Electric toothbrush or manual?

Today I was at the dentist and my dentist was talking about electric toothbrushes and recommended them. I’ve always used a manual toothbrush, and I always buy the softest bristles toothbrush I can get as I find most ‘normal’ toothbrushes feel too rough and hard on my gums.

Anyway, I got home and was considering getting an electric toothbrush - but I notice there are some things online saying they can damage your gums and cause gum recession. I’m so anxious about health and dentistry and this has put me off. Does anyone on here use an electric toothbrush and what’s your opinion on them? Are they good? Have you had any bad effects from using them? And do they feel hard or soft, or just weird when you’re using them?

Parents
  • Personally I have got on very well with my electric toothbrush over the past 10ish years. Like you I'm quite anxious about dentistry, and brush my teeth for far longer than the recommended time, but have had no issues with my gums, although I'm sure this does vary person to person.

    There are some electric toothbrushes that have a light which comes on when you apply too much pressure, which might be reassuring.

    My sister cannot use an electric toothbrush because it's too much sensory-wise, which might be something to also bear in mind.

Reply
  • Personally I have got on very well with my electric toothbrush over the past 10ish years. Like you I'm quite anxious about dentistry, and brush my teeth for far longer than the recommended time, but have had no issues with my gums, although I'm sure this does vary person to person.

    There are some electric toothbrushes that have a light which comes on when you apply too much pressure, which might be reassuring.

    My sister cannot use an electric toothbrush because it's too much sensory-wise, which might be something to also bear in mind.

Children
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