Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and the type of toothbrush used plays a significant role in achieving this. Dr. Surina Sehgal recently shared her expertise on the best toothbrushes for a clean mouth and preventing painful dentist visits.
In a TikTok video, she said: “Have you ever wondered whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush? I’m a dentist and here’s my take on this.”
She began by highlighting the typical times people brush their teeth – usually first thing in the morning and last thing at night, when they’re most tired and less focused. With manual toothbrushes, technique is key, requiring rotation, pressure, angling, and avoiding scrubbing.
In contrast, electric toothbrushes simplify the process. “An electric toothbrush does all the work for you,” Dr Sehgal said.
“Just hold it and let it work its magic.” She added: “Don’t get me wrong, a properly used manual toothbrush is amazing but the ease of an electric toothbrush is just hard to beat.”
This statement received mixed reactions from the viewers. One satisfied follower remarked on her video, “This was my sign. I’ve been contemplating on getting electronic one.” On the flip side, another voiced their concern, commenting: “Electric toothbrush gets mouldy at the base after a while.” Several users reached out asking for specific recommendations on electric toothbrush models.
Although she didn’t give any personal suggestions, it’s common knowledge amongst dentists that brands such as Philips, Oral B, and Spotlight rank highly. Electric toothbrushes typically range in price from £30 to £100, with extra features like timers, a variety of accessories, and prolonged battery life justifying a higher cost.
In a previous TikTok video, Dr Sehgal revealed two actions she would avoid as a dentist, which were brushing teeth immediately after breakfast and rinsing with water subsequent to brushing. These tips sparked discussions among her viewers, exemplified by one comment: “I’m brushing after breakfast, ain’t no way I’m smelling peanut butter after breakfast.”
The debate on whether to brush teeth before or after breakfast continued to spur varied opinions online. One user shared a concern over taste: “But the breakfast will taste bad if you brush before breakfast.”
Another was curious about mealtime brushing etiquette, asking: “Shouldn’t I brush after every meal? Why is breakfast different.”
Echoing the sentiment about flavour, a third person commented: “But the food taste horrible right after brushing the teeth, so that’s why I do it after eating. I don’t understand how you can eat right after brushing.”
Different views were also expressed regarding oral health best practices. An additional comment read: “It should be before breakfast to clean your mouth before eating and for the rinse, because rinsing right after will take away the effect of toothpaste.”