It may surprise you to know that some San Francisco people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better? Most Daly City cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.
Today in the Daly City dental blog we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you decide which kind is right for you or your child.
Cost and convenience should be considered. Some San Francisco people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.
Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores in the San Mateo, Daly City, and San Francisco area carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and you don’t have to remember batteries).
The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is important. Some San Francisco residents say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your San Francisco dentist.
Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most Daly City area dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for San Francisco parents. Also, all dentists in the San Francisco and surrounding areas will remind you to look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy.
Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.
I’m Dr. Kenneth Hovden and I want to thank you for visiting my Daly City dental blog.
If you are looking for dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around San Francisco or Daly City, give us a call at 650-755-6000.
The following online article was used as source material for this blog: Brichford, Connie, “Choosing a Toothbrush: Manual vs. Electric,” WebMD, http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/manual-v-electric-which-is-the-better-brush.aspx, accessed on Nov. 29, 2011
