Oral hygiene is critical. It’s so important, in fact, that it could prevent certain types of cancers. According to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, poor oral health is a risk factor for oral HPV infections. HPV causes 40 percent to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers.
In addition, another study done at Queen’s University Belfast found that poor oral health increases liver cancer by 75%. If you needed more evidence you should be thorough when brushing your teeth, there’s also the cognitive decline link and other health issues arising from poor oral hygiene.
Luckily, we live at a time when we can take care of our oral hygiene with minimal effort. While electric toothbrushes used to be prohibitively expensive, new companies, like GLEEM, are making good oral health more affordable and accessible. It used to be owning an electric toothbrush was a luxury. Often, they came with a triple-digit price tag. GLEEM’s sleek toothbrush is only $25, so there’s no excuse to replace your manual brush.
Because electric toothbrushes vibrate, and in some cases, rotate, with each stroke, they are very effective at removing plaque from both teeth and gums. Throughout a three-month study, they were shown to be more effective than manual toothbrushes at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Additionally, brushes like GLEEM have a built-in timer, which ensures you thoroughly brush instead of cutting time short.
If you’re still using a manual brush, the pros outweigh the cons in favor of electric. While a manual brush is something you may be used to, the price of replacing brushes versus brush heads are similar. Replacing electric toothbrush heads creates less waste, however. With the affordable electronic options on the market, there’s little reason to make the switch.
