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Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes[/caption]
This is one of our most frequently asked questions!
Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing.
Let’s break that down. The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay.
Manual Toothbrush
A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush at least for two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.
If you need some help with visualizing the proper techniques, here are some helpful recommendations.
Electric Toothbrush
For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces.
The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushers who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.
Round vs Rectangular
When picking an electric toothbrush, pick one that has a round brush head instead of a rectangular head. A rounded brush head can more easily maneuver around teeth, especially those hard to get molars.
What about Battery operated toothbrushes?
You've all seen those cute battery operated electric toothbrushes with that are decked out in action figure brands or stylish colors. Note, only some allow for battery replacement when they start to run low. Moreover, very few allow the brush head to be changed.
An electric toothbrush would be recommended for long term use. Just replace the brush head every 6 months.
Cost of Electric Toothbrushes
Some are deterred by the cost of electric toothbrushes. They can range from $30 to over $130. A solid $30 electric toothbrush can last over a decade with proper care use.
Take home message: When choosing an electric toothbrush, choose function over all the bells and whistles.
At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!
Bonus: How do astronauts brush their teeth?
Here's a bonus video from astronaut Chad Hadfield, who is commander of the International Space Station. He explains who he brushes his teeth while in space! Find out what type of toothbrush he uses in outer space!
At All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we incorporate proven techniques to share with you and your child at each dental checkup visit. Dr. Allen Job and his team are committed to providing the latest in oral health care prevention. For more information about brushing and flossing check out our preventive care page. Still want more information? Check out our blog posts on prevention! Our practice is centrally located in San Diego, CA.
Scheduling an appointment for your child is easy! Start here to schedule an appointment. All of our forms are online. Fill them out securely from your smartphone or tablet and hit send. On appointment day, your child will be seen at their scheduled time. For example, if you have a 9:00 AM appointment, your child will be seen at 9:00 AM.
Dr. Allen Job, DDS, MS, MPH, MS is a board certified pediatric dentist who practices in San Diego, California, where he specializes in prevention. He is also an assistant professor at Loma Linda University Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
FAQs
They found that sonic toothbrushes reduce the signs of periodontal disease and the number of teeth lost. Other studies have concluded that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones at removing plaque, one of the main culprits of cavities and gum disease.
Which is more effective manual or electric toothbrush? ›
A 2021 meta-analysis of 28 studies provided further evidence that powered toothbrushes seem to have a slight edge over manual ones when it comes to plaque removal.
Is it better to brush your teeth manually or with an electric toothbrush? ›
Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
Removes more plaque –electric toothbrushes remove up to 70% more plaque than manual toothbrushes in hard-to-reach places*. Good for your gums – an 11-year study of electric vs. manual toothbrush use found that electric toothbrushes resulted in 22% less gum recession.
What's better, a regular or an electric toothbrush? ›
Now, they're more popular than ever. But do they really make a difference in cleaning your teeth? Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes.
Do dentists recommend manual or electric toothbrushes? ›
Dentists agree that overall, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. "Because electric brushes have a rotation, they essentially force the toothpaste in more difficult-to-reach areas, which is where cavities start," says Dr. Creaven.
What are the disadvantages of an electric toothbrush? ›
They are more expensive compared to manual toothbrushes, making them less accessible to everyone. Electric toothbrushes are also fragile and require a lot of care to prevent damage. Although you have to charge them, overcharging, dropping, or damaging the batteries can mean the end of your electric toothbrush.
Why is a manual toothbrush better? ›
One of the critical advantages of manual toothbrushes is the level of control they offer. You can adjust the pressure and angle to target specific areas of your mouth. This precision control allows for a more thorough and effective cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach places like the back of your molars.
Should I go back to a manual toothbrush? ›
There's no real reason why a manual toothbrush can't meet our oral hygiene needs. With good dexterity, manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as electric ones. To look after teeth and gums well, we do need to be careful and diligent. Brushing needs to be thorough, and for at least two minutes twice a day.
Is a manual toothbrush enough? ›
The key to preventing tooth decay, say experts, lies in the way a toothbrush -- electric or otherwise -- is used. "If you are a wonderful brusher and a wonderful flosser ... then the manual toothbrushes are just great," says Kimberly Harms, DDS, an ADA consumer advisor who is also a dentist in Farmington, Minn.
Is my electric toothbrush damaging my gums? ›
Scrubbing back and forth with an electric toothbrush can irritate and wear away at your gums over time, resulting in receding gums. Instead, simply guide your toothbrush along your teeth at a 45 degree angle to your gums – the ideal angle for sweeping away plaque from the gum line. Using too much pressure.
The benefits of using an electric toothbrush extend beyond short term improvements. Tooth decay may not be on the immediate minds of every consumer but considering our earlier point on the value of the investment, purchasing an electric toothbrush will provide long-term benefits in reducing tooth decay.
Is there any benefit to electric toothbrush? ›
The Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Thorough yet gentle cleaning- Electric toothbrushes are less abrasive yet more thorough than a traditional toothbrushes. As a result, you can remove a more significant amount of plaque. Added accuracy and convenience- A built-in timer helps you keep accurate track of brushing time.
Is it worth paying more for an electric toothbrush? ›
Dr Richard Marques, a private dentist based on London's Harley Street, says: “By now, so much research has gone into them that any electric toothbrush you can buy is better than a manual toothbrush. They either use rotation and oscillation or vibration, and you're able to clean your teeth without scrubbing too hard.”
What do dentists think of electric toothbrush? ›
A 2021 Meta-Analysis has shown that electric toothbrushes are more efficient than manual ones at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, preventing cavities and gum disease. The primary goal of brushing your teeth is to eliminate debris and plaque.
What is the downside of a sonic toothbrush? ›
However sonic brushes do have one major drawback; they tend to be quite expensive compared to both manual and electric versions making them cost-prohibitive for some users with tighter budgets who still want a quality brush for cleaning their teeth thoroughly each day!
Is an electric toothbrush better for receding gums? ›
In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health. People using manual toothbrushes are more likely to brush too hard.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual for receding gums? ›
How can electric toothbrushes help treat receding gums? Here are three ways in which electric toothbrushes can help to improve gum health and reverse the effects of gum recession. Plaque Control: Electric toothbrushes are much more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth than manual toothbrushes.
Do electric toothbrushes make teeth whiter? ›
Electric toothbrushes remove surface stains from teeth more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Oscillating electric toothbrushes are generally the best for teeth whitening compared to sonic-powered toothbrushes.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes[/caption]
