Ask anyone and they'll tell you I have a major sweet tooth; my dentist knows first-hand. Personal hygiene is a very simple process: Wake up, wash face, brush teeth and repeat daily (hard to mess up). And yet, turn the clock back three weeks and you'd find me in a dentist’s chair having six achy cavities prodded by strangers. When I left the office I realized something. I had some issues to work out. My first thought was whether I should chase the pain with Tylenol or wine. The second was wondering which I consider more important: my junk diet or my smile? Nearing my cul-de-sac, a final thought occurred. Where had I gone so terribly, terribly wrong?
Electric toothbrushes have been around a very long time. And even though people in my own home use them, I often pass the spread at CVS and give them zero consideration. I was content with the standard method I'd been using since preschool. Why should I change now? Overwhelmed by the events of the day, I did some research. To my surprise, I learned I might be better off switching approaches after all.
I browsed through countless reviews, curious as to the medical value of going electric. Mayo Clinic’s online resource “Adult Health” offers some insight. In that column’s “Is an Electric Toothbrush Better Than a Manual Toothbrush?” Dr. Thomas Salinas, DDS, of their medical education department, notes there is nothing inherently wrong with a manual toothbrush, but an electric version can be a great alternative. He argues in favor of the bristle movement’s helping to remove more plaque.
The following day I returned to the dentist’s office for a consult.
Dr. Kali Nalamachu of Smiles 4 U in Overland Park approached me, explaining the many benefits of the Oral-B 5000 Pro-Health kit on display. She said, "It's really nice… like getting your teeth cleaned at home. And you'd be getting an added benefit from the changeable [brush] heads. It gets all the little spaces that you aren't getting. So you wouldn't have to brush so hard."
It's "day 20" now, and I'm still very impressed with this product. If you're curious, I highly recommend trying out an electric toothbrush. Maybe start with a less expensive version from your local pharmacy. If you like it, start saving up. Though worth it, the higher quality ones are pricey.
C. Alex Merrill is a freelance writer and habitual traveler from the Lawrence-area. Weekend free-time is dedicated to family, Moo Shu takeout, and the calamitous booms of Doctor Who chase music.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.