You know that brushing your teeth twice a day is the key to good oral care and gum health. However, most of us have no idea which kind of toothbrush we should be using to keep plaque and disease at bay. Just as there are various consumer options available in this modern world, there are also numerous choices offered when it comes to toothbrushes and dental care. The good news is that the American Dental Association has confirmed that both manual and electric toothbrushes are excellent at removing the plaque in our teeth that can cause disease and decay. Both manual and electric toothbrushes have their unique pros and cons to offer today's consumers. Here's your guide to both choices so that you can make a more informed decision for your family.   The Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes Electric toothbrushes are corded or battery-powered toothbrushes that rotate or vibrate to help you with removing the plaque build-up from your gums and teeth. The vibration helps to banish dirt more rapidly as you complete your typical brushing routine. According to some studies, the micro-movements facilitated by electronic toothbrushes could mean that you can remove more plaque from your teeth. Cochrane has made an analysis of numerous reports, and they found that after 3 months of use, an electric toothbrush can reduce plaque by up to 21% and gingivitis by 11%. Electric toothbrushes do the majority of the work required in brushing your teeth for you too. These devices are excellent for people with limited mobility, such as those with arthritis or carpal tunnel. Some electric toothbrushes also come with a timer built-in, so you can always make sure you reach the dentist-prescribed amount of time for brushing. In some cases, you can also reduce waste with an electric toothbrush, because you only throw away the head, rather than an entire brush.   Are Electric Toothbrushes Always Best for Brushing? Electric toothbrushes seem to offer a more efficient way for people to brush their teeth. One study found that people were generally more focused when they cleaned their teeth with an electric toothbrush. In turn, this also meant that it was easier for them to get a brighter smile. However, electric options might not be the right solution for everyone. Often electric toothbrushes are more expensive than regular ones. Though there are a range of more affordable electric toothbrushes out there today, you'll generally spend a lot more than you would on a simple manual brush.   The Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes Though a manual toothbrush might not offer the same highly-optimized brushing experience that people get with an electric toothbrush, it is far more accessible. These toothbrushes are simple, easy to use, and available to even the most budget-conscious consumer. What's more, as the primary tool for cleaning your teeth, manual toothbrushes are still highly effective for any user. Manual toothbrushes are also cost-effective since they don't need to be charged or powered when you use [...]