oswego recommend an electric toothbrush? Truthfully, your dental team will recommend any toothbrush that you will use every day and use properly. If you find that you’re in more control with a manual toothbrush and your lifestyle isn’t conducive to an electric toothbrush, make sure you select a manual toothbrush with soft bristles, hold it at a 45-degree angle, gently scrub each tooth in circles, and brush for two minutes. If you prefer an electric toothbrush, the same guidance applies. 

Your dentist in Lake Oswego and your dental hygienist can help you pick the best toothbrush for you. Ask them about it at your next appointment

About The Author
Dr. Nicholas Dose

Dr. Nicholas Dose grew up in a dental family and knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue dentistry. He keeps up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field and is an active member of various dental organizations, where he and his peers discuss dentistry treatments and trends. Among the organizations he is active with are the Academy of General Dentistry, American Society of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, Clackamas County Dental Society, American Dental Association, and the Oregon Dental Association.