Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?

Electric vs. manual toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.  Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. The ADA puts a Seal of Acceptance on any toothbrush, electric or manual, that’s proven safe and effective. Let us look at some of the pros and cons and which one might be best for you.

Electric toothbrush benefits : Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums. The vibration allows for more micro-movements every time you move your toothbrush across your teeth.  More effective at removing plaque: A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

Easier for people with limited mobility: Electric toothbrushes does most of the work for you. They may be helpful for anyone with limited mobility, such as people with: carpal tunnel, arthritis, or developmental disabilities.  Built-in timers :A timer built into an electric toothbrush can help you brush your teeth long enough to sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums. May cause less waste: When it’s time for a new toothbrush, you only have to replace an electric toothbrush head in many cases, so it may be less wasteful than throwing away a full manual toothbrush.  However, if you use a single-use electric toothbrush, you’ll have to completely replace it when it’s time to do so. 

May improve your focus while brushing: At least one study found that people were more focused when brushing their teeth using an electric toothbrush. This improved people’s overall experience brushing and could potentially improve how well you clean your teeth. May improve oral health in people with orthodontic appliances: One study found that electric toothbrushes were particularly helpful for people with orthodontic appliances, such as braces, because it made brushing easier. Among people with appliances who already had good oral health, plaque levels were about the same, whether they used an electric toothbrush or not. But if you find it difficult to clean your mouth while having orthodontic therapy, the electric toothbrush may improve your oral health.  Fun for kids: Not all kids are interested in brushing their teeth. If an electric toothbrush is more engaging to your child, it can help accomplish good oral cleaning and set healthy habits.  Safe for gums: Used properly, an electric toothbrush should not hurt your gums or enamel but instead promote overall oral health.

Electric toothbrush cons

Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones. Prices range anywhere from $15 to $250 per brush. New replacement brush heads usually come in packs of multiples and cost between $10 and $45. Totally disposable electric toothbrushes cost $5 to $8 plus the cost of batteries. Finding the right replacement brush heads may not always be easy or convenient, either, since not all stores carry them, and your local stores may not have the correct brand. You can purchase them online, but this isn’t convenient for everyone, and it’s not a great option if you need a new head right away. You can stock up and have enough on hand to last a year or more but that adds to upfront cost. Not everyone likes the vibrating feeling, either. Plus, electric toothbrushes create a bit more movement of saliva in your mouth, which may get messy.

Manual toothbrush benefits

Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time. While they don’t have the bells and whistles found in many electric toothbrushes, they are still an effective tool for cleaning your teeth and preventing gingivitis.  If you’re most comfortable sticking with a manual toothbrush, continue using one if it means you’ll still brush twice per day, every day.  Accessible: You can get a manual toothbrush at almost any grocery store, gas station, dollar store, or pharmacy. They also don’t need to be charged to function, so you can use a manual toothbrush anywhere and at any time.  Affordable: Manual toothbrushes are cost-effective. You can usually buy one for $1 to $3.

Manual toothbrush cons:

One study found that people were more likely to brush too hard if they used a manual toothbrush versus electric. Brushing too hard can hurt your gums and teeth.  Using a manual toothbrush may also make it more difficult to know if you’re brushing long enough for every session since there’s no built-in timer. Consider placing a kitchen timer in your bathroom to time your brushing sessions.

For toddlers and young children:

The best toothbrush for your child is whatever one they are mostly likely to use. Experts recommend soft bristles and a child-sized toothbrush head for kids. Neither a manual nor electric toothbrush is necessarily better for young children. The same pros and cons of each kind still apply.  Toddlers and kids can safely use an electric toothbrush on their own. Though, it’s recommended that you supervise your children while brushing their teeth to make sure they spit out their toothpaste and don’t swallow it.

When to replace your toothbrush

All toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months according to the ADA. Replace your toothbrush sooner if it looks frayed or if you used it when you were sick. With a manual toothbrush, the whole thing needs to be replaced. With an electric toothbrush, you may only need to replace the removable head. Avoid hard bristles that can irritate your gums. The ADA recommends soft-bristle brushes. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums.  Gently brush all tooth surfaces (front, back, chewing) for two minutes.  Floss once per day, either after or brushing.  Mouth rinses are optional and shouldn’t replace flossing or brushing.  If you experience any bleeding, talk with your dentist. A number of things can cause bleeding when you brush and floss, such as gum disease.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at cleaning teeth if you use proper technique and brush long enough. Overall, an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier, resulting in better plaque removal. Talk with your dentist if you have questions about which toothbrush might be best for you.

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD, Oakport Dental, Sanford, FL 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com

Dental Care is an Essential Service - Dental Disease and COVID-19

During this time when health is on everyone’s mind, staying healthy has become an important component of everyone’s routine.  One aspect to staying healthy also includes your dental health.  More evidence is becoming available that the health of your teeth and gums impacts your immune health and your body’s response to the Coronavirus.  A recent study has linked gum disease to COVID-19 deaths.  Aspirated bacteria from your mouth may serve as reservoir for Coronavirus.

A three-month study by a Los Angeles dental surgeon and South African healthcare researcher finds a strong link between COVID-19 deaths and gum disease. The study, released August 18, 2020, found patients with gum disease release high levels of a harmful protein that spreads to the lungs, triggering a life-threatening respiratory crisis.

COVID patients with high levels of IL-6 (A protein that promotes inflammation) have a 22 times greater chance of being placed on a ventilator.  Bacteria from inflamed gums can be aspirated and adhere to the lung epithelium, promoting infection. This harmful protein, IL-6, causes increased inflammation. The study found that if you get COVID the high levels of IL-6, put you at a much greater chance of being placed on a ventilator and, consequently, an increased chance of death. The authors cite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics that indicate of all COVID patients on ventilators since the pandemic began, nearly 80% have died.  A study published in May indicated the rate of recovery had increased to 64% as treatment methods improved.

The study by U.S. dental surgeon Dr. Shervin Molayem and South African scientist Carla Pontes suggests COVID patients with gum disease are more susceptible to a respiratory crisis known as a cytokine storm, essentially an overreaction of the body’s immune system.

“Gum disease has been linked to other breathing ailments, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so we weren’t surprised to find a link to respiratory problems with COVID-19,” Molayem said in a press release. “What shocked us was the discovery of the protein’s devastating, life-threatening impact to patients once they’re hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe!”

Bacteria from inflamed gums can be aspirated and adhere to the lung epithelium, promoting infection and subsequently showing up in lung fluids. The bacteria cause secondary infections that can serve as a reservoir for the coronavirus. Mechanical ventilation decreases clearance of oral secretions, increasing the bacterial load and probability of pneumonia development.

“As the death toll keeps climbing, the CDC now predicts the virus will be among the leading causes of death in the United States, just behind heart disease and cancer,” Molayem said. “Now … we’ve confirmed periodontitis makes it even deadlier.”

The researchers said they hope their findings compel nursing homes to improve dental screening protocols, since 80% of all COVID-19 deaths have been among the elderly, and urge hospitals and emergency room doctors to check new patients for gum disease.

It is easier to stay healthy than to become healthy.  Now more than ever please stay current with your dental cleaning frequency.  Keep taking your vitamins, supplements, getting good sleep and exercise. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle.    If it’s been some time since you have had a dental examination and teeth cleaning, do not delay.  Schedule your dental appointment as soon as possible.  Dental offices are one of the safest places to visit with all the precautions that are in place to maintain infection control.  It is our commitment to keep are patients safe and healthy.

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been promoting good oral health for more than 30 years. Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave.

Snoring and Obstructive Airway Disease

Do you snore or know someone who does?  It may be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive airway disease or sleep apnea.  The three main warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea are:

·        Loud, persistent snoring

·        Pauses in breathing, accompanied with gasping episodes when sleeping

·        Excessive sleepiness during waking hours

People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.  In most cases the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don’t trigger a full awakening.

Stopping to Breathe is Serious

Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, gastric reflux, headaches, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments.

Sleep apnea is seen more frequently among men than among women, particularly African-American and Hispanic men. A major symptom is extremely loud snoring, sometimes so loud that bed partners find it intolerable. Other indications that sleep apnea may be present are obesity, persistent daytime sleepiness, bouts of awakening out of breath during the night, and frequently waking in the morning with a dry mouth or a headache. But none of these symptoms is always present. Only a sleep study in a sleep laboratory or a home sleep study can show definitively that sleep apnea is present and how severe it is.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  With each apnea event, the brain rouses the sleeper, usually only partially, to signal breathing to resume. As a result, the patient‘s sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.

Sleep apnea is very common, as common as type 2 diabetes. It affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and health care professionals, the vast majority of sleep apnea patients remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotence, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated.

Who can help me find out if I have Sleep Apnea?

Health professionals trained in identifying the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can help determine if you are at risk.  Your primary care physician, a sleep physician, or a dentist can help you with identifying your risk.  Usually a sleep test can be prescribed, which can be done at home or at a sleep lab.  If you snore and have no obstructive breathing, a dental device can be made to stop the snoring.  If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, which must be diagnosed by a sleep physician, a dental device can be used or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP).  Your doctor or dentist can advise you what may work best for you. 

If you suspect you or a loved one may have an obstructive airway disease, get help.  Your life may depend on it.

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD is trained in treating patients for snoring and sleep apnea.  He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340, www.seminolesleepsolutions

Is it Safe to visit the Dentist? Dentistry in the Age of Covid-19

Since the pandemic with the coronavirus started, everything in the world has changed. The way we interact and do business has seen profound changes in order to prevent the spread of the virus.  This of course has affected the way medical and dental offices are operating.

Most everyone is wearing masks now. Dental office personnel have been wearing masks on a daily basis for very many years. However, many things have changed in the way dental offices are operating since re-opening during this pandemic. Infection control has always been routine in most dental practices. Covid-19 has now elevated infection control standards to a whole new level.

The guidelines for practising dentistry safely has been outlined by the CDC and the American Dental Association. So that patients and office personnel are kept safe, these are the new protocols all dental offices should be doing. Walking into the front door of your dental office may not me be allowed anymore. Once you arrive at the office, you may have to call the office and tell them you have arrived. Someone from the office may meet you at your car to ask some health questions and take your temperature. If you are cleared, you may enter the office. Everyone in the office should be wearing masks. You should wear a mask until you are in a treatment room. Dental office workers may be wearing gowns, long sleeved lab coats, and face-shields as well. A limited number of patients may be allowed in the office at one time. Additional persons or family members may be asked to wait outside.

Treatment rooms may be isolated with some type of barrier and have extra air purification systems. The dentist or hygienist may use an extra oral suction device while working in your mouth to keep the air clean from aerosol spray. As always, all surfaces are wiped down and disinfected. All instruments are sterilized. All these measures as designed to create a clean environment and to prevent cross contamination.

Can I put off my dental appointment until after the COVID-19 pandemic is over? 

Regular dental appointments are an important part of taking care of your overall health. While it can be tempting to put off your regular checkup until things feel more “normal” again, we advise against it. Routine appointments give me an opportunity to check for a number of health conditions and catch them early. Some conditions, like tooth decay, can be more difficult, painful and expensive to treat if they’re left undetected. Your health and safety is, and has always been, a top priority. Dentists and staff are taking every precaution to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your visit.

How is the dental team monitoring themselves for COVID-19? 

Staff at a practice should be subject to daily health screenings. This includes taking their temperatures to make sure they don’t have a fever and asking them a series of health-related questions each day to make sure they’re not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

You said you cannot see me as a patient because of my COVID-19 risk. Can you do that? 

Yes. The safety of patients and the dental team is the highest priority. As Dentists, we use our professional judgment and guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ADA to determine risk levels for seeing patients. If it was determined that you are high risk, or had a high temperature on the day of your appointment, a discussion about which factors may determine a delay of service, so that you can self-monitor and reschedule.

Is it Safe to Visit the Dentist?

Because of all the measures being done in dental offices to insure the safety of patients and staff, the dentist is probably one the safest places you can visit now. A study done by MIT, and reported by Fast Company, has concluded that visiting a dental office is one of the safest businesses to which you can go.

Ref.:  https://www.fastcompany.com/90516328/mit-researchers-say-these-are-the-unsafe-businesses-to-avoid-during-covid-19-and-these-are-okay

https://www.ada.org/en

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been treating patients safely for more than 25 years.
Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, (407)323-5340, www.oakportdental.com