U.S.: usage of manual toothbrushes 2011-2024 | Statista (2024)

FAQs

What percentage of people use manual toothbrushes? ›

But most people still use a traditional manual toothbrush instead of a powered device. According to a 2022 report by consumer marketing analysis firm Mintel, 41 percent of adults say they have used an electric toothbrush in the past six months, compared with 58 percent who say they've used a manual one.

Toothbrushes: Close to 210 million Americans use manual toothbrushes, and roughly 4.5 million people use powered toothbrushes at least 5 times a week. Mouthwash: 201 million Americans use mouthwash regularly.

The American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that manual and electric toothbrushes are effective. For general oral health, a manual toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended by the ADA. Examples include the Colgate 360 Toothbrush which has soft tapered bristles and soft rubber polishing cups.

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.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that manual brushing is a safe and effective method of dental biofilm removal. Manual toothbrushes are considerably less expensive than powered toothbrushes. There also tends to be more choice in bristle style, ergonomic design, color, and other features.

Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth than manual toothbrushes. With good oral hygiene, you will also retain your teeth for a longer time. These facts have been backed by an 11‐year cohort study by the Journal Of Clinical Periodontology.

The Results Are In

Nearly seven of 10 Americans (69 percent) brush their teeth at least twice a day, the amount recommended by the American Dental Association and other dental health professionals. However, that means more than 30 percent of Americans aren't brushing enough.

In a poll of 562 people around the world (including 332 Americans), 49% of men and 57% of women said they brush their teeth only once a day on average, while 44% of men and 37% of women said they were twice-daily brushers.

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.

Are manual toothbrushes just as good? ›

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do remove more plaque and decrease gingivitis (gum disease) than manual toothbrushes compared with a manual toothbrush.

Plaque was scored according to the Turesky modified Quigley and Hein Index before and after brushing. Analysis shows that plaque reduction with the electric brush is significantly better than with the manual brush: 46 percent versus 25 percent reduction, respectively.

There are many benefits to using an electric toothbrush. The primary reason individuals prefer electric brushes is that their teeth feel as clean as they would following a professional dental cleaning. Electric toothbrushes allow you to clean your teeth more thoroughly.

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.

A regular manual toothbrush will still clean as well as an electric one. according to dental experts, how you brush is more important than what you brush with.

The organization says manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as powered ones. The key to preventing tooth decay, say experts, lies in the way a toothbrush -- electric or otherwise -- is used.

According to a 2022 report by Mintel, 41 percent of adults have used an electric toothbrush in the last six months while 58 percent have used a manual toothbrush. Ultimately, your choice of toothbrush is a personal choice.