The Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes | Kirkland Family Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of an electric toothbrush? ›

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.

If not careful, some electric toothbrushes can be very aggressive and potentially scratch your enamel. In addition, some people think that once you use an electric toothbrush, you don't need to follow recommended brushing techniques.

While enamel is extremely hard and durable, an electric toothbrush used with excessive force can cause the enamel to wear away. This leaves the tooth without protection and can cause issues such as sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.

Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for 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.

Electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove more plaque than a manual, delivering a more complete clean. 1 Plaque bacteria can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss if not removed properly. Electric toothbrushes are far more effective at removing plaque, limiting its damaging effects on oral health.

Best electric toothbrush overall

While the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a pretty basic and affordable entry-level electric toothbrush (high-end models could run you upwards of $300), it has all the main features dentists recommend.

Moreover, 6 months' use of Sonicare led to actual improvement in probing attachment levels of periodontal pockets.” Here at Creekside Dental, our hygienists unanimously recommend the Sonicare over the Oral-B because we have also seen far better improvement in periodontal health when using the Sonicare.

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!

While the American Dental Association has stated that manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective in cleaning children's teeth, there are many reasons you may want to choose to use an electric toothbrush: They are easier to use. They provide more brushing power.

Should a 7 year old use an electric toothbrush? ›

From a safety standpoint, with proper instruction and supervision, electric toothbrushes are safe for children 3 years old and older. Children younger than 3 should use manual toothbrushes.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using an electric toothbrush – or a manual one that has the ADA Seal of Approval – for all children as soon as their first tooth erupts.

Once a person has trigeminal neuralgia, pain episodes can be triggered by contact with the cheek or jaw. Episodes can also be brought on by vibration. This is why many with TN avoid electric toothbrushes, as the vibration of the toothbrush head can trigger an attack.

They are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth, they are easier to use, and they come with built-in timers to help you brush for the recommended time period. Additionally, they are more affordable in the long run, as you only need to replace the toothbrush heads every few months.

Using an electric toothbrush won't damage your teeth — but misusing one can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity, and gum recession. If you're considering investing in an electric toothbrush, keep reading as Taylor Dental explains how to prevent tooth damage when brushing your teeth.

Also, consider using an electric toothbrush as it can clean your teeth more efficiently and may help loosen and remove tartar.