Remember when simply switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric meant being at the cutting-edge of oral healthcare? Well, going electric still comes with plenty of benefits, including the option to take advantage of the latest inbuilt features. These range from the more everyday, such as inbuilt timers, to the more futuristic, such as smartphone apps.
Here are just a few electric toothbrush features you might consider.
Inbuilt Timer
What Does It Do?
Most timers will vibrate and/or buzz after 2 minutes has elapsed. Many will also vibrate and/or buzz at a lower frequency or volume every 30 seconds.
What’s the Point?
Your dentist has probably told you to brush your teeth for around two minutes. They should also have told you to spend roughly 30 seconds brushing each quadrant: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. But it’s tricky to measure that in your head. You may spend too much time on one part of your mouth and not enough time on another, or you may simply not be brushing enough. A timer makes sure you stick to the proper schedule.
Pressure Indicator
What Does It Do?
When you push down too hard, a light will be activated along the handle until you ease off.
What’s the Point?
Too few people understand the dangers of overbrushing. When you exert too much pressure, brushing actually wears away tooth enamel, which puts you at increased risk of decay and sensitivity. By heeding the feedback of your pressure indicator, you can effectively avoid overbrushing.
Smartphone Feedback
What Does It Do?
Bluetooth apps connect toothbrush to smartphone. As you brush, real-time feedback is displayed to teach you how to refine your brushing technique.
What’s the Point?
Real-time brushing feedback sounds vaguely ridiculous at first, and perhaps a waste of money. In fact, it can significantly improve your technique. Even a slight error in the way you hold your toothbrush can mean missing certain tooth surfaces. With smartphone feedback, you can coach yourself to achieve perfect form.