WHY SHOULD I OWN A POWER TOOTHBRUSH?

Studies have shown the average person only brushes their teeth for 45 seconds or less.  Dental professionals recommend the majority of patients brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes.  Manual or traditional toothbrushes are simply ineffective at cleaning teeth compared to power/electric toothbrushes.  The amount of bristle contact with a power brush compared to a manual toothbrush can be as much as 10 times higher.  

A new innovation with power toothbrushes is the ability to connect to your smart phone via bluetooth.  This provides a number of advantages that can promote better tooth cleaning, healthier teeth and gums and better checkups with your dentist. 

• Built-in Timers – most current power brushes include a timer built-in to the handle and/or the smartphone application to ensure you are brushing for the full 2 minutes.
• Location Sensors – some modern power brushes that connect to a smartphone app include location sensors that can show you where you have brushed, places you may have missed or that require more attention.  This ensures you are performing a complete clean. 
• Pressure Alerts – a common issue that dentists see with patient that use manual brushes is toothbrush abrasion, or brushing too hard.  Power toothbrushes can come with a sensor that alerts you if you’re using too much force.  The smartphone app will show you your location along with alerts if you’re pressing too hard. 
• Brushing Data –  several power brushes now store up to 6 months of brushing data in the handle ready for download to a smartphone regardless of whether the bluetooth connectivity and application is used.  This can help educate the patient and provide important compliance data to the dentist for managing acute problems associated with poor oral hygiene. Most apps can generate a personal report to share with your dentist via email or direct viewing. 
• Reminders – another great feature with a smartphone app that connects to your brush are built-in reminders.  This can include flossing, tongue cleaning and use of mouthrinses.  I can also notify you when your brush head requires replacement, the status of your battery and additional healthcare tips, even news and weather. 

If you need emergency or cosmetic dental care, turn to Christopher F. Heck, DMD – Montgomery General Dentistry. You can learn more about one the best general dentists in Montgomery, OH, by visiting the practice online. To make an appointment with a skilled family dentist, call (513) 794-1884.