Brushing the teeth is the basis of good care and prevention of diseases of the oral cavity. Electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
However, electric and manual toothbrushes have their advantages and disadvantages.
The biggest difference between an electric brush and a manual one is that the first one should be passively held in the hand and guided over the teeth. You need to maneuver the manual brush and brush your teeth carefully, following the correct brushing technique.
Advantages of an electric toothbrush
Removes plaque more effectively
The bristles of an electric toothbrush vibrate or rotate to help remove plaque from teeth and gums. The vibration provides more micro-movements every time you brush your teeth.
A number of studies have shown that, in general, electric toothbrushes do reduce plaque and eliminate signs of gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes are designed to provide consistent and thorough brushing movements, which almost always results in more effective plaque removal than manual brushing.
Serves longer
If you need to change a manual brush regularly, an electric one will last longer, but you will have to buy attachments for it.
More convenient for people with reduced mobility
Electric toothbrushes will do most of the work for you. They can be useful for people with limited mobility, such as those with arthritis or coordination problems.
Built-in timers
You should brush your teeth for two minutes, but most people only brush their teeth for 30-45 seconds if they use a manual toothbrush. Many modern electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to help you brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time. Some beep or vibrate every 30 seconds to signal that it’s time to brush another part of your mouth.
Safe for gums
When used correctly, an electric toothbrush should not cause damage to the gums or enamel, but instead helps to improve the condition of the oral cavity.
Suitable for people with braces
If you or your child wears braces, cleaning between and around the wires and brackets can be difficult. Electric toothbrushes, especially those with special attachments, can make the situation more manageable. Oscillating or rotating movements of the bristles will help remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach places.
Can motivate children to brush their teeth
Not all children are interested in brushing their teeth. If your child prefers an electric toothbrush, it can help achieve good oral hygiene and develop healthy habits.
Disadvantages of an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones. New replacement brush heads usually come in multi-packs. Finding the right replacement brush head can also not always be easy or convenient, as not all stores carry the brand of brush head you need. Of course, you can buy nozzles online, but that’s not convenient for everyone, and it’s not the best option if you need a new head right now. You can stock up on them to last a year or more, but that can be expensive.
Although using electric toothbrushes reduces waste, they require electricity or batteries and are therefore less environmentally friendly than manual ones.
Not everyone also likes the feeling of vibration or tickling in the year when brushing their teeth with an electric brush.
Advantages of a manual toothbrush
Tradition
Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time. Although they do not have a number of advantages as electric ones, they are still an effective tool for cleaning teeth and preventing the development of cavities and gingivitis.
If you are more comfortable using a manual toothbrush, continue using it.
Accessibility
You can buy a manual toothbrush at almost any store, gas station, or pharmacy. They also don’t need to be charged, so you can use your manual toothbrush anywhere, anytime.
Affordable price
Manual toothbrushes are economically advantageous, because they are much cheaper than electric ones.
Disadvantages of a manual toothbrush
One study found that people were more likely to brush too hard if they used a manual toothbrush than an electric toothbrush. Brushing too hard can damage your gums and teeth.
Using a manual toothbrush can also make it harder to tell how long you’re brushing because it doesn’t have a built-in timer.
When to replace your toothbrush
Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months. Replace your toothbrush sooner if it looks worn or if you used it when you were sick.
Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at brushing as long as you use proper technique and brush long enough. In general, an electric toothbrush can make brushing easier, leading to better plaque removal.
Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about which toothbrush is best for you. In order to prevent the development of various diseases of the teeth and gums, in addition to home care, it is necessary to regularly carry out professional teeth cleaning at the dentist.