Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Monday, December 14, 2009

Toothbrushes…Electric or not?

The choice of the toothbrush you use today has become, in many cases, a selection process with an abundance of alternatives. So how does one decide which brush is best for them? Should I choose electric or manual? Should the bristles be hard or soft? Should it be a spin or ultrasonic toothbrush? Decisions, decisions, decisions!

The bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today, was not invented until 1498 in China. The bristles were actually the stiff, coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog's neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. Boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours. The first nylon toothbrush was called Doctor West's Miracle Toothbrush.

From a dentists point of view a soft brush is better than a hard to protect the gums. Hard bristles can literally brush away gum tissue at the necks of the teeth if used too hard. The technique of how you use the brush is the means of how effective it will be in removing plaque, not the coarseness of the bristles.

Manual or electric? This is an issue that is answered on an individual basis. There are claims by various companies that indicate an ultrasonic or electric powered toothbrush may be more effective under certain circumstances than a manual brush. Everyone’s mouth and everybody’s oral habits, health, risk factors and oral health varies. What works for one, may not work for the next. An electric toothbrush can be an alternative for special needs such as children that won’t or can’t brush, individuals with arthritis, those with braces and extensive dental work.
We are here to answer your questions. Your choice of a brush can be a decision made with your dentist or dental hygienist. We will take into consideration all your oral health needs and wants. Please give us a call at 561-394-9000 to schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned and examined. We will determine at that time the best option for maintaining your dental health!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.
2900 N. Military Trail
Suite 212
Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.