Dental care is expensive, so it makes sense to treasure the teeth that you have and take care of them. However, what kind of toothbrush is best? An ordinary toothbrush, or a fancy electric toothbrush? We spoke to Melbourne-based dentist and founder of Casey Smiles, Dr Mohamed Massaud (Dr Mo to his friends and clients!) about which brush is best.
Which brush is better?
“This is an interesting topic that we get asked quite often in the clinic,” says Dr Mo. “I guess the answer to that question is both do a great job in the right hands. If a person is very thorough and has a good brushing technique with a manual tooth brush then they will do a great job.”
“However, if they don’t have a good technique, then an electric tooth brush will be a better option, and the movement of the brush itself will aid in plaque removal and will get the job done much more effectively with less emphasis on technique,” says Dr Mo.
What are the pros and cons of an ordinary brush vs an electric brush?
Although Dr Mo says an electric toothbrush can aid people whose brushing technique is lacking, he says that getting a good clean from an electric brush takes a little extra knowledge about your mouth.
“It [getting a good clean] does to a degree require some type of understanding on where to aim the brush, especially in relation to surfaces of the tooth and gum margin, as even with an electric tooth brush, you can do a very ordinary job.”
“Both have to be aided with flossing, regardless of the brush type, the bristles will not go between the teeth,” says Dr Mo. “Electric toothbrushes can be novelties for kids – which also encourages them to use their toothbrushes. Kids do need to be taught how to brush their teeth though, and to brush at least twice per day and to floss.”
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