Elcetric Vs. Manual Toothbrushes

Electric Brush versus Manual Brushes

There have been multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of manual
brushes as opposed to electric brushes.

Although not all electric brushes are the same, these studies conclude that
in general electric brushes are more efficient in controlling plaque than manual
brushes. Theoretically, you can do a very good brushing with a regular hand
brush, but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more
effective.

Also, some electric brushes (Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that
are difficult to mimic with a hand brush! Other electric brushes like Oral-B and
Rotadent have small heads that help you access hard-to-reach areas of your
mouth. This aspect is more important when you are talking about someone with
orthodontic braces or a history of gum disease.

If you have any questions about electric toothbrushes and you live in
or around San Jose, give us a call today!

How to Floss Your Teeth

The surfaces that are between teeth are not accessible to brush; therefore, the best way to clean them is by flossing. The frequency of flossing is like brushing and ideally after each meal, though one time a day (before going to bed) is the minimum necessary.

To start, cut a piece of dental floss (approximately 2 feet). Wrap both sides of the floss around your middle fingers. Using your index and thumb, glide the floss in between all your teeth one by one. When flossing, make sure you are not cutting your gums. The goal is to clean the teeth surfaces, not the gums. In the space in between teeth, press the floss against each side of the tooth (hug the tooth) and gently move it back and forth and up and down. Then move to the opposite surface of the adjacent tooth.

If you have any questions about how to floss your teeth and you live in or around San Jose, give us a call today!