If you currently use a regular toothbrush, you may be wondering if you’re missing out on a better clean by not using an electric one. Truth is, everyone has different preferences when it comes to how they brush their teeth. But there’s no denying that electric toothbrushes do pose a whole host of benefits over manual brushes.

Here we will go over the pros and cons of both kinds, but if you’re still not sure what the better choice is, ask us at your next preventative dentistry visit.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Check out the many advantages to using electric toothbrushes every day:

  • They Teach Ideal Brushing Habits: Electric toothbrushes outperform manual brushes primarily because they do most of the work for you and ensure you’re brushing correctly. There’s no need to maintain an even pressure, going from side to side, like you do with a manual brush. Simply press the electric brush to your teeth and slowly glide it across the surface. Plus, many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer to guarantee proper brushing time (you should be brushing for a full two minutes).
  • They’re Better for Cleaning Teeth: Research shows people claim a 21 percent reduction in plaque after they have used an electric toothbrush for three months or more. That’s because electric versions give people better results in general when it comes to cleaning their teeth. There are certain types that are reported to work the best, such as those with oscillating heads.
  • They Come With Attachments for Orthodontic Patients: For teens and adults with braces, it can be difficult to brush and floss with a regular brush. But if you use an electric version, you can select the type of brush head you want and it will clean hard-to-reach places best. Just pop on attachments like interproximal brushes to supplement flossing the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
  • They Help People With Impaired Dexterity: Electric toothbrushes are better for those who have difficulties with fine motor control. Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric versions require little dexterity or movement, making them ideal for children and older adults.

Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes

On the flip side, there are many reasons to use manual toothbrushes as well.

  • They’re Easy to Travel With: When traveling, you want things to be as simple as possible, and it’s much easier to toss a manual brush in your bag than pack your electric toothbrush with attachments and spare batteries.
  • They’re Cheap: Because you should replace your toothbrushes frequently, it’s cheaper to buy a manual toothbrush than a more expensive electric one every few months.
  • They’re Easy to Find: Manual brushes are available for purchase pretty much anywhere, from drug stores to grocery stores, with a large selection to choose from. If you’re searching for a certain model of electric toothbrush head, you may have to search a while till you find the one you need.
  • You Can Use Them Anywhere: Whether you’re sunbathing on a remote Caribbean island or camping in the woods, manual toothbrushes are easier to bring along than electric ones. You’d be hard pressed to find an outlet to plug in your electric toothbrush. If you even found one in the mountains, you would probably want to conserve what little energy you had access to.

Drawbacks of Electric Toothbrushes

While they have several pros, electric toothbrushes have some cons too.

  • They’re More Expensive: Electric toothbrushes cost more to own and use, even when you just need to replace the head. On top of the cost of the unit itself, you have to keep a steady supply of batteries on hand, which also costs a lot.
  • You Have to Charge Them: Electric toothbrushes are apt to run out of power at the most inopportune time, leaving you searching frantically for an outlet or batteries. Many plug-in electric toothbrushes take a few hours to fully charge.
  • They May Experience Technical Issues: Electric toothbrushes contains lots of internal parts that can break down over time. Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, only have a base and bristles.

Drawbacks of Manual Toothbrushes

Lastly, here’s a look at the cons of manual toothbrushes.

  • They’re Difficult to Use With Disabilities: People with certain disabilities may find manual toothbrushes difficult or impossible to use due to the movement and effort involved.
  • They Require Proper Brushing Techniques: Manual toothbrushes can pose a challenge for people who are unaware of proper brushing techniques, such as using too much or too little pressure. Many people brush their teeth too quickly, leaving harmful bacteria and plaque in their mouths.

Wrapping Things Up

So, to answer the question — is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one — we have to say that the answer is, it depends on the person.

If you’re just looking to keep your teeth clean, either type of brush will work for you. But if you’re going for a fuller, more efficient clean, go with an electric toothbrush for convenience, consistency, and additional helpful features that you can’t get from a manual brush.

Book Your Twice-Yearly Cleaning With Piedmont Oaks Dental

We can give our professional advice on whether you should be using an electric toothbrush or a regular toothbrush during your twice-yearly cleaning with us. We make it easy to book your appointment with us at (510) 654-6523. We are located at 1345 Grand Ave. Suite 103 in Piedmont, CA and our hours are Mon – Thu 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8am to 1pm.