If your teeth appear longer than they used to, chances are you have receding gums. There are several possible causes of receding gums, including poor oral hygiene, inflammation, or even lip piercings. But for people who are in good overall oral health and do not have any of the other risk factors, overzealous brushing is often the cause of their receding gums. At San Diego Periodontics, proper brushing technique is one of the first things we discuss with our patients who have receding gums, and that almost invariably leads to a conversation about the best type of toothbrush for teeth and gums. Read on if you’re curious to know more about the electric vs manual toothbrush for receding gums.
Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush for receding gums
We always say the best toothbrush is the one you use properly and consistently. Some people prefer electric. Others prefer manual. Both can be used effectively to keep gums and teeth clean and healthy, as long as you use them twice daily, for 2 minutes at a time, taking care to reach every tooth. But what most people forget is that there’s no need to apply a lot of pressure. Whether you have an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, the bristles will do their job. Gentle brushing is important for your tooth enamel and your gums. That’s key no matter which type of toothbrush you choose.
Electric toothbrush advantages
- Varied range of motion helps to remove more plaque
- Higher rate of brush movement than manual
- Easier for those with limited mobility
- Built-in 2-minute timer takes out the guesswork
- More fun for kids
- Pressure sensors offer reminders to be gentle on gums
Manual toothbrush advantages
- Effective for removing plaque and cleaning teeth
- Easy to maintain and replace
- Budget-friendly
- Convenient for travel
- Variety of head sizes, bristle firmness, and handle designs available
- Conscientious brushing makes pressure adjustment easy
Electric toothbrush disadvantages
- Requires electricity or batteries
- Requires maintenance (charging or changing batteries, replacing the head, etc)
- Inconvenient for travel
- More expensive
- Easy to add additional pressure and overbrush
Manual toothbrush disadvantages
- No timer to ensure proper duration of brushing
- Higher likelihood of harsh brushing
- No pressure sensors for gentle brushing reminders
- More frequent replacement than electric toothbrush head
- Difficult for those with dexterity problems
As we mentioned before, whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, it’s important to avoid applying too much pressure. Harsh brushing with either type can wear down tooth enamel, expose the tooth roots, cause tooth sensitivity, and increase the chance of decay and infection. Once the gums recede, it can’t be reversed. But it can be stopped and it can be treated. If you have receding gums, come see us at San Diego Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today.
Get The Right Treatment For Receding Gums In San Diego
At San Diego Periodontics, we’re proud to offer The Pinhole Technique, a scalpel-free and suture-free restorative gum recession treatment that provides instant cosmetic improvement with minimal downtime. Dr. Kennie Kwok is Board Certified in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry and has earned certifications in The Chao Pinhole Technique as well as a range of other innovative techniques for optimizing oral health. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kwok, give us a call at (619) 543-0905 today.
