Toothbrushes: the pros and cons of electric and disposable | PSS (Herts) (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

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.

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.

Manual Toothbrush Cons

Manual toothbrushes require more effort than electric toothbrushes to create the motion necessary for a proper clean. Since a manual toothbrush requires effort, it may not be ideal for people with mobility challenges.

Electric toothbrushes are often recommended for improved dental hygiene. Brushing with an electric toothbrush is a quick and easy way to help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. But they're more expensive than a regular toothbrush. And the replacement brush heads can be pricey too.

Don't need electricity: Manual toothbrushes are easier to use if you are on the road or in a bathroom without an electricity socket. Sensation: For some people, simply do not like the feeling of the vibrating toothbrush in their mouth, so for this reason prefer to stick to a manual brush.

The oscillating or rotating motion of electric toothbrushes is designed to do the work for you, so applying excessive pressure is unnecessary and can lead to oral health issues. To avoid this mistake, let the brush's bristles gently glide over your teeth and gums without pressing too hard.

Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to marine life, as discarded toothbrushes find their way into oceans and waterways, where they can be mistaken for food by marine animals. Studies have found that marine animals ingest plastic debris, leading to digestive blockages, internal injuries, and death.

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.

Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? ›

Studies have been conducted comparing the two types of toothbrushes and found that electric toothbrushes are significantly better at removing plaque and gingivitis. They also do not harm your gums, which can happen with manual toothbrushes when users brush too aggressively or use too much pressure.

Battery Powered Toothbrush:

Provides a better clean than a manual, but is not at the same level as a rechargeable electric toothbrush. You will still need to brush back and forth, but there's added vibrations to help lift and remove stubborn plaque.

The Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Higher Cost- Battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than their traditional counterparts. They also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey. Higher Risk of Damage- Because of their electronics, they are at a higher risk of damage if dropped or falling in the water.

Using an electric toothbrush every day is generally recommended and can be beneficial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The consistent use of an electric toothbrush helps remove plaque effectively, reaches difficult-to-reach areas, and promotes better overall cleaning compared to manual brushing.

Excessive pressure while using an electric toothbrush can lead to enamel wear and gum irritation, which results in acute sensitivity and toothache after using electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes may decrease the amount of plaque and gingivitis on your teeth more than manual toothbrushes are able to. In fact, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes and reduce gingivitis by 17%.

Battery Powered Toothbrush:

Provides a better clean than a manual, but is not at the same level as a rechargeable electric toothbrush. You will still need to brush back and forth, but there's added vibrations to help lift and remove stubborn plaque.

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!