Manual or electric? - What matters when choosing the toothbrush

It does not always have to be an electric one: what really matters when choosing a toothbrush
Regular brushing is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and unpleasant toothache. Besides the right brushing, the choice of toothbrush also plays a role. According to experts, it does not necessarily have to be an electric one; often the classic manual toothbrush is completely sufficient.

Most important measure against tooth decay
Nothing prevents tooth decay, gingivitis and toothache as well as regular brushing. But it also depends heavily on the right technology. For example, shaking and stroking is useful, according to dentists. Another important factor is the choice of toothbrush. Experts say it does not necessarily have to be an electric toothbrush. One should rather test how to deal with a conventional manual toothbrush before spending a lot of money on the machine.

Electric toothbrushes are handy to handle, but a few important details should be considered when choosing them. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com)

Clean dental hygiene with the doctor
How to do this best explains dentist Prof. Dr. med. Michael Noack from the Center for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Cologne in a message from the news agency dpa. He recommends that patients clean their teeth the way they do every day before the next appointment, and then ask the doctor if that will be enough. If this is not the case, you could think about another toothbrush. A contribution on the website of the proDente initiative will generally lead to the smallest possible brush head, rounded plastic bristles being ideal. Too hard bristles should never be used. It is best to choose the strengths "soft" to "medium soft". At the latest after three months, the brush should be renewed.

Electric toothbrushes with benefits
Some advise however to the electrical variant. "Compared to a manual toothbrush, you can reduce the plaque by 15 percent more," says Noack. This probably has to do with the fact that the electric toothbrush compensates for bad cleaning. ProDente also highlights the advantages of electric brushes. Prof. Dr. Petra Ratka-Krüger, Head of the Periodontology Section at the Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the University Hospital of Freiburg, said in an interview last year: "In the fight against dental plaque, electric toothbrushes - with or without sound technology - are the most popular Superior to manual toothbrushes. Some studies show that the electric toothbrush achieves greater plaque reduction than manual toothbrushes, regardless of the brushing technique used. "

Avoid injury to the gums
Especially for people who are manually restricted, an electric toothbrush can be helpful. According to Noack, it is a matter of taste, whether it should then be an oscillating-rotating or sonic toothbrush. "Sonic toothbrushes are very effective," said the physician. With a model with a pressure sensor injuries of the gums can be well avoided. Corresponding models are also available with electric toothbrushes. The noise level is very different: "With oscillating-rotating toothbrushes you hear the engine noise clearly. Sonic toothbrushes, on the other hand, make a high, quiet tone, "says Noack, according to dpa. "With the latter, the teeth are also noticeably smoother. Some patients enjoy it. "Although this does not make any medical difference, it does help with self-control: where the teeth felt smooth, you had enough cleansing. (Ad)