Are Electric or Manual Toothbrushes Better?

It’s a question almost as old as time—“Are electric or manual toothbrushes better?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple as one or the other. Both types of toothbrushes have their benefits and downfalls.

If you’re looking to improve your oral health, selecting the right toothbrush is a great starting point. In this article, we’ll be investigating the key differences between the types of toothbrushes, so you can decide what would be best for you.

Electric Toothbrushes

The popularity of electric toothbrushes is growing, especially with new findings from studies that reveal they’re more effective than manual toothbrushes. Scientists have found that people who use an electric toothbrush typically have healthier gums and less tooth decay.

If you’re on the fence about electric toothbrushes or curious about their pros/cons, we’ve compiled a list of their positives and negatives below.

Benefits

• Various studies around the world support the idea that electric toothbrushes tend to remove more plaque and reduce the chance of gingivitis compared to manual toothbrushes. The rotating bristles are more consistent and effective.
• Electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes for those with limited mobility and those living with conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel. Because they’re powered by electricity, they require less effort to clean the teeth.
• Electric toothbrushes also have many quality-of-life features, like built-in timers to help improve brushing habits.

Downsides

• Electric toothbrushes are typically much more expensive than manual brushes. You also need to replace the brush heads regularly, which can increase the cost.
• Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes need to be charged (or have their battery replaced). This can be inconvenient if you travel often or have trouble with memory.
• It’s a personal preference, but some people can find the vibrations of an electric toothbrush unpleasant or overstimulating.

Manual Toothbrushes

Old but gold, manual toothbrushes have been around for hundreds of years and are here to stay. Although studies have found that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque, professionals have also reported that as long as the user sticks to a regular oral health routine, manual brushes can be just as good as electric-powered ones.

Benefits

• If cost is important, manual toothbrushes are cheaper than electric ones and more widely available. They also don’t require regular replacement of the batteries, or chargers, however you must still change your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Because manual toothbrushes aren’t as bulky or require chargers, they’re also the perfect choice for portability. So, if you’re a traveller, it’s easier to take manual brushes with you as they’re lightweight and easy to pack.
• Unlike an electric toothbrush, a manual toothbrush gives the user more control. This allows them to change the brushing technique and adjust the pressure more easily.

Downsides

• Manual brushes lack the quality-of-life features that electric brushes have, like built-in timers.
• Manual brushes require the user to learn proper brushing techniques. It’s harder to effectively brush with a manual brush, which can lead to ineffective cleaning.
• Studies show that manual brushes may not be as effective as electric brushes when it comes to removing plaque.

Is An Electric or Manual Toothbrush Better For Oral Health?

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective for brushing your teeth and maintaining oral health. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. As we’ve listed above, both types of toothbrushes have benefits and downsides.

Manual toothbrushes may be a better choice if you’re on the go and prefer having more control over your brushing technique. They’re easier to travel and pack, and you can manually control the brushing pattern and pressure.

Electric toothbrushes have been revealed to be more effective at removing plaque, and also a great option for people with limited mobility. They can also be useful for orthodontics patients, like people with braces as they can clean more effectively around brackets and wires.

Despite studies showing that electric toothbrushes are better for removing plaque, professionals have also said that following a strict oral health routine matters most.

If you need help deciding whether a manual or electric toothbrush is better for you, we recommend trying both.

Oral Health Tips: Maintaining A Clean Mouth

Maintaining a clean mouth goes beyond getting the right toothbrush. After you’ve decided on the right toothbrush, there are other steps you can take to improve your oral health.

Good oral health is the key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Below, we’ve compiled a list of effective measures you can take to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums in top condition.

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for your oral health. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• When brushing your teeth, it’s important to ensure you’re brushing for at least two minutes. Also, make sure to brush all areas of your mouth. This includes the front, back, and top of your teeth, gums, and tongue.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important. A hard-bristled toothbrush can be abrasive and damage your gums and enamel. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Flossing daily is vital for oral health. It is important for removing plaque and food particles from teeth. Without it, bacteria can build up, and plaque can form.
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for oral health. Staying hydrated is important for saliva production and helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• A person’s diet also plays a massive role in oral health. A balanced, nutritious diet can help improve oral health and ensure strong teeth. These include food rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous.
• It is also important to clean your tongue when brushing your teeth. If left unclean, bacteria and food particles can build up on the tongue, causing bad breath and other oral health conditions.
• Lifestyle choices, like smoking tobacco/nicotine products, vaping, and recreational drug use, can impact oral health. If you want to improve the condition of your mouth overall, it’s recommended to avoid those habits.
• If you participate in contact sports, always remember to wear mouthguards to protect your teeth. Similarly, if you suffer from bruxism (grinding your teeth), consider wearing a nightguard when you sleep.
• Regular appointments as discussed with your oral health professional are also important. They can catch any possible issues early, help with prevention, and provide professional cleanings and advice tailored to you.

Book A Check Up And Clean at Admire Dentistry

Toothbrushes and regular brushing are important for oral health, as are regular check-ups with dentists. It’s important to attend appointments regularly with your dentist as a preventative measure and to ensure your oral health is going as planned.

At Admire Dentistry, we are experienced in all facets of oral health. Whether you’re just looking for a comprehensive check-up and cleaning or are experiencing problems like bleeding gums and bad breath, our team can help.

The Admire Dentistry team is passionate about oral health. When you come to us for a check-up, we’ll ask about your dental health history and perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, neck, and jaw to get a clear picture of your oral health.

Oral health has been linked to various general health conditions and overall well-being. We have locations in the Arana Hills and Samford Village, and our staff is backed by years of experience in the field.

Our team also understands how daunting visiting a dentist’s clinic can be. That’s why we always strive to make our environment as friendly, calming, and welcoming as possible. If you are anxious about going to the dentist or need extra accommodations, just let our team know beforehand.

If you have any questions about oral health, recommendations for a new toothbrush, or looking to book an appointment, contact us today.