by Dr. Richard J. Walicki | Jan 7, 2024 | Dentistry
Ah, the New Year. A time for resolutions, gym memberships, and promises to ourselves that often evaporate faster than a snowball in July. But this year, let’s ditch the overwhelming changes and embrace the power of the tiny upgrade. We’re talking small tweaks that bring big smiles, like swapping that chipped coffee mug for a sleek travel thermos or replacing that scratchy old t-shirt with a buttery-soft favorite.
And trust me, when it comes to small upgrades with a major impact, there’s nothing quite like… drumroll please… ditching your manual toothbrush for an electric one. Yes, I said it. That humble tool you wield (hopefully!) twice a day holds the key to a cleaner, brighter, and dare I say, happier smile.
Think about it. We upgrade our phones, our clothes, even our furniture. But the trusty tool that massages our gums and chases away plaque? Often, it gets relegated to the bathroom cabinet, hiding somewhere under the sink, collecting dust and harboring questionable bristles.
If you are still using a trusty manual brush you’re not alone. But consider this: electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to remove significantly more plaque than their manual counterparts. That translates to cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and a reduced risk of gum disease – all benefits that ripple outwards from your smile, boosting your confidence and overall well-being.
Here’s the beauty of this upgrade: it’s simple, doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes, and the payoff is immediate. Imagine stepping out of the bathroom with a smile that feels polished, healthy, and ready to tackle the day. Plus, let’s not forget the joy of ditching that familiar arm-aching brushing routine!
Now, let’s talk specifics. Choosing the right electric toothbrush is about finding the perfect fit for your smile. Do you crave deep cleaning power? Opt for sonic vibrations and high-frequency oscillation. Prefer a gentle touch? Look for soft bristles and adjustable cleaning modes. And for tech enthusiasts, smart features like pressure sensors and app integration can take your oral hygiene to a whole new level.
The health benefits of pink gums and white teeth go beyond simple appearance. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of a freshly-brushed smile? It’s like hitting the “confidence boost” button on your face.
Ready to give your smile an upgrade? We hear you! That’s why we’ve curated a selection of electric toothbrushes at our store, each boasting stellar reviews on Amazon. From budget-friendly models to feature-packed beauties, we have something for every smile (and budget).
So, this New Year, skip the gym membership guilt and embrace the power of the tiny upgrade. Swap that old toothbrush for an electric one, and watch your smile transform. Remember, small changes can lead to big results, and a happy, healthy smile is the perfect way to kick off your best year yet.
Visit our store today and discover the electric toothbrush that will make your smile (and your dentist) say “wow!
by Dr. Richard J. Walicki | Oct 17, 2011 | Uncategorized
As a dentist, it’s not unusual to find me browsing the dental aisle from time to time. I like to see what’s new. What I find particularly interesting, though, is watching people as they make their product choices.
My impression is that one area which seems to attract the most indecision relates to the subject of which toothbrush to buy. With manual toothbrushes people ponder over whether to get a soft bristle, a medium hardness, or an outright hard bristle. Then, the question becomes should it be angled or straight?
In my office, people also frequently ask: “How often should I replace my toothbrush?” (As often as once every other month. Don’t let it go beyond three months on average, however. Also, replace your brushes after being sick. The bristles retain germs.)
Then there is the question: is an electric toothbrush really better than a manual? If so, what kind of electric brush? Sonic, rotary, or oscillating?
It can get pretty confusing. So let me sum it up for you.
While I’m not sure every dentist will agree with me (only “three out of four” of us agree on anything anyway) 🙂 here is my opinion:
If you’re buying a manual brush, get a soft bristle. If you are deciding between a manual and electric – go for the electric. In my experience battery-powered brushes are fine, but rechargeable brushes are more convenient and eliminate the cost of frequent battery changes. Rotation-oscillation is usually preferred, but I have seen excellent results with the sonics as well.
Soft bristles are kinder to the gums, and since you should be paying attention to your gum-line when you brush, this is important. When I was in dental school I recall a lecture explaining that soft bristles were also “end-rounded,” which means that if you looked at the tips of the bristles under magnification, their ends are, well, rounded. This is in contrast to bristles that are cut off at sharp angles on the harder brushes. I guess the manufacturers figure if you’re going to buy the harder bristle, “What the heck. There is no point to rounding off these babies, let’s keep ’em really rough.” The trouble is this can be abrasive to your gums.
As for the electric brush, I think a consensus exists that — per time spent brushing — more plaque is removed. So this is worth the extra investment. If finances are tight, I believe that you still can achieve excellent results with a manual brush – if you use it correctly. This means brushing in the correct directions, with the right motions and with the appropriate amount of force. Have your dentist or hygienist demonstrate the recommended technique to you. Also, if you have all of your teeth, you should spend at least two minutes brushing them. In my observation, the trouble is that most people simply don’t brush long enough. So time your brushing. One study showed most people think they are brushing much longer than they actually are. Since human nature seems to be inclined to “rush the brush,” this is where electric brushes have an advantage over the manual variety. Many of the electrics have built-in timers. You can still cheat, but at least you will know you are doing it.
