Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

Toothbrushes today come in all shapes, sizes and colors. But perhaps one of the biggest decisions to make when selecting a toothbrush is whether or not you should get a manual or electric. Brushing your teeth properly, no matter which toothbrush you choose, is one of the key factors in preventative dental health. How do you know which toothbrush is the best for you and your family? Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding between an electric and manual toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrushes: Advantages

• Little effort required. Unlike the manual brush, electric toothbrushes do most of the work with just the push of a button. Simply hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, and then guide the brush head from one tooth to another as you clean.
• Built-in timer. Many electric toothbrushes today are designed with a timer that makes it easy to achieve a proper clean. When your two minutes of brushing is completed, the brush will automatically shut off signaling that you are finished.
• Great for limited dexterity. Older individuals or people who have limited ability to move their arms and hands may benefit from an electric-style toothbrush.
• Kid-friendly brushing. Since electric toothbrushes require less effort than manual, many children enjoy the ease in which they can clean their teeth with an electric-style toothbrush. If your child is reluctant to use a manual toothbrush, try an electric toothbrush as a fun and effective alternative.

Electric Toothbrushes: Disadvantages

• Chargers and batteries required. Using a powered toothbrush requires the user to replace its batteries or keep it charged on a regular basis. For some, this may be an extra task that they don’t want to be added to their oral health regimen.
• Cost. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual brushes. Like manual brushes, an electric brush’s head will also need to be replaced every few months, costing you more money than traditional-style brushes over time.
• More difficult for travel. Because electric toothbrushes are bulkier than manual brushes and also require chargers to work, traveling with one may not be ideal.

Manual Toothbrushes: Advantages

• Effective when done correctly. With the proper brushing technique, an old-fashioned manual toothbrush can effectively clean all surfaces of the teeth in two minutes.
• Many options. From soft-bristled brushes for sensitive teeth and small brush heads for those with smaller mouths, you have many options when it comes to manual toothbrushes. Even kids’ brushes are available with their favorite characters and in fun colors to make brushing extra appealing.
• Convenient. Because manual brushes don’t require batteries or charging outlets, they are easy to take on the go. Simply stow the brush in your purse or bag, and brush your teeth away from home when needed.
• Inexpensive. Traditional manual styles cost less than electric toothbrushes, but you will still need to replace them about every three months. Many dentists provide you with a new, free manual toothbrush at every routine cleaning and exam.

Manual Toothbrushes: Disadvantages

• More effort and attention required. Manual toothbrushes require that you do the brushing. Unlike an electric brush, you are responsible for moving the manual toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums.
• No timer. Compared to electric toothbrushes, manual brushes do not have built-in timers that alert you when you have been brushing for two minutes. Of course, you can always use your phone or stopwatch as an effective way to ensure you are brushing for an adequate length of time.

Visit Clarity Dentistry for Suggestions

Ultimately, the best type of toothbrush for you will depend on your specific dental needs and personal preferences. All toothbrushes — manual and electric — are designed to remove plaque buildup from the teeth and gums to maintain a healthy mouth.

Whether you decide to buy a manual or electric toothbrush, remember that using it at least twice a day for two minutes is what’s really important. The best way to determine whether you would benefit from a manual or electric toothbrush is to meet with your dentist at our clinic.