Dental health and hygiene are essential for everyone. And since childhood, we are told to brush our teeth twice daily. Cleaning your teeth every morning and night can help you avoid cavities, gum diseases, and plaque build-up to maintain good dental health. Another essential aspect of oral hygiene is investing in high-quality dental products.
However, with the wide range of dental hygiene products on the market, you may find it confusing to determine the best products for your teeth. One common confusion among consumers is the choice between manual vs. electric toothbrushes. Both toothbrushes have several pros and cons. There are various aspects to consider before deciding which is best for you. This article will delve deep into the electric vs manual toothbrushes debate, discuss the advantages and shortcomings of both products, and help you make a choice.
What to Look for in an Electric Toothbrush
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Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes
- Effectiveness : Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis better than manual toothbrushes. {SOURCE} Dentists advise using an electric toothbrush for removing plaque build-up in the teeth.
- Built-in Timers : Many people brush too quickly to clean their teeth thoroughly. Electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to ensure you brush your teeth long enough to clean all the plaque and unhealthy microbes from your teeth and gums.
- Less Waste : Replacing a manual toothbrush means throwing away a whole brush made of plastic. To renew an electric brush, you only need to replace the head of the toothbrush, making it more sustainable.
- Improved Focus : A recent study has established that those who use an electric toothbrush are more focused on the cleaning process as they brush their teeth {SOURCE}
- Helpful for Those with Orthodontic Appliances : Brushing teeth can be difficult for those with orthodontic appliances like braces. Electric toothbrushes make reaching all around their teeth easier to clean more thoroughly. It is also the best toothbrush for sensitive gums and teeth.
- Fun for Kids : Children may be reluctant to brush their teeth, and parents may despair at their carelessness with oral hygiene. Electric toothbrushes make the task fun and interesting for young kids.
- Extra Features : Electric toothbrushes have various features, including the ability to link with your smartphone, track your oral hygiene through an app, use timers and sensors for better cleaning, etc.
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Disadvantages of Electric Toothbrushes
- Cost : Electric toothbrushes cost much more than manual brushes, and not everyone can afford them. An electric toothbrush costs between $30 to $200, and replacing the head is an additional monthly cost of $10.
- Loud Sound : Some people do not like the loud sound of electric toothbrushes. Manual toothbrushes make little or no sound when used.
- Using With Too Much Force : Electric brushes are meant to be used with a gentle hand. If you use them with too much force, they may damage the tooth enamel or cause abrasions.
- Plug-in Versions : Battery-operated electric toothbrushes are expensive and harmful to the environment. But the plug-in versions are also not a good option, as you may be unable to use them while you travel or without electricity.
What to Look for in a Manual Toothbrush
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Benefits of a Manual Toothbrush
- Portable : Manual toothbrushes are light and easy to carry. You can take them even when you wish to travel light, as they can fit in any pocket or purse.
- Affordable : Manual toothbrushes are available for less than $1, and everyone can buy them. They are inexpensive to use and replace.
- Widely Available : Manual toothbrushes are easily available in every part of the world. You can easily buy them at any supermarket or pharmacy.
- No Batteries : Batteries are costly and harmful to the environment. Manual toothbrushes don’t need any batteries and, therefore, cause less waste.
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Disadvantages of a Manual Toothbrush
- Missed Spots : Sometimes, manual toothbrushes may not reach every spot in your mouth, which can lead to decay or cavities. When purchasing a manual toothbrush, choose a brush with a head size that is comfortable for your mouth. It will ensure you can reach every corner of your mouth with the brush.
- Less Effective : A study in 2014 determined that manual toothbrushes are less effective than electric toothbrushes for removing plaque and preventing gingivitis in the long and short term. {SOURCE}
- Plastic Waste : Manual toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months. Replacing manual toothbrushes four times a year increases the plastic waste on the planet.
- Abrasive : Bristles in a manual toothbrush may be more abrasive than electric brushes. Using a manual toothbrush with excessive pressure may result in erosion or injury to the gums. Unlike electric brushes, there is no alarm to tell you if you apply too much pressure.
- Not Ideal for Everyone : Manual toothbrushes require certain dexterity for proper use. Those with disabilities or older adults may have difficulty using a manual toothbrush.
Side By Side Comparison of Manual Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush
| Manual Toothbrush | Electric Toothbrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Between $1 to $10 | Between $25 to $200 |
| Customer | For those who prefer a light, compact and portable brush | For those who want a toothbrush with advanced features and a comfortable handle. |
| Effectiveness | Manual toothbrushes effectively remove plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis if used properly. | Electric toothbrushes are more effective in reducing plaque and preventing gingivitis in the long term. |
| Safety | It can cause abrasion and injury if used with too much pressure or incorrect technique. | Have pressure sensors that prevent abrasion and damage. |
| Need to be Replaced | Every two or three months | Just the head requires replacement every two or three months. |
| Who Benefits | Those who prefer a portable and inexpensive toothbrush | Those who have dexterity issues, e.g. disabled people or elderly people |
| Sustainability | Generates plastic waste | It may generate less plastic waste than manual brushes but also creates battery waste. |
Although electric toothbrushes cost significantly more than manual toothbrushes, they are an investment in oral health. The health and safety benefits of using an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth outweigh the disadvantages of battery waste, low portability, and high cost. An electric toothbrush can save you the cost of expensive dental treatments and medicines by maintaining good oral hygiene.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.