My next visit to the dentist shocked me - all my teeth were covered in soft plaque. And this despite the fact that I cleaned them regularly. Then I thought about an electric toothbrush. But everything turned out to be not so simple...
It is believed that an electric toothbrush is much better at removing plaque and food debris. This is a definite plus. But they also have contraindications. Among other things, there are several types of brushes. How to choose what exactly suits you? Let's figure it out together...
What is an electric toothbrush?
A distinctive feature of this product are moving or vibrating elements.
Classic shape 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;
- power type - battery or little finger battery;
- speed of movement of the bristles - classical, sonic and ultrasonic.
In addition, there are brushes created specifically for a certain category of people (children, adults, people with gingivitis, etc.).
Children's brush
Unlike a regular toothbrush, an electric toothbrush removes more plaque. The most modern ultrasonic models are capable of removing plaque even at a distance of 5 millimeters.
They do a great job with problem areas between teeth and allow you to brush your teeth much faster.
The effectiveness of an electric toothbrush lies in its special effect on remote and hard-to-reach areas of the dentition. But if a person suffers from hypersensitivity or dental disease, then using the device may be contraindicated.
Possible variations of devices with a classic shape
Pros, benefits and benefits
It is worth noting! Electric dental cleaning products have many advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional manual teeth cleaning products:
- High-quality cleaning using an electric brush requires minimal effort and is accessible to children and people with limited mobility . You just need to bring the device to your mouth and it will clean all your teeth. Initially, this type of toothbrush was invented for use by disabled people, patients with muscle atrophy, limb fractures, and joint diseases. Later, electrical products gained popularity and began to be used everywhere in the lives of ordinary people.
- Economical to use. You can save on buying toothpaste, which has a very beneficial effect on the family budget. Instantly whipping a small amount of paste on the bristles turns it into a foam-like substance, distributing it evenly, eliminating the need to rub it in the mouth. When using ultrasonic devices, cleaning with water is allowed, and toothpaste is no longer needed. But for the effectiveness of the procedure, it is recommended to use balms, infusions, rinses that heal and disinfect the oral cavity.
- By changing different attachments, a whole family can use a single brush. Each member will choose an individual attachment, which is provided with the device. There are attachments for hard-to-reach places, for a whitening effect, for teeth with thinned enamel, for people with braces, etc.
- Time savings are provided by modern advanced models with a timer . They will warn you with a signal and stop the bristles that you need to move on to the next stage of the hygiene procedure.
- very effectively, and cases of inflammation on the gums are reduced. The pressure sensors that modern brushes are equipped with will help you avoid erasing the enamel and damaging your gums. Ultrasound, getting deep into the gum tissue, improves blood flow in them, and also has other beneficial effects for improving the health of the oral cavity.
In what cases can it be used
Indications for use are the following conditions:
- periodontal diseases;
- presence of braces;
- the presence of dentures and crowns.
A person with absolutely healthy teeth can also brush their teeth with an electric toothbrush. However, it is worth consulting with a dentist: a specialist will definitely tell you about the advisability of using an electric brush, based on the individual characteristics of the person.
Experts recommend paying more attention not to the brush, but to the method of cleaning your teeth. It is important to perform all the steps correctly and devote enough time to this procedure.
Even with an electric toothbrush, you won't be able to get to the plaque between your molars if the wrong brushing technique 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 it is prohibited to use
There are a number of contraindications that prevent you from brushing your teeth with an electric brush. It cannot be used:
- after operations in the oral cavity;
- with stomatitis;
- with severe 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 start using it. If a person experiences discomfort when brushing his teeth, then he should stop using vibrating brushes.
Power source: batteries or accumulator
When choosing which electric toothbrush would be better, you should pay attention to the charging methods for such devices.
Rechargeable products need to be recharged every two weeks. To do this, you simply need to install the device on the base. These models of electric brushes are quite large in size. However, they do not need to constantly purchase batteries.
Products that use batteries for power are more compact. Their advantages include lower cost and the presence of additional useful functions that improve the quality of teeth cleaning.
Benefits of using an electric toothbrush
The benefit of this device is that it is possible to remove plaque much faster and more efficiently. This is an excellent prevention of caries. Electric toothbrushes work better on the cervical area of the teeth (the area between two teeth where tooth decay most often occurs).
In addition to more effective cleaning, the product helps fight simple gingivitis. With regular use, it is possible to get rid of severe bleeding gums. After the disease is cured, the effect of vibrating bristles on the gum area will prevent gingivitis.
Devices operating at ultrasonic frequencies manage to destroy dental plaque, including tartar and other cosmetic defects. This allows you to keep your teeth in excellent condition without the need for professional cleaning 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 heavy plaque. It is advisable to use the ultrasonic mode only when necessary, so as not to harm the enamel. After purchasing an electric brush, you need to carefully study the instructions.
What harm can an electric toothbrush cause?
Some dentists have a negative attitude towards this type of device. An electric toothbrush can actually harm teeth if a person uses it incorrectly or does not consult 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 effects of the device will harm it. This will not happen if the choice is made in favor of a product with soft bristles.
In other cases, harm is caused only if a person has not studied the contraindications for use. When used for infectious periodontitis or after oral surgery, an 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 an infectious inflammation or wound is to postpone using the product for a short period of time.
Problems can also arise if you do not change the brush head for a long time. Even with proper storage, a huge number of microbes accumulate on it over time, which, when vibrating, will actively spread throughout the oral cavity. In addition, the fibers wear out and lose their effectiveness. This element needs to be replaced on time. It is recommended to do this at least once every 3 months. If desired, replacement can be made more often.
What you need to know about brush heads
Important: Experts recommend that you approach the selection of attachments responsibly, since it is this part of the product that interacts directly with the surface of the teeth.
What are the movements of the working nozzle?
Different models of electrical appliances for brushing teeth use one of three options for moving the nozzle:
- 1D – used in economy version devices. The nozzle makes circular movements directed in one direction;
- 2D is a technology used in devices from the middle market category. More thorough cleaning is achieved due to the axial movement of the nozzle;
- 3D is mainly used in premium segment devices and is the most effective of the technologies presented. Pulsation is added to the axial movement of the bristles, which better removes plaque on the teeth.
Important: The more different movements the nozzle makes, the better the cleaning result.
What attachments should be included in the kit?
The number of attachments directly depends on the preferences of the buyer. If you only need an electric brush for daily oral care, then one high-quality brush head will be enough. If necessary, you can always expand the set by purchasing new products.
To carry out a complete teeth cleaning procedure, experts recommend arming yourself with special attachments:
- for whitening;
- for polishing;
- with special bristles for sensitive teeth;
- with triple cleaning system;
- with the dental floss system.
Brush head shape: round or rectangular
All models of these electrical appliances are available with one of two types of brushes - traditional, made in the form of a rectangle, or round. According to experts, the best option are attachments with a rounded brush, as they are ideal for daily oral care and also clean the surface of the teeth better.
However, in cases of special cleaning, a rectangular product can show itself at its best. Therefore, in expensive products, the set always contains both types of attachments for a comfortable procedure.
Requirements for bristles
Dentists recommend choosing devices with medium-hard bristles. Such products are suitable for most buyers, and the results from using such a brush are optimal.
Soft bristles should be chosen by people with sensitive teeth and gums, as well as children. If you have problems with bleeding, you should also use only devices with soft bristles.
Benefits of use
Among the obvious advantages are:
- more effective cleaning;
- cleansing of pigmentation that arose due to bad habits;
- comprehensive cleaning of the entire oral cavity;
- fight against tartar;
- less time spent.
Thanks to more effective cleaning, it is possible to spend much less time on the procedure in the morning and evening. Also, when using an electric toothbrush, the entire oral cavity is cleaned, including the gums.
A wide range of different types of replacement heads will help you choose the right option
Depending on the type of brush, there may be more or less benefits. Professional options have wide functionality, but cost a lot of money.
To get the maximum benefits, you need to entrust the choice of product to a professional. If you contact your dentist, he will be able to advise you on the type of device you need, based on the individual characteristics of your teeth, gums and the entire oral cavity.
Flaws
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 sum.
In addition, the following disadvantages of the device can be identified:
- inability to use for certain dental diseases;
- abrasion of enamel when brushing too hard.
The ultrasonic type of devices has its drawback, which is that fillings, restorations and veneers can be damaged during cleaning. Therefore, the ultrasonic cleaning mode must be used with great care. Any ultrasonic electric brush has the ability to turn on and off the enhanced operation mode.
The product has far fewer disadvantages than advantages. This suggests that if you have free funds and a desire to closely monitor oral hygiene, purchasing an electric toothbrush is a good decision.
Cons of brushes
Important! The main disadvantage is its high cost. A high-quality, durable model that will perform all the functions of caring for teeth and the oral cavity cannot be cheap.
The average price of such a device is two thousand rubles . Models with extensive functionality cost from six thousand rubles and above.
If the size of the handle or head is not suitable, subsequent exchange of goods is not possible.
Since hygiene items cannot be returned.
Mechanical damage to which an electric brush may be subjected can permanently disable it..
Failure to comply with the operating rules written in the instructions can lead to such consequences.
The disadvantages include additional costs for replacement nozzles. They are more expensive than regular brushes. However, they need to be changed at least once every two or three months.
Keep in mind! Cash expenses will also be required to constantly recharge the batteries or purchase replacement batteries.
How to use it correctly
To minimize the disadvantages of using an electric brush, you need to use it correctly. An important point is that you should not press the product on your teeth during the cleansing procedure, otherwise you can harm the enamel. Every person has the ability to regulate the pressure. When using an electric toothbrush, there is little to no pressure required.
How to use any brush correctly
People spend very little time on the back row of teeth and the inside of them. This is a big mistake. Because of this, caries and other diseases often develop.
You need to thoroughly clean the space between your teeth and don’t forget about your gums.
