Toothbrush Showdown: Electric vs Manual (and which is best)
When it comes picking the best toothbrush, there are so many options you may by asking yourself how to make the right choice. Both electric and manual toothbrushes have advantages and disadvantages, but which one is best?
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
While the toothbrush we know today wasn’t invented until 1938, ancient civilizations have been keeping their teeth clean since 3000 B.C. Even then, people knew that the foundation of a healthy mouth started with keeping teeth clean. Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care, and everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day – but you need the right tools to effectively remove plaque and reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
This brings us to the topic of “electric toothbrush vs a manual toothbrush,” and the question of which is better?
Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. Since an electric toothbrush moves in a way human hands cannot, it does a lot of the work for us, and in the same amount of time, the electric toothbrush really is better at removing plaque. But, that doesn’t mean that a regular toothbrush can’t get the job done - but it does mean you have to be brushing correctly and with the proper technique!
The Electric Toothbrush
The “electric” part of the electric toothbrush gives added vibration or rotation to help remove debris from the teeth and gums. These extra movements allow better cleaning with less work. Overall, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning our teeth and may offer extra help to children and adults with reduced mobility, loss of hand control, or those in braces.
Another perk of electric toothbrushes, is that they come with a built in timer. This ensures that all of us – especially our kids – are brushing for the full two minutes. Using an electric toothbrush, or the “tickle toothbrush” as well call it in our home, can also help motivate kids to brush since it can be presented as both a fun and funny way to keep teeth clean.
The Manual Toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes have been around a long time. Simply put, a manual toothbrush is a plastic handle with bristles at one end.
Compared to an electric toothbrush, a manual one isn’t powered and relies on you, the user, to focus on the movements needed to brush your teeth and remove plaque and debris.
But this doesn’t mean that a manual toothbrush is bad! In fact, there’s nothing wrong with using a good old fashion toothbrush, but to make sure you get the most out of it, you need to be sure you are using it correctly – and that you are doing it twice a day, for two minutes. The best way to brush your teeth is to:
Use an extra-soft toothbrush
Pick a toothbrush that’s the right size for your mouth (especially one that will fit between your cheeks and top back teeth)
Use a cavity-prevention toothpaste (either fluoride or hydroxyapatite)
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, especially at the gum line (45 degrees up for top teeth and 45 degrees down for the bottom teeth)
Apply gentle pressure and ensure you get all surfaces of the teeth (front, back, and tops)
Store your brush upright, uncovered, and away from the toilet
Replace your toothbrush every 3-6 months (and after any illnesses!)
So there you have it! Whether you prefer an electric toothbrush or a manual one, the most important thing is to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. And don’t forget to schedule your routine dental check-up twice a year; no matter what toothbrush you use, it won’t be able to tell you about your overall oral health!
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
