Is an Electric Toothbrush Better than a Manual Toothbrush?

Up until fairly recently, everyone pretty much had the same type of toothbrush. Sure, they may have been various colors or had slightly different designs, but they all basically did the same thing. But now more and more people are opting for electric toothbrushes, and there has been some debate on whether or not these are better at keeping mouths clean and healthy. If you are undecided on which to use best, here's some info on both models.

Manual Toothbrushes

Though they're not fancy, a manual toothbrush will make sure your teeth stay in great shape. All you need to do is brush twice a day and use the right technique and follow up with routine professional care. Getting kids to brush regularly can be difficult, but you can find manual toothbrushes with cartoon characters and other fun images that they will like. And unlike the electric version, manual toothbrushes don't require batteries or have to be charged. Plus, they are very inexpensive. The only real downsides to a manual toothbrush are that it takes a little more work to use and, unless you use a timing device, you don't know if you have brushed long enough.

Electric Toothbrushes

Perhaps the best reason to employ an electric toothbrush is because it is very easy to use. You just need to hold it at the correct angle, and it will do all the work for you. Some studies have found that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and gingivitis as well. Plus, many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer, so you'll always know that you've brushed for a full two minutes. But you have to do your due diligence with an electric toothbrush. You have to make sure it is charged or replace the batteries when necessary. And if dropped, they can also break pretty easily. The biggest negative with an electric toothbrush is the cost. If your teeth stay healthy and you require less dental care, the cost of the toothbrush becomes a worth-while investment for the long term.

When it comes to toothbrushes, the bottom line is that it's a personal choice. Both an electric toothbrush and a manual one, if used properly and regularly, will help your oral health, and it just depends on which one you prefer.

Contact SF Star Dental for more information on at-home hygiene care. Dr. Young will educate you on the best methods to caring for your teeth and gums for dental prevention.

What's Better for Your Teeth: Floss or a Waterpik?

It used to be that there was pretty much one way to clean your teeth -- you used a toothbrush. But nowadays there are a variety of different tools available, and depending upon whom you talk to, some are better than others. When it comes to taking care of those tricky spots between your teeth, there are two popular devices: floss and a Waterpik. But is one better than the other? Here are the pros and cons of each.

Floss

Tried and true floss is a very effective way to keep your teeth clean and gums healthy. As you have probably discovered, floss is great for getting into those nooks and crannies and removing things like bits of popcorn kernels. One of the worst mouth invaders is plaque, and floss is its main enemy. Floss can help get rid of plaque before it becomes tartar, which can ultimately lead to gum disease.

The downside of floss is that it can be harsh. If you have ever vigorously flossed your teeth and then had a mouthful of blood, you know this firsthand. Floss is also difficult for people who wear braces because it take a special threading instrument to reach under the wires. Another negative - and this actually may be more related to the flosser - is that flossing can be a difficult habit to get into. To paraphrase the late-great comedian Mitch Hedberg, quitting smoking is as hard as it is to start flossing.

 Waterpik

The best feature of a Waterpik is how gentle it is on gums; bleeding should not be an issue. It is also a great way for people with braces to keep their teeth clean, as the water will be able to get behind the wires. A Waterpik is especially good for people with gum disease because the water is able to flush out bacteria from deep pockets.

The one negative with a Waterpik is that it is much less effective at removing plaque compared to floss. While floss scrapes it off, a Waterpik basically just rinses it.

 The Verdict

Both floss and a Waterpik have their merits and can be used in conjunction with each other. However, if you could only use one (and you don't have braces), floss is still the better option.

Contact SF Star Dental, and make an appointment to address at-home tooth care with Dr. Young, our San Francisco dentist.