Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes
It’s no secret that brushing your teeth regularly will help ensure that your gums and teeth stay healthy, but there are so many products available on the market that you may be left wondering exactly what steps you should be taking to clean your teeth effectively. Because brushing your teeth is the most important step in keeping your mouth in top form, deciding what kind of brush to use can be an important task.
The benefits of an electric toothbrush
At Reflections Dental Oakville, we love answering our patient questions when it comes to maintaining great oral health for the whole family. That includes suggestions on proper brushing for kids and parents alike!
An electric toothbrush can remove plaque better
The vibrating and oscillating head of an electric toothbrush has been shown to clean awkward, hard to reach areas like the back of your mouth easier than a manual toothbrush can.
Electric toothbrushes can be easier to use for those with limited mobility
Children and those with mobility issues like arthritis, carpal tunnel, Parkinson’s, stroke and other dexterity challenges often find that an electric toothbrush helps them to better clean their teeth and stay on top of their mouth health. Because an electric toothbrush does almost all of the work for you, you only have to ensure that it has been moved around the surfaces of your teeth to allow for a good clean.
There are more features
An electric toothbrush often comes with features like a built-in timer, a holder for the brush head, countertop storage units and a charger. Higher end models may even include different brushing modes, pressure sensors and even interchangeable brush heads.
They are more environmentally friendly
Because you often only have to discard the head of an electric toothbrush every time it needs to be changed rather than the entire brush, it can allow for less overall waste.
Brushing is easier for those who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances
Though studies have shown that people who wear appliances typically have a similar level of plaque on their teeth whether they use a manual or electric toothbrush, using an electric one can make the job much easier to complete multiple times a day.
Kids enjoy it
Kids often have to be pushed to brush their teeth each day but using an electric toothbrush can help motivate them. Many kids’ electric toothbrushes come with the ability to play music or light up for the proper length of time that they should be brushing, taking some of the guesswork out and making brushing fun.
The benefits of a manual toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes have been around much longer than electric ones, so it’s no surprise that they may be the default choice when looking for the perfect brush for your teeth.
They’re cheaper
Although electric toothbrushes have become more affordable in recent years, they still don’t compete with the price of a standard manual toothbrush. You can often pick up a manual brush for a couple dollars, so this option is a great one if cost is a concern.
Manual brushes are easy to find
Available at nearly any grocery or convenience store, manual toothbrushes can be much easier to find than electric ones, allowing you to brush your teeth any time you need to.
A manual brush is easily portable
An electric toothbrush requires batteries or a charger in order to be used daily for an extended period so because of this, a manual toothbrush is often easier to take on holiday with you.
It cleans just as well
Although an electric toothbrush gives the impression that it is the best way to clean your teeth of plaque and tartar buildup, a manual toothbrush can actually clean your teeth just as well. However, an electric toothbrush may provide that same high quality clean with less effort, given the mechanical assistance (and assuming technique is correct).
Should you use an electric or manual toothbrush?
As you’re browsing the supermarket aisles looking for a new toothbrush you are likely wondering whether you should splurge on an electric one, or stick with your tried-and-true manual brush. There are arguments for and against both but when it comes down to it, the important thing is that you brush daily, regardless of what kind of toothbrush you use. Afterall, the best toothbrush is the one you use!
