Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care. According to the Canadian Dental Association, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.
Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own pros and cons and you have to choose which one might be best for you.
Benefits of Electric toothbrush
*Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums. The vibration allows for more micro-movements every time you move your toothbrush across your teeth.
*More effective at removing plaque. A study showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.
*Easier for people with limited mobility. Electric toothbrushes does most of the work for you. They may be helpful for anyone with limited mobility.
*Built-in timers. A timer built into an electric toothbrush can help you brush your teeth long enough to sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
*May improve your focus while brushing. A latest study found that people were more focused when brushing their teeth using an electric toothbrush. This improved people’s overall experience.
*Fun for kids. Not all kids are interested in brushing their teeth. If an electric toothbrush is more engaging to your child, it can help accomplish good oral cleaning and set healthy habits.
*Safe for gums. If used properly, an electric toothbrush should not hurt your gums or enamel but instead promote overall oral health.
Benefits of manual toothbrush
*Easily available. They are readily available in market. You don’t have to research hard to buy one for you & your family.
* Lower cost. Lower cost makes them more popular in the population. They are light weight and to operate they don’t need batteries. Which reduce the cost significantly.
* Lots of options. Lots of options are available in market for different head shape and sizes and even for the shape of bristles. They are very convenient to carry as well while traveling.
The bottom line.
There are pros and cons of both type of brushes. Electric are better, more efficient at getting teeth. But they are more costly and inconvenient. When used properly, a manual toothbrush can be as effective as an electric toothbrush. But if you have trouble moving the brush correctly on your own, it won’t do the job well. If you are still not sure which toothbrush is best for you, talk to your dental provider for guidance.
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