Why is an electric toothbrush considered essential if you want to reduce tartar and gum disease?

I have read that brushing your gums and teeth too hard can reduce enable and cause your gums to recede but have been told that an electic toothbrush is essential if you want to reduce tartar and gum disease. I would think that the electric toothbrush would be considered the same as brushing your teeth too hard. Seems to contradict. Anyone?

No, an electric toothbrush is not essential.

What is essential for preventing tartar buildup and gum disease is to keep plaque off your teeth.

Sticky white plaque is a soft mass of germs stuck on your teeth, and it takes about 12 hours for it to turn crusty into tartar from the calcium bicarbonate in your saliva. So the trick is to brush off the plaque before it has a chance to turn crusty.

That means you should brush your teeth, tongue and gums thoroughly after each meal, and before going to sleep, using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss every night, eat less sugary foods, have regular checkups every 6 months to have a dentist or hygienist pick off any tartar that accumulated.

If you use a manual toothbrush properly, it should not cause gum recession.

money

I use an electric toothbrush, and yes, I've been told I brush certain parts of my teeth too hard. But it's all about the amount of pressure you put on your teeth. There's no need to press down like you're trying to squash a bug. You can actually brush your teeth too hard with a regular toothbrush--apparently this happens to college students who are too poor to see a dentist.

Ask your dentist about how much pressure you should put using an electric toothbrush. In some ways the motor does the work of your arm, to loosen/clean off plaque and other disgusting stuff.

Of course, you should always floss and be careful of what you eat. Hope this was helpful!