Since electric toothbrushes were invented, people have been asking the question: Are they actually better? Every layman and dentist alike has a preference, but the answer is more complicated than just a simple yes or no. The team at Tkatch Dentistry in High Point, NC, wants to ensure their patients receive the best dental care in the office and at home, which is why they've looked into the issue.

According to a 2014 Cochrane analysis of earlier studies, electric toothbrushes may be slightly better at removing plaque, with roughly a 21% difference. If you already have gingivitis, it is more likely to get better if you use an electric toothbrush as opposed to a manual one. However, if you don't already have gingivitis, that difference isn't significant enough to merit a switch. 

There is one more caveat, though: You have to be brushing effectively. This usually isn't a problem for healthy adults, but as every family dentist knows, children may have trouble reaching all the surfaces of their teeth. Additionally, for those with arthritis or other mobility issues, manual brushing can be painful or even impossible. In these cases, an electric toothbrush can make a real difference in dental health.

Ultimately, if you aren't having any problems with your manual toothbrush, you don't need to switch. The extra cost of an electric toothbrush is unnecessary if you don't need it for a specific reason. But if your oral health is suffering, then aside from searching “dentist near me” and setting up an appointment, an electric toothbrush may be one of the best ways to get your mouth back on track.

If you need a dentist in the High Point area, Tkatch Dentistry is ready to help you. Contact them at (336) 889-9916 or go online to make an appointment.