This time of year we are consuming more candy than ever, and we need to brush away the excess sugars. But which brush is best to do this? This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing and how effectively they are doing it.
Let’s break that down.
The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis so that we prevent the buildup of tartar and tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars with a soft bristle brush.
For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some
form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric
brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces. The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushes who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.
At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!