We’re really starting to feel the Christmas buzz here at 92 Dental – it’s one of our favourite times of year! The gift purchasing part of Christmas can always become a little stressful, especially when you’re stuck for ideas. What better gift to give than the gift of better oral health with an electric toothbrush? Today, we’re making a case as to why electric toothbrushes make superb Christmas gifts and why they’ve soared in popularity over the last few years.
Electric toothbrushes vs manual toothbrushes
The first thing to consider is how electric toothbrushes trump manual toothbrushes. As part of research spanning 11 years, scientists have found that those who use electric toothbrushes have healthier gums, less decay and retain their natural teeth for longer than those who use manual brushes.
Electric toothbrushes have oscillating heads which move in both directions, making them more effective at removing plaque than their manual counterparts. This also reduces the probability of over brushing, which can cause problems like gum recession, enamel wear and sensitivity overtime. Some of the features we recommend looking out for when purchasing your gift of an electric toothbrush include:
Timer: knowing when 2 minutes are up without a phone or a clock at hand isn’t an easy estimate to make. By having an electric toothbrush that integrates this as part of its design, the person brushing will always know they’re getting those vital 2 minutes each brushing session.
Good battery life: choose a brush with a lithium ion battery lasting 2-4 weeks, as opposed to the old models which use a NiMH battery which tend to last only 7 days. Poor battery life can lead to missed brushing sessions and poorer quality brushing sessions.
Pressure sensors: pressure sensors will warn the user when they’re over brushing their teeth and therefore promote better technique.
Travel case: a travel case will ensure the brush doesn’t come into contact with any debris whilst in a bag. Some brushes allow for USB charging when inside their case – a great feature for busy people who are often on the move.
Do electric toothbrushes keep teeth white?
This is a question we get asked a lot when discussing the advantages of an electric toothbrush over a manual one. Electric toothbrushes don’t inherently remove more plaque and stains, but they do encourage better technique. Studies have shown that when we use a manual toothbrush, we are more likely to become lazy and inconsistent with applying good brushing technique. As electric toothbrushes are designed to make this easier for the user (by encompassing the features we’ve already cited above), they can help to keep discolouration at bay. However, you should also stay away from tooth-staining food and drink as much as possible to bolster the effects of better brushing technique with an electric brush.
If you’re looking for a gift that will whiten the recipient’s teeth, and they’re based near the Chiswick area of London, here at 92 Dental we offer professional teeth whitening treatment that can safely and effectively reverse discolouration. We use only market leading, trusted brands and the process behind treatment is simple, straightforward and completely customised. Find out more about teeth whitening at 92 Dental here.
So, which electric toothbrush should I go for?
With multiple brands and models to choose from, it can be tricky to choose the electric toothbrush to gift a loved one, family member or friend.
Here are our 4 top picks, to give you some inspiration:
Oral-B iO9: Priced at £500, this is by far the most expensive brush on our list. The Oral-B iO9 includes multiple brushing modes, including whitening, intense, and even tongue clean. Incorporating granular mapping, the brush allows you to target specific areas of your mouth more accurately, and the dedicated app gives you the chance to track your progress, using sensors that are trained via a special algorithm – pretty innovative stuff!
Oral-B Pro 2 2500 CrossAction: A brush that’s excellent value for money at only £29.99, good battery life and 2 different cleaning modes. It may not have all the luxurious features of some of the other Oral-B models, but this is a reliable brush that we approve of here at 92 Dental.
Colgate ProClinical 250R: An affordable brush from dentist-approved brand Colgate. Whilst there is the slight drawback of only having one speed to choose from, it’s a decent entry-level brush that’s gentle on the gums.
Phillips Sonicare for kids: If it’s a child you’re looking to buy a memorable and useful gift for, look no further than the Sonicare model from Phillips. This Bluetooth-connected brush incorporates a companion app which features a virtual buddy that encourages kids to brush their teeth, and allows parents to track their child’s brushing habits. An ideal gift for younger kids.
The Takeaway
Numerous studies have concluded that electric toothbrushes deliver a superior clean than manual brushes, as long as the correct technique is adhered to. Electric toothbrushes are the gift that keep on giving, as they can help the recipient develop better technique which will improve their oral health in the long term.
As electric toothbrushes do most of the work with their oscillating heads, they’re a fantastic choice for those with limited mobility and dexterity, including stroke, Parkinson’s carpal tunnel and arthritis sufferers.
If you are currently a patient at 92 Dental and you would like to book an appointment, please contact us at your convenience on 020 8748 1381. If you’re a new patient looking for a dentist near the Chiswick area and who would like to register with us, (firstly, welcome!) and secondly please contact our new patient telephone number, which you can find here. We look forward to your visit.
