Are you worried about your teeth, decided to pay more attention to them, went to the dentist and decided that you need to take your teeth more seriously? Thinking about getting an electric toothbrush or irrigator, but don't know which is better? Then this article is for you. Read on - which is better: regular or electric toothbrush, the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush, whether an irrigator replaces a toothbrush or floss.
Irrigator and electric toothbrush. An irrigator is an electric device for cleaning teeth from plaque. Washes the teeth with a jet of water or a specialized liquid. Water/liquid penetrates into the deepest crevices, interdental spaces, and all pieces of food and dirt are washed out from there.
An electric toothbrush is a mechanical toothbrush. The design is based on a classic toothbrush, but in addition there is a motor. It causes the bristles of the apparatus to vibrate and rotate at an adjustable speed. The first electric toothbrush was created in 1954 in Switzerland and was intended for people with hand dysmotility. Over time, the device became popular with healthy people due to its effectiveness, convenience and ease of use.
Which is better: regular or electric toothbrush. According to surveys of dentists, the vast majority said that there is no difference between them. You can brush your teeth equally well with both a regular and an electric toothbrush. The popularity of electric models is due to their convenience. Firstly, they are simply easier and faster to brush your teeth. Secondly, they have special programs for high-quality cleaning of teeth from plaque. Thirdly, they have additional features like a timer or sound effects.
Electric and regular toothbrushes are equally effective. Although sonic electric brushes can be distinguished - they act on the gums with ultrasound, eliminating all bacteria at a depth of up to 6 millimeters. The electric one is just more convenient and cleans your teeth faster.
Types of electric toothbrushes:
- Classic mechanical. The most popular models are a brush, the head of which is rounded and rotates from a simple motor. Sometimes there is a timer. There are no additional features. They cost around 2-5 thousand rubles.
- Sound. They make 500 sound vibrations per second, resulting in the formation of microbubbles that penetrate into all the cracks and interdental space. From there, they literally wash out all the bacteria and plaque. The peculiarity of these models is that they are all suitable for people with sensitive teeth, as well as for children. This is due to the fact that they gently affect the enamel. The price for the device reaches 9 thousand rubles.
- Ultrasonic. The most efficient and most expensive electric brushes. According to studies of several dentistry, ultrasonic brushes are 1.5-2 times better at removing plaque from the surface of the teeth. These studies indicate that they cope with this and are several times faster than conventional models. A special speaker creates a high frequency sound that is not picked up by human hearing. The vibrations of this sound are even smaller than water molecules or toothbrush bristles, so they penetrate into the gaps between the teeth and gums to a depth of 6 mm. On this entire surface, the bacteria are affected by sound. As a result, both soft and hard deposits are destroyed. It only takes a few seconds over each tooth. The cost of such models reaches 20 thousand rubles, the average price is 10-17 thousand.
Irrigator or toothbrush/dental floss. Wondering if an irrigator can replace a toothbrush? Let's answer right away - no. This is based on the recommendations and research of dentists. The irrigator does a good job of cleaning the dirt between the teeth and gums, washes away hard deposits, washes away plaque and bacteria. But the irrigator does not wash off plaque on the main surface of the teeth. On the contrary, under the influence of a jet of water, it is imprinted on the tooth. Therefore, a complex effect of a toothbrush and an irrigator is recommended.
As for dental floss, the irrigator can replace it. Although it is still recommended to use it for the sake of a complex effect.
Pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush. It was previously mentioned that the quality of brushing teeth with a conventional and electric toothbrush is the same (only ultrasonic models are more effective). Therefore, the advantages of the electric brush are its convenience, simplicity and additional functions:
- Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is easier (less effort required)
- It is possible to program it to perform certain movements
- Some models have a timer
- Adjustable rotation speed
