Should you buy an electric toothbrush?

There are a wide variety of electric toothbrushes on the market, which can be divided into different types according to their mode of operation, including those that rotate in one direction and rotate back and forth, those that rotate and vibrate back and forth, and those that vibrate up and down with sound waves. If you are looking for an electric toothbrush, you may want to know how effective these vibrating toothbrushes are and how they can benefit your dental health.

Why do vibrating toothbrushes enhance oral health?
According to an article by Smart Shopper Hong Kong, most acoustic vibrating toothbrushes on the market today vibrate 40,000 times per minute or less. These toothbrushes are specially designed to improve oral health in many ways through vibration.

The rapid vibration of the toothbrush moves fluid around the teeth and removes plaque from hard-to-reach areas such as between teeth and near the gum line, making it easier for you to keep your mouth clean and healthy. As mentioned by the Oral Health Education Service of the Department of Health, plaque buildup causes periodontal disease and tooth decay, so we need to remove plaque thoroughly every day.

In addition, some studies suggest that acoustic vibrations (such as those of a vibrating toothbrush) make it harder for oral bacteria to adhere to hard surfaces such as teeth, which may also help to keep teeth clean, but more research is needed to prove its actual effectiveness.

Effectiveness of manual toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes have been proven to be effective in cleaning teeth, so if you’re satisfied with their effectiveness, you don’t necessarily need to switch to a vibrating toothbrush. According to a study, there is little difference in the effectiveness of manual and electric brushing. In fact, any kind of toothbrush can keep your teeth and gums clean as long as you follow the best brushing practices.

However, for some people, electric toothbrushes (including vibrating toothbrushes) may have other attractions. The Haru Report mentions that people with special needs, such as the elderly and people with limited manual dexterity, are more comfortable using electric toothbrushes. In addition, people who wear braces and other orthodontic appliances may prefer to use electric toothbrushes. If you are not sure which toothbrush best meets your needs, you can check with your dentist.