Electric Vs. Manual Toothbrush

If you ask any dental professional (including myself) about brushing, we would all tell you that brushing your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes is the very foundation of good oral hygiene. The goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque and prevent oral diseases like dental decay. But, does it really matter what type of toothbrush you are using?

While there are advocates for both electric and manual toothbrushes, each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. So let’s start by looking at pros and cons of each toothbrush!

Electric Toothbrush (ETB)

👍Pros:

• Easier To Use

Generally speaking, this type of brush is often easier to use. The bristles of an ETB rotate (or vibrate, depending on the brush) at a speed that you can’t replicate with a manual brush. This fast movement can help you do a better job at removing the plaque on your teeth. An ETB is also more efficient at cleaning the hard to reach spots like your farthest back molars. An ETB does most of the job for you and is a great option for anyone with limited dexterity, such as people with:

1. Elderly and children
2. Physical disabilities like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
3. Developmental disabilities

• Protects you gums

A lot of the new brushes have a built-in pressure sensor that will let you know if you’re scrubbing too hard or applying too much pressure. This feature, will help you prevent causing gum and teeth abrasions.

• Built-in Timer

Remember that earlier I said that you need to brush for 2 minutes? Well, when it comes to cleaning your teeth 2 minutes can feel like 2 hours! In fact, many people will stop brushing at about a minute when they’re not paying attention. With ETB you don’t need to worry about how long you have been brushing for, the brush will let you know when it’s time to stop.

• More Fun For Kids

Some kids are not the biggest fan of brushing and it can be a struggle convincing them to clean their little pearly whites everyday. Since an ETB is more engaging (hearing and vibration/rotation), it can be a good option to encourage to brush everyday. I would like to however let you know that my professional recommendation is not give your little ones an ETB before the age of 3, and always help them with brushing until they are able to properly clean their teeth on their own (until about age 9).

👎Cons:

• High Price Tag 💸

ETB is generally more expensive than manual brushes, with some coming with a price tag of $250. Understandably, not everyone will be interested in spending so much money on a toothbrush.

Having said that, you can still purchase a good quality ETB for as low as $30! Oral-B Vitality series are a great affordable option, and everyone in your family can use it – Just make sure that everyone has their own individual brush head!

• Vibrations/ Rotations Can Be Uncomfortable

Although uncommon, some people may find the fast movements uncomfortable. If you’re using an ETB for the first time, it might take some time until you get used to the sensation, so consider giving it some time.

Manual Toothbrush

👍Pros:

• Lower Price Tag

If you’re on a budget, a manual toothbrush may be a better option for you. Make sure to get a soft bristle brush and you’ll be on your way to a clean mouth.

• Accessible

You can find a manual toothbrush practically everywhere, even at a gas station. And since they don’t re-charging, you don’t need batteries or a power outlet in order to brush your teeth.

👎Cons:

• Needs Good Dexterity

When using a manual brush, you’re in control of the bristles movement and without good technique plaque removal can become inadequate.

I want to emphasize that you can still achieve good plaque removal with a manual toothbrush. The only difference is that compared to an ETB, the quality of the cleaning is more dependent on your brushing technique.

• More Likely To Damage Your Gums

One of the biggest concerns regarding manual brushes is aggressive brushing. a lot of people are more likely to use too much pressure and brush too hard when using a manual toothbrush (you’ll be surprised how many people associate hard brushing with clean teeth). Aggressive brushing can irritate and damage your gums and teeth, resulting in toothbrush abrasion and gum recession.

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The Verdict

Deciding on what type of toothbrush you should be using, depends on your oral health condition, you abilities and your preferences. At the end of the day, brushing properly is more important than the type of toothbrush you’re using. While some toothbrushes can offer you more assistance with efficient plaque removal, they cannot guarantee the health of your gums and teeth.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush / Brush head ?

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you’re using, you will need to change the brush / brush head every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed

Pro tip: If the bristles are becoming frayed earlier than 3 months, it can be sign that you’re brushing too hard.

Lastly, with both manual and ETB, I highly recommend using soft bristle brush. Unlike hard brushes, soft bristle are a lot more gentle on your gums and teeth and help protect them against abrasion in the long run.

Happy Brushing!

Saba, RDH

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