Using Fluoride Toothpaste Right with Electric Toothbrushes

If you're brushing your teeth at least twice a day, then you're on the right track as far as dental hygiene. Many people chose to use fluoride toothpaste to enhance the results. Now, research has shown that people who use an electric toothbrush typically get better results than those who use the traditional manual varieties. Specifically, the rotation and oscillating motions of the electric toothbrush remove more plaque and are therefore more effective at preventing gum disease (gingivitis).

Over the past several decades, much research has been done comparing manual and electric toothbrushes. Comprehensive analysis of these studies research found that electric toothbrushes edge out the competition. Their results:

People who used an electric toothbrush for one month reduced their plaque levels 11 percent more than those who used manual brushes.

During the same time period, electric toothbrush users reduced their risk of gum disease by 6 percent. After three months, this rate jumps to 17 percent.

Electric toothbrushes did not cause any more gum damage than manual toothbrushes.

When you're selecting an electric toothbrush, keep in mind that many dentists recommend using one with a smaller head. That's because it's easier to move around inside your mouth, and also easier to get into the gaps between teeth, where plaque is most likely to form. Powered brushes also can be easier to use for children and for adults who have arthritis or other problems that limit their movement. Combined with fluoride toothpaste, this is an effective method for cleaning the teeth.

If you opt for an electric toothbrush, you'll get better results if you use one with a combination rotation-oscillation motion. (This simply means that the brush rotates in a circular motion and changes direction frequently, to produce a scrubbing effect.) Other electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual brushes, but studies found that their results were less consistent. There also was little difference in performance between higher-priced and cheaper models.

Fluoride toothpastes are highly effective. What's important is that your teeth are cleaned regularly, in order to prevent gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems. If you brush, do so at least twice a day, for at least 2 to 3 minutes, and floss at least once a day. Whether it's electric or manual, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, which are less likely to damage your gums. Angle the brush against your gum line, where the teeth and gums meet. Move the brush back and forth, with a gentle scrubbing motion, and focus on cleaning only one or two teeth at a time. Brush all sides of the teeth, and also gently brush your gums and the surface of your tongue. Make sure your brush is doing the trick by replacing it whenever the bristles are worn and/or bent, normally every three to four months.

Finally, above all, keep in mind that it doesn't matter whether you use an electric toothbrush, a manual toothbrush, or an alternative tooth-cleaning method, such as OraMD® or herbal toothpastes.