Electronic Toothbrush: A great weapon against plaque formation

Electronic Toothbrush: A great weapon against plaque formation

September 21, 2015 / in pediatric dentist / by FWCD-Admin
3kids brushing teeth

Controlling plaque buildup is an important reason for practicing proper oral hygiene. Plaque is a sticky substance that is formed from colonized bacteria and coats teeth and gums. This substance can weaken the enamel surface of teeth, and if not removed with thorough brushing and flossing, plaque will harden into tartar. Some patients prefer using an electronic toothbrush over a manual one to control plaque. This is because an electronic toothbrush is comfortable to use and can increase the amount of plaque removed when used properly. Even though electronic toothbrushes are popular among adults, children can benefit from them too. Our pediatric dentists and team encourage parents and caregivers to place a priority on oral healthcare by teaching children proper oral hygiene and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.
 

Benefits of Electronic Toothbrushes

Powered by batteries, electronic toothbrushes feature automatically rotating heads that spin to clean teeth and gums. Since the heads of the brush rotate automatically, the bristles of the brush can clean more efficiently than a manual toothbrush. This is because the spinning heads turn in faster revolutions than a person manually brushing his or her teeth does. By simplifying the process of brushing teeth, a patient with an electronic toothbrush can focus on brushing for the recommended amount of time (two minutes) and making sure to clean all areas of the mouth.

Another benefit to using electronic is the fact that patients simply have to hold the brush over their teeth and gums. Instead of manually running the brush over teeth, an electronic brush eliminates the likelihood of brushing too vigorously. Brushing too hard can damage tooth enamel and inflame the gums.
 

The Importance of Flossing

While an electronic toothbrush can help patients of all ages achieve a full-mouth clean, flossing is still important. Flossing allows for cleaning in between the crevices of teeth that a toothbrush simply cannot reach. Once a child reaches the age of four or five, he or she should start flossing once a day.

Our pediatric dentists provide comprehensive kid’s dental care including preventive and restorative treatments. Call us at Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry today to schedule an appointment for your child!