When maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is one of the most critical steps. However, with so many toothbrush types available, it can be challenging to know which is right for your smile. One of the biggest debates in oral hygiene is whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush, so let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Manual Toothbrush Pros:
- Inexpensive and widely available: One of the main advantages of manual toothbrushes is that they are affordable and widely available, which is why they are often given out for free at dentists’ offices, hotel reception areas, and in amenity kits on business class flights.
- Convenient: They are easy to use and can be taken anywhere, making them a suitable option for travel. Look for specially-sized travel toothbrushes with a brush holder and an ADA seal of acceptance.
- Customizable: It’s easy to find a manual toothbrush with the features you want, such as bristle hardness, the shape of the head, the bristle pattern, the design of the handle, and even a tongue scraper.
- Offers more control: You can control how fast or slow you move the bristles around your mouth and the amount of pressure you apply so you don’t accidentally brush a canker sore or press too hard on a sensitive tooth.
Manual Toothbrush Cons:
- Require proper cleaning techniques: A manual toothbrush must be used at certain angles to clean the teeth properly. This makes them less effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease when compared to electric toothbrushes that automatically rotate or vibrate to help clean the gums.
- You may brush too hard: Brushing too hard can damage your gums and lead to gum recession, especially if you use a toothbrush with hard bristles.
Electric Toothbrush Pros:
- More cleaning power: The rotation of electric toothbrushes loosens plaque, making them more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.
- Built-in timers: A built-in timer ensures you brush every quadrant of your mouth equally. Great for people with limited dexterity: Those with arthritis and other conditions that lead to limited dexterity find them easier to use than a manual toothbrush.
- Come in variable modes: Models with customized modes are designed for a specific purpose, such as for sensitive teeth, tongue cleaning, and whitening and polishing.
- Make cleaning with braces easier: Electric toothbrushes remove more food debris around brackets and wires easier than their manual counterparts.
Electric Toothbrush Cons:
- Price: Electric toothbrushes cost much more on average than manual toothbrushes.
- Bulkiness: Electric toothbrushes must hold a battery and a case to protect the battery from liquid. This case adds bulk to the toothbrush, making it hard to store and carry.
- Require electricity: Electric toothbrushes need to be recharged to work. If you have an outlet near your sink at home, this is easy, but if you are traveling, this can be an inconvenience.
Ask an Expert
If you are unsure whether to choose a manual or electric toothbrush, consider asking your dentist. Ultimately, the best toothbrush depends on your personal preferences and oral hygiene needs. To keep your oral hygiene in check and get great toothbrush recommendations, consult a dentist at TruBlu Dentistry.
To book your dental cleaning and exam, call TruBlu Dentistry in Burbank at (708) 424-5650 or Hegewisch at (773) 646-4664.