Manual or Electric Toothbrush

What to consider when choosing a manual or electric toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy. There are many options when it comes to choosing a toothbrush; a manual vs. an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have bristles that move in a variety of patterns, from oscillating to vibrating, depending on the brand that you purchase. Here are 5 things to consider when deciding between a manual and an electric toothbrush.

Effectiveness

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque and prevent gum disease if used with a proper technique. An electric toothbrush allows you to brush your teeth with minimal effort whereas a manual toothbrush is more technique sensitive and requires more effort.

Safety

All toothbrushes are safe to use. However, some people tend to brush too forcefully, which can damage their gums and teeth. You can damage the enamel on your teeth and even cause gum recession. An electric toothbrush can help those who brush too vigorously because they are no longer required to apply pressure. Some electric toothbrushes will even alert you when you are applying too much pressure to minimize damage.

Cost

Manual toothbrushes are replaced once per month in order to maintain the effectiveness of the brush. Once the bristles start flaring outwards, then the brush is not as effective. Electric toothbrushes also give you the option of replacing the toothbrush head at the same interval. The cost of the electric toothbrush is more than the manual, but the ease of use goes a long way!

Size

The size of the toothbrush head is smaller for an electric toothbrush relative to a manual toothbrush. This is a significant difference if you have a smaller mouth and have a hard time brushing your back teeth, especially because you don’t need to move the electric brush back and forth. In addition, if you have a strong gag reflex the electric brush may be more comfortable for you because of the smaller size.

Personal Preference

Deciding on which toothbrush is best for you comes down to personal preference. Both options are effective when used correctly but it is important to choose the option that works best for you. Some people do not like the vibration of an electric toothbrush, while others like the minimal effort involved with an electric toothbrush.

Whichever toothbrush you decide to use electric or manual, it is important to ensure you are brushing correctly and thoroughly for two minutes. If you have any questions about how effective your brushing technique is we can show you any areas that are being missed when you come to our office. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and having a dental check up is important to maintain your oral health.