Can an Electric Tooth brush Damage Your Teeth?

What are the Benefits of An Electric Toothbrush?

Simply stated, rechargeableelectric toothbrushes (or "power" toothbrushes) provide superior plaque removal to regular manual toothbrushes. And because they provide the brushing action for you, many people find using power toothbrushes easier than using regular manual ones. Additionally, with so many different types and features available, it's easy to find one that suits your specific oral health needs.

Superior Plaque Removal

According to a 2005 independent study, "Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation action removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long term... No other powered brush designs were consistently superior..." * Oral-B pioneered this oscillating, pulsating and cupping power technology in 1991 and has incorporated it into its premium power toothbrush range ever since. The latest in Oral-B technology, the Oral-B iO series, features micro-vibrating bristles on a dentist-inspired round brush head designed to surround each tooth for a powerful yet gentle clean. 

Ease of Use

Whereas you have to move a regular manual toothbrush back and forth along your teeth, electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action for you. That means you need only guide it along the surfaces of your teeth. Once they get the hang of it, many people find this method of brushing easier. Likewise, people with arthritis or other similar conditions may find using an electric toothbrush less painful. Electric toothbrushes may also help kids brush their teeth more effectively, but be sure to check the age recommendations on an electric toothbrush before letting your child use it. Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrushes are specially made for kids ages 3 and up. Plus, the lineup features a number of their favorite Disney characters designed to help kids develop good oral hygiene habits early on.

Technology and Features

Generally rich in technology and features, some electric toothbrushes can even enable you to improve yourhabits And most come with convenient features like a brush head or toothbrush holder, bathroom counter storage units and travel toothbrush chargers. Hi-tech features may include:

Numerous brushing modes specialized for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits or gum-massaging action

Pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard

Timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth

Digital reminders to replace your brush head

Oscillating/pulsating and cupping, oscillating/rotating or sonic technology

Bluetooth connectivity to help track brushing progress and improve how you brush

Unique tracking technology that guides you in real-time to ensure you cover every area

Multiple brush head compatibility so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer

CAN AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH DAMAGE MY TEETH?

If you’re looking for a quick way to enhance the appearance of your smile, you might be considering switching from your manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush. Not only are electric toothbrushes more effective at removing plaque, but many make the process even simpler by adding in a timer to let you know when you’ve brushed your teeth for the optimal amount of time.

But when misused, an electric toothbrush can actually cause more harm than good.

Using an electric toothbrush won’t damage your teeth — but misusing one can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity, and gum recession. If you’re considering investing in an electric toothbrush, keep reading as Taylor Dental explains how to prevent tooth damage when brushing your teeth.

How to Safely Use an Electric Toothbrush

You might think the harder you brush your teeth, the more plaque you’ll remove and the cleaner your teeth will be. However, you should avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth when you brush (whether using a manual or electric toothbrush), or you could be causing irreversible damage.

When brushing your teeth, allow the toothbrush to guide your hand and do all of the work. You shouldn’t be pushing the toothbrush against your teeth but merely guiding it along and softly massaging your teeth. And with an electric toothbrush, you don’t need to scrub up and down because the brush’s vibrations will do that for you — making your job even easier!

You mustn’t be too rough on your teeth as you brush them. If you are, you might find yourself with scratched or damaged enamel on your teeth. This can be detrimental to your oral hygiene because once the enamel is worn away, it’s unable to be restored, which leads to significant problems and sensitivity for your teeth down the line.

Look for an electric toothbrush that helps you prevent putting too much pressure on your teeth and minimizes the risk of damaging your enamel. Some electric toothbrushes feature a sensor that notifies you when too much pressure is being applied so you can lighten up your movements and brush more gently.