Along with paying a visit to your dentist every six months, it's essential to use good dental care practices at home. Some people even invest in electric toothbrushes to ensure their teeth remain bright and healthy, as these devices are often touted as more effective. If you're thinking about purchasing a new brush, this guide can help you make an informed decision. 

Pros

Electric brushes have a lot to offer in terms of convenience. These devices can effectively clean plaque and bacteria from teeth with minimal effort from you. The oscillating brush head replicates the brushing motion necessary to remove food particles and other debris from tooth enamel. For people with medical conditions like arthritis, this can greatly improve their dental routine. Many models also feature timers, so you'll know exactly when to end your brushing session.  

Electric brushes exert the perfect amount of pressure to keep your enamel in amazing shape. Brushing too hard causes enamel to wear down at a faster rate, which can contribute to cavities and sensitivity. When pressure is automatically modulated, it's much easier to use the recommended dental care practices. 

Cons

The major drawback of an electric brush is the cost. In addition to the purchase of the brush, you'll also need replacement brush heads every three months or so. While some brushes and brush heads are reasonably priced, they still cost quite a bit more than conventional ones. 

Electric brushes also have batteries that must be charged before they can be used, so it's necessary to get into the habit of plugging it into the charger every few weeks. If you drop the device, the battery could break and render it ineffective. For these reasons, many people keep a traditional brush in the bathroom in case the electric model is temporarily unusable.

No matter what type of brush you use, dentists encourage patients to brush twice a day, floss once, and keep up with routine checkups. In Enterprise, AL, S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, offers the benefit of more than 28 years of experience. In addition to preventive care, this dental clinic also provides cosmetic and restorative procedures to enhance the look and function of your smile. You'll also love the kind and caring demeanor of the dental care staff as they strive to make every patient feel comfortable. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today by calling (334) 475-2624. New patients can also visit the website to access helpful forms for their appointment.