When you turn up for your next scheduled appointment at the dentist you will want them to look inside your mouth and compliment you on how well you seem to be looking after your teeth.

Whether that happens will often depend on how good your teeth cleaning regime is.

If you talk to any professional dental practice, like Northstar Dental of Nazareth, for instance, they will often emphasize the importance of brushing your teeth properly in order to enjoy the best level of oral hygiene and prevent decay.

To keep your teeth in the best possible shape should you use an electric or manual toothbrush?

Here is a look at the pros and cons of either option.

The case for electric toothbrushes

All dental professionals will tell you that brushing your teeth is at the very heart of achieving a good level of oral health and preventing tooth decay.

One of the biggest threats is the buildup of plaque. An electric toothbrush is often considered to be more effective at removing plaque than using a manual toothbrush.

An electric toothbrush is specifically designed to use vibrating and rotating bristles in a way that achieves a high level of cleaning efficiency each time you use it. An electric toothbrush that uses oscillating brushes tends to work more effectively than a vibrating version when it comes to removing plaque.

Many electric toothbrushes have features such as a built-in timer. This helps ensure you spend the correct amount of time brushing your teeth each day.

The obvious downside to choosing an electric toothbrush is the cost of buying one, plus the cost of replacing the brush heads periodically. However, some may consider it money well spent if it helps them to keep their teeth as clean as possible and their gums healthier too.

The case for manual toothbrushes

The most obvious advantage of using a manual toothbrush is that it is an affordable way to look after your teeth.

You do need to be more disciplined about how you use a manual toothbrush. It can be difficult to gauge how long you have spent brushing. It can also be easier to brush too hard and damage your gums and teeth when the brushing action is not controlled and regulated.

There is no question that using a manual toothbrush can be an effective way of keeping your teeth clean and promoting good oral hygiene, as long as they are used correctly.

The likelihood is that the majority of dental professionals will usually recommend that you invest in an electric toothbrush if you really want to keep your teeth and mouth in the best possible shape.

There is nothing wrong with using a manual toothbrush either, so it is really a matter of personal preference, convenience, and cost.

Whichever option you choose. The aim is the same. You want a solution that allows you to open your mouth for the dentist and not worry so much about what they are going to say about the state of your teeth. Regular brushing will always improve the odds of a good outcome in that respect.