When it comes to cleaning your teeth, you might wonder whether it's better to go for a modern electric toothbrush or take dental hygiene back to basics with a manual brush. Dentists generally agree that electric toothbrushes offer a better clean, although both types of brush are helpful for protecting dental health. Here are three reasons why you should consider purchasing an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums.

1. Remove More Plaque

Studies show that electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque by about 21 percent more than manual toothbrushes over three months. Dental plaque is a bacteria-rich film that builds up on the teeth, particularly if you eat a diet high in sugar. Removing plaque every day is the key to protecting your teeth and gums from decay and disease.

All toothbrushes can remove plaque, but electric toothbrushes scrub it away more effectively as they take more strokes with every minute of brushing. Other dentist-approved tips for removing plaque include using mouthwash and daily flossing.

2. Brush for Longer

Many people know that dentists recommend brushing for two minutes but end up cutting short their brushing sessions out of boredom. The average person brushes for only 45 seconds, which is not long enough to provide optimal plaque removal.

Using an electric toothbrush is a great way to encourage yourself to brush for the full dentist-recommended two minutes. Almost all modern electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer. Not only does the timer let you know when you've reached the full two minutes of brushing, but they also vibrate every 30 seconds so you can divide your brushing time into four to ensure you brush all four quarters of your mouth equally.

3. Address Your Individual Oral Health Needs

Electric toothbrush manufacturers produce many different types of brush heads that you can use with their handles, so you are sure to find one that works well for you. If you suffer from sensitive teeth and gums, then a sensitive brush head is the perfect way to get a thorough clean without experiencing any irritation.

Other types of brush heads include orthodontic heads, which can help people who have braces to protect their teeth during their treatment. There are also whitening brush heads, which offer superior stain removal compared to regular brush heads. Finally, you can use cross-action brush heads to get a deeper clean between the teeth, which is useful if you struggle with using floss.

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