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Electric toothbrushes have gained significant popularity over the years, over conventional manual toothbrushes. This has led to many people asking whether electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes. In general, both types can be effective and both have their strengths. We’ll go into some of the pros and cons of both types of toothbrushes here.

Electric Toothbrushes

Overall, electric toothbrushes can do a highly effective cleaning job, as they can provide anywhere from 6,000 to 30,000 strokes per minute. A robust meta-analysis has found that using an electric toothbrush reduced plaque and gingivitis at least as effective as manual brushing and that specifically, ionic toothbrushes statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis.

Despite the fact that electric toothbrushes provide a higher number of strokes and may be more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis, it’s still critical to allocate the entire recommended two minutes to brush. In some cases, this increased efficiency can result in poorer brushing habits, as some individuals may think that the electric toothbrush will do everything for them, and they may not make the effort to brush thoroughly and clean every individual tooth properly. 

Electric toothbrushes can be of great help for people with dexterity or mobility problems, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities such as arthritis and carpal tunnel. They can help get in and around places that would otherwise be hard for them to brush.

However, the increased flexibility in movement and relying on automatic strokes can have a negative side too. A lot of people using electric toothbrushes can find it difficult to control the pressure and vigor of the toothbrush, making it problematic for people with gum issues or sensitivity. People with sensitivity or gum issues often may find using an electric toothbrush to be uncomfortable or even painful.

Another key difference between electric and manual toothbrushes is in how engaging they are to use. If you or your child have issues with getting yourself to brush regularly, then you may benefit from an electric toothbrush, as they are often perceived as being much more engaging and enticing to use. A lot of higher-end models also come with built-in timers, which help to ensure that you are brushing for the full recommended two minutes. 

In regards to price, electric toothbrushes are almost always more expensive. They also have a much wider range in price point, as lower-end models can cost as low as under $20, whereas higher-end models can go for as much as a few hundred dollars. You also have to consider the cost of the brush heads also, which you have to change on a regular basis. Depending on the toothbrush and the type & quantity of brush heads that you buy, over a longer timeframe, the total cost of the electric toothbrush may be comparable to that of a manual toothbrush, so it’s important to evaluate the options that are available.

Given that an electric toothbrush can last a much longer time than a manual toothbrush, it can result in producing less waste in the long run than manual brushes. Generally, replacing just the brush heads produces less waste than having to replace the entire toothbrush.

Lastly, due to their bulkiness, electric toothbrushes are seen as the less desirable option for traveling. If the brush is charged or recharged using a standard power outlet, you may also have difficulty charging it you’re traveling without a reliable power source. As a result, a common practice for electric toothbrush users is to use a manual toothbrush while traveling.

Manual Toothbrushes

Using manual toothbrushes is a tried and tested way of reliably brushing teeth and reducing plaque and gingivitis. 

Depending on the brush, manual toothbrushes can be very versatile and offer many different options. Although electric toothbrushes may be seen as more sophisticated, coming in various varieties that offer oscillating, pulsating, and cupping technologies, manual toothbrushes also come in a variety of styles, heads, and bristles. 

The primary benefit of manual toothbrushes is their cost. They are generally much more affordable than electric toothbrushes, and as a result, are much more accessible for most individuals. Most dental practices also give out toothbrushes following regular visits, making it much easier to access them. Being much more cost-effective also allows patients to replace them at the recommended intervals, as well as replace them if they are damaged or lost. Due to the cost savings, it’s also easier to purchase a higher quality manual toothbrush with more features, than to purchase a high-end electric toothbrush.

Manual toothbrushes are also very versatile, as they are typically smaller in size. This makes them a preferred option to take when traveling, as they are more compact and don’t require any additional hardware, such as batteries or charging units.

Although electric toothbrushes are generally safe for children to use, it may be a good idea to get them started with a manual toothbrush. This will teach them to be thorough with their brushing, as well as to develop their dexterity in order to learn to brush effectively and efficiently.

Summary

In summary, both electric and manual toothbrushes can be very effective in attaining the positive benefits of regular brushing. Regardless of the type of toothbrush, the most important factor is the person brushing, as the positive effects of brushing are most reliably experienced when you brush thoroughly and for the recommended rates and duration, at two times a day for two minutes each time.

Most parents know that brushing is an important part of ensuring good oral health and overall health outcomes for their children. Most parents also know how difficult it is to get their children to be enthusiastic about brushing, and to brush regularly. To help with this, we’ve created a list of ways to help your child form a consistent brushing routine.

Set an example

The best way to encourage a behaviour is by leading through example. Turn brushing into family time by brushing alongside with your child. This will give them added validation that brushing is indeed very important, and it will allow for additional time together. In addition, brushing together allows you to ensure that they are brushing for the recommended duration (2 minutes, twice a day), and can help ensure that you’re getting your required brushing as well.

Get them practicing from an early age

Set the practice before they are even old enough to brush themselves, so that the habit stays entrenched in their minds. A good way to do this is to have them practice brushing either on a toy or have them try it on you. Make sure to provide additional feedback to build a positive association with brushing – such as by commenting on how good brushing is for you or the toy, or how good & healthy it makes you feel.

Set up a reward structure

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested way of fostering desired behavioural patterns. Reward your child for maintaining their good brushing habits by offering a small prize or reward.

A good way to execute this is by setting up a weekly “report card”. This entails having you or the child cross off a chart each time they brush for a full two minutes. At the end of the week, if they’ve consistently brushed each day for two minutes, you can reward them with a small gift. You can even add additional points if your child has taken the initiative upon themselves to brush during their usual times without having to be prompted.

One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that the reward is reasonable and not too big. This is so that the reward is just an additional bonus the child’s good behaviour, rather than having them brush only for the sake of the prize.

Set up a regular schedule

A lot of times, unless strictly supervised, children may simply forget to brush when they have to. In order to develop a consistent routine, you can set up parameters as to when they should regularly brush. This would typically be immediately after breakfast, after bathing, or right before their bedtime ritual. Pairing brushing time with other regular daily rituals or tasks will provide them the necessary cues, so that they don’t accidentally forget.

Expand their imaginations

One way to get your child more engaged in brushing is to create a story or narrative out of it. For example, you can make a story about them going out and defending themselves from imaginary “sugar bugs”, which they defeat by brushing. Another story you can make up is having them “explore the universe”, with the toothbrush being the vessel. There are no limits to how creative you can get, although it’s important to ensure that they are brushing thoroughly and for the recommended duration.

Decorate the bathroom with images related to brushing

The bathroom should be recognized for all of the functions it serves – brushing being one of them. One good way to reinforce the idea that the bathroom is the place for brushing is by decorating it with cartoons and pictures related to brushing. You can even make it into an arts and crafts activity, by getting your child to create drawings of characters brushing, which you can then post up on the mirror or walls.

Acknowledge them after brushing

Another reliable way to reinforce positive behaviour is by acknowledging or praising it. After they finish up their brushing routine, you can acknowledge them by giving a high five, or by providing other fun or quirky comments.

Switch up the toothpaste

If your child finds brushing their teeth repetitive, you can make the experience more dynamic and exciting by occasionally switching up their toothpaste. There are a lot of different toothpaste flavours that you can try out, just make sure that it’s suitable for them and fulfills all of the necessary criteria.

Get them involved in purchasing supplies

Get them more involved in brushing by having them pick out their brushes or toothpaste. You can make an ongoing ritual out of going to the store together when it’s time to restock, and have them pick out the toothbrush that they like the most. 

Liven up the mood

You can make the experience more exciting by playing music while they brush. Find something fun and uplifting that they like, and play it during their brushing routine. This can also help you gauge time, to ensure that they’re brushing for the full two minutes.