Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Brushes

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Brushes?

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With so many dental care products on the market, it’s hard to make the right choice; even for toothbrushes. And although both electric and manual toothbrushes are very efficient in dissolving plaque that causes cavities and infections, the question remains which is better

The results of recent studies may provide some answers. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of manual and electric toothbrushes, and to find out which one ultimately works best.

Electric Toothbrushes Pros

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Brushes

Research has shown that electric toothbrushes are better at keeping your teeth healthy than manual toothbrushes.

The bristles of an electric toothbrush vibrate or rotate to remove plaque from your teeth. Each time you brush your teeth, you make more micro-movements thanks to the vibration. Brushes with rotating brush heads or oscillating heads are especially good at removing plaque.

Electric toothbrushes offer a whole range of benefits, including:

It Is Easier For People With Limited Mobility

It’s easy to brush your teeth with electric toothbrushes since they do most of the work for you. Therefore, they can be helpful for anyone with limited mobility, including

  • Carpal tunnel
  • Arthritis
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Parkinson’s

Have Built-in Timers

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening. While you are free to brush more often if you wish, the 2/2 rule is the minimum for healthy teeth and gums. If you brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush, the timer can ensure that you brush long enough to remove plaque.

May Cause Less Waste

Usually, with an electric toothbrush, you only have to replace the head when it’s time, and that’s less wasteful than throwing the whole thing away.

A disposable common manual toothbrush, on the other hand, must be disposed of completely when it’s time to replace it.

Its Best For People With Orthodontic Appliances

For people with orthodontic appliances, such as braces, electric toothbrushes are particularly helpful because they make brushing teeth much easier. A manual toothbrush cannot get into all the little nooks and crannies with braces.

Fun For Kids

Every child is different when it comes to brushing their teeth. However, it may be easier for your child to brush their teeth and develop lasting healthy oral habits if an electric toothbrush is more appealing to them.

Better For Seniors

Older people benefit from electric toothbrushes because they are easier to grip. They are also easier to use thanks to vibrations that reduce the need for vigorous arm and hand movements. Electric toothbrushes are especially beneficial for people with arthritis.

Safe For Your Gums

A recent study found that those who use electric toothbrushes have better gum health. There is a direct correlation between gum conditions and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and more. The bacteria in gum pockets enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation and bleeding in the gums can be significantly reduced with an electric toothbrush, as these tools are more efficient.

Brushing Customizability

Electric toothbrushes have a variety of settings and modes that allow you to customize your brushing experience. With their different modes, they allow you to brush at your own pace. Your electric toothbrush may have a gentler mode if you have sensitive teeth. You do not have this option with manual toothbrushes.

Electric Toothbrushes Cons

Electric toothbrushes are safe to use. Nevertheless, electric toothbrushes, like everything else, have some drawbacks, including

Cost More Than Manual

Compared to manual toothbrushes, they are more expensive. Electric toothbrushes range in price from $15 to $250. In addition, replaceable brush heads typically cost between $10 and $45 and come in multiple packs. Single-use electric toothbrushes cost between $5 and $8, plus batteries.

Also, not all stores carry the right replacement brush heads, and you may not find the right brand at your local store. Shopping online may be convenient for some, but it’s not the best choice if you need a new head right away. Buying in bulk will allow you to have enough to last a year or more, but the price will rise.

Not Suitable After Dental Surgery

As with any rule, there are some exceptions. For a few weeks after dental surgery, you may need a special toothbrush. According to a new study published in Scientific World Journal, using a soft manual toothbrush is the most comfortable way to recover from dental surgical treatments.

Manual Toothbrushes Pros

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Brushes

Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time. You can use them to prevent gum disease and clean your teeth, even though they don’t have all the bells and whistles that electric toothbrushes offer. Here’s what manual toothbrushes have to offer:

Accessible

You can buy a manual toothbrush almost anywhere, including grocery stores, gas stations, dollar stores, and pharmacies. Also, manual toothbrushes do not need to be charged, so you can use them anytime, anywhere.

Affordable

Compared to electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes are less expensive. The price of a manual toothbrush ranges from $1 to $3, depending on the brand. Moreover, there is no additional cost to you as manual toothbrushes do not require batteries or power supplies.

Manual Toothbrush Cons

In addition to the limited but reliable advantages offered by this old-fashioned tool, there are also some drawbacks, including:

Hard To Use

One study found that people who use a manual toothbrush tend to brush too hard compared to an electric device. This can hurt your gums and teeth. Also, since manual toothbrushes don’t have a built-in timer, it can be difficult to determine if you’re brushing long enough.

Miss The Hard-to-reach Spots

When you buy a manual toothbrush, you should choose a compact brush head to make sure you brush your teeth well. Compared to electric ones, manual toothbrushes overlook hard-to-reach areas. Remember that a good technique, regardless of the choice of device, wouldn’t be complete without flossing.

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

Now that we have learned all essentials about electric and manual toothbrushes, it is time to answer the million-dollar question: Is one better than the other?

According to some studies, people who use electric toothbrushes have healthier gums, less tooth damage, and keep their teeth longer than those who use manual toothbrushes. A beautiful smile can be ensured by choosing the right electric toothbrush!

Bottom Line

For centuries, people have been brushing their teeth in one way or another. Toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first introduced to the market in 1938, while electric toothbrushes were invented decades later. Do electric toothbrushes work better than manual toothbrushes? In a word, yes! However, many factors come into play when choosing the right dental care plan. To find out which toothbrush and dental care plan is right for you, schedule an appointment or contact us, here at Dentists on Washington today!  It’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth.

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

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Wisdom teeth are the lower and upper third molars; located at the back of the teeth and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, which can be painful. Wisdom teeth can grow at the wrong angle and become lodged in the gums, causing radiating pain in adjacent teeth. An impacted tooth can cause pain not only in the gums, but also in the jaw, ear, and head. Usually, crowded teeth are the main cause.

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary if you notice changes in these areas of your mouth. Repeated infections of the soft tissue behind the last tooth and fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can also be reasons for a wisdom tooth removal.

We call them wisdom teeth because they erupt at a more mature age. When they erupt properly, they help you chew. It is normal to feel uncomfortable when they appear. The problem starts when you experience acute pain.

Read on to learn what to do if you experience pain or consider having your wisdom tooth removed.

Signs & Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

Below are some symptoms that indicate you should make an appointment with your dentist.

Inflammation 

Infections of wisdom teeth are common. Pericoronitis is the medical term for an infection or inflammation of a wisdom tooth. According to a 2016 study, pericoronitis is the cause of tooth pain in 81% of 20-to 29-year-olds.

Jaw Pain

When wisdom teeth erupt, they can push against surrounding teeth and move or displace them. The movement causes discomfort in the jaw. Symptoms of this movement include pain, swelling, and stiffness that make it difficult to open the jaw or breathe.

Ear Pain 

When the gum or another tooth blocks the path of a wisdom tooth, it grows at an angle that causes damage to your gums and jaw. This situation causes ear pain, swelling, tenderness, or pain in the gums.

Neck pain 

The increased tension in the jawbone can sometimes spread to the neck, causing neck pain. Therefore, headache and neck pain are other symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth that you should remove.

Bad Breath 

An infected wisdom tooth can sometimes trap food, plaque, and other debris in the soft tissue around it. In this case, swelling, tender gums, tooth decay, or bad breath may occur.

Prevention 

Your dentist may advise you to remove your wisdom tooth without symptoms as a preventive measure. This may help reduce the risk of future problems such as swelling and tooth decay.

When you have wisdom tooth pain, your jaw feels stiff, hurts, and is difficult to open. You may also experience swelling in the back of your mouth or on the side of your jaw. The pain is hard to bear and is a symptom that you should have your wisdom tooth removed.

Preparing For A Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home after the surgery. You may still want to take the day off from work before the procedure. After you confirm your appointment at the clinic, you will usually receive instructions on what to do before and during the surgery day. 

It is a good idea to ask the staff if you can go home without help or if you need someone to take you home.

Medical History

Another essential task is to discuss with the medical staff any medications you’re currently taking and your medical history. If you’re going to have your wisdom teeth removed, the information you give your dentist will help the doctor decide on the type of procedure and anesthesia you’ll receive.

Pain  

Since the area is anesthetized, you should not feel any pain during wisdom teeth removal. If you feel pain during the procedure, you can ask your dentist to give you more pain relievers.

Surgery Time 

Depending on the type of wisdom teeth, removal can take different amounts of time. There are one-rooted, two-rooted, three-rooted, and four-rooted wisdom teeth. Sometimes the wisdom teeth are hooked. In other cases, they grow at an angle or horizontally under the gum tissue. If your wisdom teeth have decayed, food debris may remain between the teeth. Thus, pressure on an adjacent tooth or gum disease is inevitable.

Best Timing for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

If your dentist advises you to have your wisdom teeth removed, the younger you are, the better. Why? Because the roots of the teeth become fully formed as you age, making removal more difficult. Susan Sanders, D.D.S., and author of Blabber Mouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life, explains that after a certain age, the vessels in the jaw diminish, making healing even longer. She believes that even if one out of four [wisdom teeth] comes through in your lifetime, you be happier if you had them removed sooner.

What to Expect After The Surgery & How To Take Care Of Yourself

Swelling and discomfort are something everyone experiences after surgery. Healing and full recovery can take several weeks.

Bleeding: Bleeding may occur after you have your wisdom tooth removed. Do not spit excessively. Replace the gauze as instructed by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Pain: Pain medications prescribed by your surgeon will help a lot. Some over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, ibuprofen, and others) can also relieve pain.

Swelling and bruising: Putting an ice pack on your jaw may help relieve the pain. It may take a few days for the swelling to go down. It takes longer for bruising to subside.

Post-surgery activities: After wisdom tooth removal, you should take it easy for the rest of the day. Do not engage in heavy activities that may move the blood clot out of the alveolus.

Drinks: You should drink plenty of water after surgery. However, alcoholic, caffeinated, hot, or carbonated beverages are off-limits for 24 hours.

Food: When you have your wisdom tooth removed, it is best to start with soft foods such as soup, yogurt, applesauce, or rice. After that, you can continue with semi-soft foods. Spicy and hot foods can irritate the wound. Hard or chewy foods can get stuck in the socket and slow wound healing. 

Clean your mouth: To prevent infection, it’s important to take good care of your mouth after wisdom tooth removal. Your dentist may advise you not to brush or rinse your teeth, floss, or use mouthwash for the next 24 hours. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours or after meals to keep the wound clean. You can continue to do this for the next week. Do not spit out the water when you rinse.

Smoking: Smoking and tobacco use can delay healing and cause further complications.

Bottom Line

There are numerous procedures and precautions to follow before having your wisdom tooth removed. To avoid further complications and problems that could affect your life forever, it is better to work with a professional team. You can contact us anytime to make an appointment for professional help.

 

A Routine Dental Check-Up in philly

Why Should You Go To A Routine Dental Check-Up?

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A routine dental check-up is one of the best protective measures against tooth and gum disease. By identifying potential problems, your dentist can help you maintain good oral health. If dental issues are left untreated, they can lead to pain, and tooth loss, and make future treatment more difficult.

You should see your dentist every six months, but that does not necessarily apply to everyone. The time between dental check-ups can range from three months to two years, depending on the state of your oral health and the likelihood that you will experience complications in the future.

What Kinds of Risks to One’s Health Are Associated With Oral Disease?

In the dentistry literature, there is a growing body of research suggesting that diseased gums can be a precursor to numerous health issues, including the following:

1. Cancer

It’s crucial to know that although gum disease and periodontitis are not direct causes of oral cancer, they can increase the risk of developing this disease. This is one of the main reasons why regular dental check-ups and good cleanliness are essential.

Over the past decade, the number of people diagnosed with oral cancer has increased. The disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. A regular dental check-up can help detect the early signs of mouth cancer.

2. Risk of Dementia

Poor oral health and loss of teeth can increase your risk of suffering from memory loss at an earlier age. If you have an infection that causes inflammation of your gums, this can also trigger inflammation in your brain, which can lead to the loss of certain brain cells.

Previous research has demonstrated that certain risk factors, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and a poor diet, can increase the likelihood of developing dementia. On the other hand, research on the link between poor dental health and the onset of dementia has been rather limited until recently.

A recent meta-analysis pooled the results of several other studies to examine the potential impact of oral health on cognitive decline and dementia. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, was found to increase the risk of dementia later in life.

3. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

People who suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, have a higher risk of developing heart disease. This is due to bacteria entering the bloodstream through the gums and mouths of people who suffer from periodontal disease. These bacteria contribute to plaque formation in the arteries and problems with the blood flow in them.

4. Disorders of the Respiratory System

The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can make their way through your bloodstream and into your lungs, where they can affect your respiratory system.

What to Expect at Your Routine Dental Check-Up

Why Should You Go To A Routine Dental Check-Up

During your routine dental check-up, you will be asked some general health questions. Your dentist will ask you how your teeth have been since your last visit and if you have suffered from any recent toothaches or discomfort. They will also want to know whether you are taking any new or changed medications.

Your dentist should then take a look inside your mouth and carefully examine your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Your dentist will give you advice about oral care and adjusting your lifestyle habits (such as quitting smoking or changing your diet). If there are signs of dental issues. These habits lead to problems in the future, they will explain the risks and related treatments and costs that may be needed.

If you have developed calcified plaque, also known as tartar build-up, polishing and scaling will be required. This involves removing the plaque and tartar below the gum line.

Your dentist will advise you on the next steps if they discover other problems. It may be necessary to treat gum disease, restore decayed or broken teeth with fillings, or perform other tests to support the diagnosis. This may take the form of a written treatment plan.

If no treatment is needed, your dentist will tell you when to come in for your next check-up. Depending on your needs, this may be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years.

Taking X-rays

Dentists may occasionally take x-rays during your dental check-up. They not only allow your dentist to detect existing problems that may not be visible during a routine exam, but also those that may occur in the future.

In adults, x-rays can reveal cavities, impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, and abscesses. In children, x-rays can help the dentist see where adult teeth will erupt.

Your dentist may choose the type of x-ray you need and explain why you need one. The x-ray machine is set up by your dentist or dental assistant, who usually leaves the room before taking the x-ray. This is done to protect them from being exposed to too much radiation.

Your dentist will only take x-rays when necessary. The dentist should only take an x-ray of a pregnant woman in an emergency.

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is the fear or stress associated with a dental visit,  If you put off or skip dental treatment altogether, it may be due to dental anxiety. Putting off going to the dentist may result in worsening oral disease. It can increase the need for emergency care or more complicated treatment. As adults, we often hide our dental anxiety with elegance, but children have it on display.

An uncomfortable experience at the dentist or other health care setting, or the perception that the mouth is a private space and that access to the mouth is an invasion of personal territory, can all contribute to dental anxiety.

People who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia can be helped with a variety of different methods. If you experience dental anxiety, it is important that you tell the dentist. An open conversation with the dentist can help you both overcome the challenge together.

Psychological coping tactics include deep breathing, meditation, learning to distract yourself with music, and progressive muscle relaxation. There is also the option of conscious sedation.

Last Word

Routine Dental Check-Up is essential, even if you brush and floss thoroughly and frequently. We can examine the overall condition of your teeth and gums to look for early signs of oral health problems. Conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cancer. At Dentists on Washington, we are proud to offer the best dental check-up to you in the area with a green, environment-friendly approach.