Toothbrushing: manual vs. power

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Why is it that so many of us neglect our oral health? Dr Hoosen, renowned Johannesburg dentist, explains that the most important part of dental care happens at home. “Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental check-ups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.” 

September is Oral Health Awareness Month and this year, Oral-B invites you to take back your power in the fight against plaque and periodontal disease. In the name of good oral health, the leading toothbrush brand is seeking to raise awareness around the high number of benefits associated with switching from manual to power brushing. Changing to an automated brush is a great way to take back the power and resist the effects of poor oral hygiene. 

“To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque from the teeth and the best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes,” explains Dr Hoosen. “Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy and therefore your dental professional may suggest that you upgrade to a power toothbrush.” 

Brushing using a power brush may be more effective than using an ordinary manual toothbrush and gives you a dentist-fresh feeling that is easy to achieve, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. 

Comparisons have been made between power toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque and prevent or reduce tartar build-up, thus reducing gingivitis (gum disease). These research studies have shown that brushing using a power brush may be more effective than using an ordinary manual toothbrush. 

“For this reason, I always recommend a power toothbrush to my patients. They really help people to brush for the correct amount of time, covering all areas of the mouth equally with the right amount of pressure. Power brushes are also clinically proven to remove more plaque when compared to their manual counterparts. Furthermore, power brushes have built in oscillating-rotating technology, which helps to prevent the build-up of tartar, plaque, cavities and gum problems,” prescribes Dr Hoosen. 

Too many of us believe that brushing manually is good enough. Take back your power in the fight against oral diseases and switch to an Oral-B power tooth brush. Make sure you join the power revolution this Oral Health Awareness Month. 

Ask a Dental expert a question.

(Press release from Oral-B, September 2012)