Electric toothbrushes are a popular alternative to traditional manual toothbrushes. But the question that we always hear is, are electric toothbrushes better?

Many find electric toothbrushes to be more effective at cleaning teeth and gums, and they can be accommodating for people with mobility issues or difficulty brushing their teeth. This is important because brushing your teeth and using the correct brushing technique is the foundation of good oral care and prevention.

So do you really need an electric toothbrush? Read on to find out.

The benefits of using an electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque compared to manual toothbrushes. The motorised bristles on an electric toothbrush can vibrate or oscilate, which can help to loosen and remove plaque from the teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush.

They can also help improve your brushing technique. Many electric toothbrushes come with timers and pressure sensors that can help you brush for the recommended two minutes and use the correct amount of pressure.

Electric toothbrushes can also be easier to use for people with dexterity issues or physical limitations compared to manual toothbrushes. For people with disabilities or limited mobility, an electric toothbrush can be a more convenient and effective way to clean their teeth. Some electric toothbrushes also come with different brush heads and cleaning modes, which can be helpful for people with sensitive teeth or gums.

For children, they can also be more fun to use, which can help motivate them to brush more frequently.

The negatives of using an electric toothbrush

Despite the many positives, there are a few potential drawbacks to using an electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes tend to be more expensive than manual toothbrushes, especially if you opt for a high-end model with advanced features.

Electric toothbrushes also need to be charged, which means you need to have access to a power outlet or a charged battery in order to use them. This can be inconvenient if you're travelling or if there's a power outage.

The electric toothbrush head also needs to be replaced every three to six months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. This can add to the overall cost of using an electric toothbrush.

Who should consider using an electric toothbrush?

Anyone can benefit from using an electric toothbrush. They can also be particularly helpful for people who:

Have difficulty brushing for the recommended two minutes due to physical limitations or a busy schedule
Have difficulty using a manual toothbrush due to dexterity issues or conditions such as arthritis
Have trouble reaching all areas of their mouth with a manual toothbrush
Have gum disease or are at a high risk of developing gum disease

The benefits of using a manual toothbrush

Although electric toothbrushes are known to be more effective, there still are a few benefits to using a manual toothbrush.

Manual toothbrushes are generally more affordable than electric toothbrushes and there is no extra cost of buying replacement heads.

Manual toothbrushes are portable and easy to use anywhere, as they do not require an electrical outlet or charging. You can even buy manual toothbrushes that fold up to make them easier to pack.

Some people also find manual toothbrushes easier to control and manoeuvre in their mouth, especially when brushing hard-to-reach areas.

The negatives of using a manual toothbrush

The main drawback of using a manual toothbrush is that if you do not brush your teeth properly, it may not be as effective at removing plaque and preventing tooth decay and gum disease as an electric toothbrush.

It can also take longer to properly clean your teeth with a manual toothbrush, as you need to manually move the brush back and forth in order to clean your teeth. This can be especially true if you have a hard time reaching all areas of your mouth with a manual brush.

Manual toothbrushes also do not typically have the same range of features as electric toothbrushes, such as timers, pressure sensors, and multiple brush head options.

So which toothbrush do I pick?

Ultimately, the choice between manual and electric toothbrushes comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the convenience and cleaning power of an electric toothbrush vs a manual, while others may prefer the simplicity and lower cost of a manual toothbrush, despite electric toothbrushes being the more effective option. As long as you are brushing your teeth properly, flossing and maintaining regular trips to the dentist, the choice is yours!

Book an appointment at Cambridge City Dental

Has it been a while since your last dental check-up and clean? Or can’t remember the last time you had one? It’s probably time to visit the dentist! At Cambridge City Dental, we’re always welcoming new patients through our doors. It’s never been easier to book an appointment, simply visit our online booking platform and select a time suitable for you. We look forward to meeting you soon!