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We asked dental experts to give us a straight answer.
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They said yes, invest in the electric toothbrush.
But seriously, oral health has a direct impact on your overall health.
The acid in your stomach kills most bacteria.
In extreme cases, dental complications can be life-threatening, Dr. Khan says.
The good news is that most of these issues can be avoided by regularly brushing your teeth.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Actually Better For You?
Electric toothbrushes are more efficient at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes."
Not to mention, they do most of the work for you.
An electric toothbrush may be easier to use.
If you have a frayed toothbrush, you may especially benefit from an electric toothbrush.
The oscillating motion or ultrasonic vibration is less aggressive than some people’s manual technique, Lucido says.
An electric toothbrush can encourage you to brush your pearly whites for longer.
Most have built-in timers, usually lasting about two minutes.
Instead, talk to your dentist aboutteeth whitening kits,strips, andprofessional services.
Are They Worth the Investment?
This is ultimately up to you to decide.
The short answer: Yes.
Experts agree that an electric toothbrush is worth the cost.
Consider it an investment in your long-term oral health says Dr. Younan.
One cavity will cost you roughly $150 to fill."
Electric toothbrushes can also be hard to travel with, as they need to be charged to work.
Theyre also generally messy.
The ultrasonic or oscillating motion can cause saliva and toothpaste to splatter, says Lucido.
Select a toothbrush that fits your unique needs, says Lucido.
“Sonic brushes often have a rectangular head that uses vibrations to flush away plaque and debris.”
Lucido explains that Sonic brushes are a bit more thorough because they reach deep between and around the teeth.
Meanwhile, some electric toothbrushes are more high-tech than others.
But it comes down to personal preferenceyou dont necessarily need all these features.
Dr. Becker recommends choosing an electric toothbrush with a small charger.
Dr. Khan suggests choosing an electric toothbrush from brands like Oral-B and Philips Sonicare.
Regardless, purchase a brush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
Ultimately, your efforts are more important than the brush you choose.
Your oral health is in your hands, says Dr. Younan.
The dentist is there to help you, but its a team effort.
These are our two top choices for electric toothbrushes that we’ve put to the test.
