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.