Patient Info

Toothbrushes

Mechanical vs. Manual Brush-Which One is Best for You?

How should one determine which type of brush to use for the best oral hygiene possible?  Is a mechanical brush as good as or better than a manual brush?  The answer is determined by many factors.  The main determining factor is which brush is best for you as an individual?  You need to choose the type of brush you like, one that is easy to use and will be thorough. 

If your choice is a manual brush, the requirements are soft bristles and a handle that allows you to move the brush in the correct manner to keep the gumline clean and plaque free.

If your choice is a mechanical brush, then a brush that spins or vibrates is necessary.  The spin brush removes two times the plaque as a manual brush in a shorter amount of time.  It will also reduce gingivitis and provide the necessary cleaning action as you move it along the gumline.  It can also remove stains caused by coffee, tea and tobacco.  The bristles move at a very high frequency with a vibrating brush.  Vibrations at 30,000 strokes per minute create dynamic action that drives fluid forces into the spaces between teeth and along the gumline.  This helps prevent gingivitis or gum tissue infection.

Mechanical brushes are safe to use on any restorative work including veneers, implants and around margins of crowns and bridges.  They also are advantageous for patients with braces.  It is more difficult to clean around brackets and wires and the mechanical brush makes the process of brushing easier and more thorough.  Mechanical brushes are also recommended for patients who have generalized gum recession.  This prevents further damage from occurring to the tissue.

There are general  health issues associated with your oral health as well.  That is why daily brushing and flossing should be accomplished in the best possible manner.  For example, diabetic patients must pay special attention to their teeth and gums in order to better maintain their overall health.  Stress reduces the body's ability to fight off infection that plaque can cause, so it is most important to have good oral hygiene in order to combat gingivitis and oral disease.  Smoking is another significant risk factor for developing gum disease; therefore, it is very important for tobacco users to have excellent oral hygiene habits.

Whether you choose a manual or mechanical brush, it is still important to brush at least two times daily, floss once daily, use an antimicrobial rinse two times daily and visit your dental office twice annually for routine care and screening.

If you have questions concerning any recommendations, please feel free to contact our office.

Homecare Recommendations

Our office strongly recommends our patients to use powered tooth brushes.  They are approximately eighty percent more effective at removing bacteria and toxins than a manual toothbrush.  If using a manual toothbrush, always select soft bristles. We encourage you to brush at least two times daily using fluoridated toothpaste. If you have problems with sensitive teeth, you can use toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitivity.  MI Paste Plus is another product that our office uses for sensitivity and also for strengthening teeth to prevent decay.  This is a prescription paste and can only be purchased through a dental office.  We encourage patients to floss daily using either dental floss or floss piks.  Antiseptic rinses are also very beneficial in reducing the amount of bacteria present in the mouth.  You should rinse once or twice daily for one minute pushing the rinse forcefully between the teeth.