Do you want to buy a new toothbrush? Which one is better, a manual toothbrush or an electric one?

Brushing your teeth is crucial in maintaining overall oral health. It helps to remove dental plaque that'd lead to cavities and gum diseases. It also helps reduce sensitivity that'd make it unpleasant to take hot and cold food and drinks.

Manual and electric toothbrushes help remove plaque. Each type comes with its benefits.

Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush, what's the difference between the two?

If you want the best smile with the cleanest teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush from Dr. Brite. The toothbrushes have advanced technologies that help you enjoy easy brushing time and professional results. All products are free from any toxic chemicals and we offer safe solutions for the entire family.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

 

Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?

The ADA accepts electric and manual toothbrushes, provided they're effective and safe. But what are the benefits of using each?

Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes have been in use for an extended period. They may not come with the advanced technology you'd find in electric brushes. However, they still do an excellent job cleaning your teeth and removing plaque that'd cause tooth decay.

Using them is not wrong if you're more comfortable with manual brushes. Continue using it, even if it means brushing twice daily to improve oral health.

So, why should you go for a manual brush?

Affordability

A regular manual toothbrush costs a few dollars, making it significantly cheaper than its electric counterparts. You also don't need to buy any extra parts. Although manual toothbrushes are cheaper, they still get the job done. Thus, you can stick with one to help remove oral plaqueand prevent gum disease.

The brushes depend on your technique to be effective. Take care not to brush too hard as it can damage the teeth' root surface and gum. The type of brush you use is also essential. If you opt for a full manual toothbrush, it'll be best to go for one with soft bristles.

A soft-bristled brush gets the job done and is an excellent option when working on a budget. You can have one as a backup while traveling or at work. The models are also almost similar for different brands.

Accessibility

Manual toothbrushes are also more easily accessible than electric ones. You can find one at your local drug store, grocery, dollar store, or gas station.

Since they don't require to be charged, you can use your manual toothbrush anywhere at any time.

Manual toothbrushes tend to have narrower handles than some electric ones. Their accessibility can be a challenge for people with arthritis in the hands or other conditions that affect dexterity.

Sustainability

A manual toothbrush is more sustainable than an electric one. A brush with a detachable toothbrush head is more sustainable.

For instance, Dr. Brite's Replacement Toothbrush Head – Black, is an excellent pick. The toothbrush has a setting meant to protect your gums as you brush. It whitens, cleans, and polishes; you'll love how your teeth feel after using it. It's an affordable brush, perfect for plaque removal.

Cons of a Manual Toothbrush

Since manual toothbrushes don't have a built-in timer, it might be challenging to find out if you're brushing long enough. You can consider having a timer in your bathroom to assist you in timing your brushing sessions.

You're also more likely to brush too hard when using a manual brush than an electric one. This may lead to damage to the gum and teeth.

Unlike electric brushes, a manual toothbrush requires you to do more work in cleaning your teeth. You'll use more energy in making circular and back-and-forth movements.

Additionally, manual brushes are easily accessible locally. Thus, you might spend a lot of time choosing the best option from the wide variety of brushes. The brushes are also available in various shapes, sizes, and bristles, which can be confusing.

Electric Toothbrush Benefits

An electric brush comes in handy if you want to accomplish good oral cleaning and optimal dental health. Unlike manual brushing, powered toothbrushes have bristles that rotate and vibrate to help remove plaque.

There's consensus between dentists that electric toothbrushes do a better job in maintaining oral hygiene than their manual counterparts. They make brushing easier and help remove more plaque as you move it across your teeth.

What are the advantages of an electric toothbrush?

Ideal for People With Limited Mobility

If you have movement challenges, electric brushes are a perfect pick. They don't require you to apply too much force in cleaning teeth. The powered brushes are ideal for brushing even the hard-to-reach areas.

They are ideal for people with arthritis, developmental disabilities, and carpal tunnel. The length of time required to clean teeth effectively is shorter. This saves you from the lengthy task of brushing your teeth.

Removes More Plaque

Electric toothbrushes are better at reducing plaque than their manual counterparts. The oscillating toothbrushes are a better option for maintaining good oral health, including gum health.

For example, the Sonic Toothbrush - Black ensures you enjoy professional teeth cleaning. It's quiet and effective in removing plaque without too much brushing force.

Most kids are also comfortable using the Sonic Toothbrush.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

Functionality

Electric toothbrushes come with functionalities that make it easy to clean your teeth.

For example, many electric toothbrushes have sensors that notify you if you're applying too much force when brushing. Others feature a built-in timer that helps you determine if you've brushed long enough.

Helpful for Orthodontic Patients

Electric toothbrushes are a great choice for people with orthodontic appliances, including braces. They help make brushing easier.

You don't have to apply much force in cleaning your teeth with an electric brush, as the brush does the job for you. Most orthodontic appliances require you to brush with care to prevent more damage. It'll also be best to avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles.

The Sonic Toothbrush - White is a great pick. It comes with several features that make it easy to maintain oral health. For instance, it comes with a 2 minutes intelligent auto-tier that switches off automatically to ensure you brush for the recommended time.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

Additionally, you can rinse with water after brushing your teeth since the handle and charger base are waterproof. If you're traveling, you can carry your toothbrush along as a single charge can last up to three days, brushing 2 times per day for 2 minutes.

Has Less Waste

When it's time for a replacement, you only need to replace the electric toothbrush head. Thus, it has less waste than throwing away a full manual brush.

If it's a single-use electric brush, you replace it.

The brushes may also require less water when brushing teeth than the manual ones.

Ideal for Kids

Electric toothbrushes can be fun for kids, enabling them to develop healthy habits and improve oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes are also soft on your gums and enamel, ideal for promoting oral hygiene.

Electric Toothbrush Cons

Electric toothbrushes may not offer the best sustainability.

Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes may not be easily accessible at your local grocery and stores.

Additionally, they're more expensive than the manual ones. They are also less effective when the charge goes down.

Is it Better to Opt for a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

The two types of toothbrushes come with their pros and cons. Your choice depends on your needs and the results you expect.

For example, the electric toothbrush is perfect if you have braces, while the manual one is ideal while working on a budget.