If you’ve waited until this week to finish your holiday shopping, you are officially a last-minute shopper. With Hanukkah already underway and Christmas just days away, finding the perfect gift for everyone may prove to be difficult. Knoxville dentist Dr. Jim Erpenbach has a suggestion that could be the perfect high-tech gift for everyone on…
If you’ve waited until this week to finish your holiday shopping, you are officially a last-minute shopper. With Hanukkah already underway and Christmas just days away, finding the perfect gift for everyone may prove to be difficult. Knoxville dentist Dr. Jim Erpenbach has a suggestion that could be the perfect high-tech gift for everyone on your list: an electric toothbrush.
Are electric toothbrushes actually better for your teeth?
Multiple sources, including the British Dental Health Foundation, say that electric toothbrushes are up to 25 percent more effective at removing plaque and bacteria than traditional toothbrushes.
Studies also show that people are more likely to brush their teeth for longer amounts of time with an electric toothbrush. The power of the toothbrush itself plus the longer brushing time are both helpful when it comes to fighting tooth-decay and gum disease-causing dental plaque and bacteria. Because of this, it’s safe to say that electric toothbrushes do more for your teeth than traditional brushes do.
What are the perks of electric toothbrushes?
Although the features of high-tech toothbrushes vary from model to model, a few features have become standard. Most noticeably, the heads of all electric toothbrushes spin, vibrate, or move in some way to clean your teeth more thoroughly with less effort on your part. When combined with an easy-to-grip handle, electric toothbrushes make a great gift for individuals with limited dexterity and range of movement because they will have to work and move less to achieve a clean mouth.
More advanced toothbrushes often come equipped with a timer to let you know when you’ve brushed for long enough and a pressure sensor to make sure you’re brushing rigorously enough to clean your teeth, but not hard enough to damage your tooth enamel and gum tissue.
Which one is right for me?
To choose the right electric toothbrush for you or your loved one, you first need to consider his or her needs and your budget. Oral B, Sonicare, Spinbrush, Waterpik, and other brands offer moderate to advanced models of toothbrushes for all price ranges. If you have specific dental needs, such as mild gum disease, Dr. Erpenbach can suggest a proper at-home dental hygiene routine.
For more tips and tricks to keep your smile healthy and sparkling, call Dr. Erpenbach’s Knoxville, Tennessee dentist office at 865-584-8630. We are now accepting appointments for early 2012.
