Choosing something as simple as a toothbrush should be a fairly straightforward process, right? But with advances in technology over the past 30 years to include increasingly elaborate electric toothbrushes, the decision is more involved than ever. So how do you know which one is right for you? Are all sonic toothbrushes hands-down better than manual toothbrushes? Well, that depends. It depends on your brushing and flossing habits, your budget, and your priorities.
When used properly, a sonic toothbrush can give you improved dental hygiene and reduced plaque. This applies when comparing brushing alone (as opposed to brushing and flossing) with a manual toothbrush to brushing alone with a sonic toothbrush.
One specific way that proved more effective than the rest were the chewsticks found all over Africa. These sticks not only cleaned off plaque but had a chemical makeup of fluoride and other useful dental strengtheners and protectors.
Alongside fluoride there are antiseptics, detergents, enzyme inhibitors, and abrasives. In Swahili these sticks are known as Mswaki which means toothbrush in Swahili. While many may be skeptical of the actual efficiency when compared to actual toothbrushes there can be no doubt that they had to be the best options before the invention of toothpaste. While the "chewstick" traveled all over Africa it was not widely accepted by Europeans mostly because of the flavor.
Many in Africa can be seen chewing on pencil-thick sticks while going about their day. These sticks are chewed on until they fray. Once frayed the ends of the sticks can be used to rub teeth (much like a toothbrush). Before the fraying they are used more like toothpicks or dental floss. Many Africans choose to use these sticks not only because they are convenient and sold at the traditional markets, but also because they are super inexpensive. They are also somewhat stronger than regular toothbrushes.
These natural options may increase on the market not only in Africa but America and Europe as well. This would be in relation to the growing organic style markets that are increasing in popularity in these two continents.
The most notable difference between sonic and manual toothbrushes is the cost. While a high-quality manual toothbrush is less than $5, sonic toothbrushes can cost $150 or more. Many people find them worth the extra money, but that is up to you and your budget.
Unlike a manual toothbrush, a sonic toothbrush can break if it is dropped or mishandled. It also has batteries that need to be charged and sometimes replaced, a hassle and an expense you won't encounter when using a manual toothbrush.
It may also take some convincing evidences that compare toothpaste to these chewsticks. If customers can see the advantages of chewsticks they will be more ready to change over. In the end our smile is a big part of our lives and that is very true even in countries like Africa. If you feel like your teeth are having problems it may be good to visit a dentist here in Sandy in order to get to the root of your problems.
When used properly, a sonic toothbrush can give you improved dental hygiene and reduced plaque. This applies when comparing brushing alone (as opposed to brushing and flossing) with a manual toothbrush to brushing alone with a sonic toothbrush.
One specific way that proved more effective than the rest were the chewsticks found all over Africa. These sticks not only cleaned off plaque but had a chemical makeup of fluoride and other useful dental strengtheners and protectors.
Alongside fluoride there are antiseptics, detergents, enzyme inhibitors, and abrasives. In Swahili these sticks are known as Mswaki which means toothbrush in Swahili. While many may be skeptical of the actual efficiency when compared to actual toothbrushes there can be no doubt that they had to be the best options before the invention of toothpaste. While the "chewstick" traveled all over Africa it was not widely accepted by Europeans mostly because of the flavor.
Many in Africa can be seen chewing on pencil-thick sticks while going about their day. These sticks are chewed on until they fray. Once frayed the ends of the sticks can be used to rub teeth (much like a toothbrush). Before the fraying they are used more like toothpicks or dental floss. Many Africans choose to use these sticks not only because they are convenient and sold at the traditional markets, but also because they are super inexpensive. They are also somewhat stronger than regular toothbrushes.
These natural options may increase on the market not only in Africa but America and Europe as well. This would be in relation to the growing organic style markets that are increasing in popularity in these two continents.
The most notable difference between sonic and manual toothbrushes is the cost. While a high-quality manual toothbrush is less than $5, sonic toothbrushes can cost $150 or more. Many people find them worth the extra money, but that is up to you and your budget.
Unlike a manual toothbrush, a sonic toothbrush can break if it is dropped or mishandled. It also has batteries that need to be charged and sometimes replaced, a hassle and an expense you won't encounter when using a manual toothbrush.
It may also take some convincing evidences that compare toothpaste to these chewsticks. If customers can see the advantages of chewsticks they will be more ready to change over. In the end our smile is a big part of our lives and that is very true even in countries like Africa. If you feel like your teeth are having problems it may be good to visit a dentist here in Sandy in order to get to the root of your problems.
About the Author:
As a dentist in Sandy, UT Nate Lewis has a special interest in the connection between oral health and your overall health. Based on studies and his direct observation of many thousands of patients, he can absolutely tell you that proper dental care will improve your quality and length of life.