Everywhere you look, ads are boasting smart toothbrushes and their positive results. Considering a next-level way of maintaining your dental health. This can be enticing for those of us who grew up with the conventional manual toothbrush.
The popularity of smart toothbrushes has been growing in recent decades. But they have been around for a long time. This is because of increasing awareness of the importance of dental health and the possibility of diseases related to poor dental hygiene. Smart toothbrushes have grown in popularity with consumers.
Is it worth it to switch to a smart toothbrush? A smart toothbrush typically costs $30 to $200 compared to $1 to $20+ with a manual toothbrush?
The benefits of intelligent toothbrushes
Studies have found smart toothbrush to be effective in removing plaque from teeth. This is because of their vibrations and rotations. Plaque is a biofilm of living microbes that forms on our teeth and can cause damage over time.
Additionally, using an smart toothbrush over a manual one can have one great benefit. It can ensure that you are cleaning your teeth without causing damage to them.
Pressure sensors on smart toothbrushes can let you know if you’re brushing too hard. There are especially useful for people who scrub hard in back-and-forth motions. Which can lead to gum recession and sensitive teeth. In addition, smart timers let you know when you have completed the two-minute brushing time. Many of these toothbrushes also come in various modes/intensities.
As well as ergonomic and mobility supports, these brushes have a sleek design.
The drawbacks of electric toothbrushes
One of the critical limitations of smart toothbrushes is their cost. They can range anywhere from under $50 to $200 or more. This does not include the price of the replacement heads that need to be regularly changed. Replacement heads for these toothbrushes range from under $20 to over $50.
Manual toothbrushes are much more affordable and are present at any drugstore. Smart toothbrushes can range from $15 to $200 and replacing the brush heads can be challenging. It can be expensive to buy an electric toothbrush. It’s more costly than a manual brush. Replacing the brushes’ heads can also be costly, and most manufacturers recommend doing so every three months.
The Verdict?
The dentist emphasizes that both manual and smart toothbrushes can clean your teeth equally. But the effectiveness of your manual brush depends on how well you use it. Or in other words, if you have trouble brushing your teeth and can afford it, an electric toothbrush might be a good idea.
What to look for in a smart toothbrush?
Below are some recommendations for those who are considering investing in a smart toothbrush:
Consult your dentist
It is always best to speak with your dentist, as they can recommend the best toothbrush for you. A good toothbrush size, for instance, should be determined by your dentist. In addition, a small brush head or child-size brush is recommended for people with small mouths and limited space between their cheeks.
It’s all about timing.
To reinforce the two-minute brushing time, search for an electric brush that has a timer. You should let a child choose what type of brush they want. The reason is that it can likely increase their desire to brush when they pick it themselves.
The pressure is on
Make sure the device has a pressure sensor. People who scrub hard when brushing need to pay attention to this. Vigorous brushing can damage your enamel, roots, and gums. This can be prevented with pressure sensors.
This can be done with an app.
If you’re tech-savvy and want more from your toothbrush, many newer smart toothbrush models have an app. These apps measure your brushing technique in real-time. They also tell you what’s missing and suggest ways to improve your brushing.
An effective way to brush your teeth with either an electric or manual toothbrush
In either case, a few essential tips can be followed to ensure that teeth are cleaned as thoroughly as possible. These tips apply regardless of whether a manual or smart toothbrush is used:
- Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- Be sure to use gentle upward and downward strokes rather than back-and-forth movements.
- Also, remember to brush your tongue since it is also a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Do not overdo it with toothpaste, though. A small amount should do.
- Make sure you floss daily.
BOTTOM LINE:
Smart toothbrushs are revolutionary invention helpful in toping your dental hygiene game. If you are thinking of buying an electric toothbrush, consider the costs and effectivness. There are several options that you can buy according to your budget. However, if you are comfortable with manual toothbrushes, keep using them. Be sure to use the right technique when brushing your teeth.
