Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush: Which Is Better?

We all know that good oral hygiene, meaning regular brushing and flossing, is the most important step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and for that, you need a good toothbrush The question is, are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that, if used properly, both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in removing plaque and preventing decay, so are electric toothbrushes worth it? To help you decide, we’ve listed the pros and cons of both.

Manual toothbrush pros

• Cheap

Even the most expensive of manual toothbrushes are still cheaper than an electric one.

• Easily available

You can pick one up in almost any gas station, drugstore, or corner store.

• Easily portable

Manual toothbrushes take up very little room, an advantage for frequent travelers.

• Usable anywhere

Since they need no charging or power source to work, there is no danger of the battery running out when you are on a camping trip, for example, miles from the nearest electric outlet.

Manual toothbrush cons

• Brushing too hard can damage gums

People using a manual toothbrush, especially children, have a tendency to brush too hard according to one recent study. This can lead to tooth and gum damage.

• Difficult to manipulate for some people

Young children and people with physical disabilities, or conditions such as arthritis, can find it hard to use a manual toothbrush effectively, especially when it comes to cleaning the back teeth.

In short, manual toothbrushes are, for most people, sufficient for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but are electric toothbrushes better? Now we’ll look at the benefits of electric toothbrushes.

Electric toothbrush pros

• Better at removing plaque

An electric toothbrush with a rotating head is more effective at removing plaque than both a manual toothbrush or vibrating electric one.

• Easier to manipulate

This makes electric toothbrushes very helpful for people with limited mobility.

• Improved focus while brushing

Studies have shown that people concentrate more when using an electric toothbrush, leading to cleaner teeth.

• Children love them

It’s always a struggle to get your kids to clean their teeth properly with a manual brush, but once they know how to use an electric toothbrush, they usually find brushing much more enjoyable and less of a chore.

• Better for people with orthodontic appliances

“Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?” you might ask. The answer is yes, and it will be more effective than a manual one at reducing plaque and removing any food particles stuck in your mouth.

Electric toothbrush cons

• Expensive

With prices ranging from $15 up to $250 for a brush, they don’t come cheap.

• You need a power source

Whether you have a battery operated or plug-in brush, it needs power, and this might not always be available.

• Replacement heads not always available

If you have a brush with disposable heads, you might not always be able to find a replacement when you need one.

• Less eco-friendly than manual brushes

Because you are using electric power, you are putting more strain on the environment, especially if your brush is battery operated.

All in all, we can say that while electric toothbrushes have more advantages than manual ones, they also have more disadvantages. It is up to you to consider your own situation and needs, and then make an informed choice between the two.

Just remember, whichever you choose, soft bristles are better than hard, and if you have any further questions regarding choice of brush or any other dental matters, please contact Doral Sedation Dentistry. We would be delighted to answer all your questions.