The number of British adults cleaning their teeth with an electric toothbrush has surpassed those using a manual one for the first time, according to the findings of a new nationwide study. New data shows that nearly 12 million people in the UK have switched to an electric toothbrush over the last five years bringing the grand total up to an estimated 34 million people- that's 67% of adults that now use an electric toothbrush!
As the science behind the advantages of electric toothbrushes mounts, the decision whether to invest in one becomes much easier. The strong and clear evidence is that electric toothbrushes are better for our oral health, as electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, are more effective at removing plaque than a manual brush. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
In addition, as technology has developed, the cost of having an electric toothbrush becomes even more affordable. Battery-powered toothbrushes are available for as little as £10 while electric brushes can be had for as little as £40, whilst at the other end of the spectrum there are top end power brushes which have all the latest innovations such as artificial intelligence.
Given the advantages of electric toothbrushes, having one is an excellent investment and could really benefit the health of your mouth. Over the last five years we have seen tremendous advances in oral healthcare technology. There are now electric toothbrushes that alert you to areas in the mouth you have missed, or let you know if you are brushing too hard, or not hard enough. By having new access to your brushing habits and behaviours allows, it gives you the opportunity to be a more effective brusher, which will in turn give you a healthier mouth.
Other features such as in-built timers, allow users to track two minutes in a more reliable way. This is especially important for children and has been shown to be an excellent motivator for them.
If you follow a good oral health routine, whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you’ll have a healthy mouth either way. This means brushing for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should be done last thing at night and at one other time during the day. A daily oral health routine would not be complete without cleaning in between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. If you would like more information on brushing and choosing the right toothbrush just ask at your next hygiene appointment. To book, call us on 020 8958 0136.