Are You Damaging Your Gums With Your Electric Toothbrush? Glen Ellyn, IL Family Dentist Explains (2024)

FAQs

Are You Damaging Your Gums With Your Electric Toothbrush? Glen Ellyn, IL Family Dentist Explains? ›

Scrubbing back and forth with an electric toothbrush can irritate and wear away at your gums over time, resulting in receding gums. Instead, simply guide your toothbrush along your teeth at a 45 degree angle to your gums – the ideal angle for sweeping away plaque from the gum line.

Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.

To prevent gum damage, it is advisable to choose a soft or extra-soft brush head, use gentle circular motions, and allow the bristles to do the work without exerting excessive force.

A 2017 study published in the journal PLOS One found that electric toothbrushes were more likely than manual to abrade dentin—the tissue directly below the tooth's enamel, which can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede. Abrasions to the dentin increase tooth sensitivity and can hike cavity risks.

Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes. Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH, weighs in on the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush.

Use a soft bristle electric toothbrush – this will be gentle on the gums and will help to remove plaque and bacteria effectively. Brush for two minutes, twice a day – make sure to brush all the surfaces of the teeth, including the gum line, to get rid of all the plaque.

Using an electric toothbrush won't damage your teeth — but misusing one can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity, and gum recession. If you're considering investing in an electric toothbrush, keep reading as Taylor Dental explains how to prevent tooth damage when brushing your teeth.

The Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Higher Cost- Battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than their traditional counterparts. They also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey. Higher Risk of Damage- Because of their electronics, they are at a higher risk of damage if dropped or falling in the water.

Best for Gum Care

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 offers three different brushing modes, including one specifically for gum care.

So, are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes? The answer is a resounding yes! They are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth, they are easier to use, and they come with built-in timers to help you brush for the recommended time period.

What is the problem with electric toothbrush? ›

A: An electric toothbrush, when used properly, is unlikely to cause damage to teeth or gums. However, using too much pressure or brushing too vigorously can cause abrasion or irritation of the gums.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Electric Toothbrushes

Exposing the tooth to the high-frequency vibrations for too long can cause the enamel and dental to wear away.

What if I just buy an electric toothbrush, and use it solely as a sex toy, and only for external use?" Well. Dr. Gersh says that's probably also not a great idea. "The toothbrush base was not designed for such a purpose, and though it's unlikely to create harm, it could damage delicate tissues," she says.

Electric toothbrushes have a considerable advantage over their manual counterparts. Other than being more effective at plaque removal, power toothbrushes are the best types of toothbrushes for gum recession. When used properly, a power toothbrush is safer on the gums and tooth enamel.

Many of our patients ask if toothbrushes are better if they are expensive. In short, the answer is yes and no. Expensive toothbrushes are not better simply because they are expensive. They are better because they have the best essential features.

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do remove more plaque and decrease gingivitis (gum disease) than manual toothbrushes compared with a manual toothbrush.

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

Common Causes of Toothache After Using Electric Toothbrush

Excessive pressure while using an electric toothbrush can lead to enamel wear and gum irritation, which results in acute sensitivity and toothache after using electric toothbrush.