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 them. You don’t have to worry about losing any functionality if you’ve forgotten to pack batteries for your trip.

Unfortunately, like electric brushes, manual brushes may not be ideal for everyone either. One study discovered that people are often more likely to brush overly hard when they use a manual toothbrush instead of an electric. Using a manual brush also makes it difficult to determine whether you’re brushing long enough unless you use a timer.

 

Find the Brush That’s Right for You

Ultimately, both toothbrush options are great choices if you make sure that you’re using the right technique. An electric toothbrush makes efficient brushing a little easier and supports more plaque removal. However, a manual toothbrush may be a better option for you if you don’t have a lot of cash to spend on oral hygiene. It’s up to you to decide which brushing solution works best for you.

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About the Author

Lucy Dyer is a full-time mother of two and passionate about shopping for not only the best deal but the best product for the money – she values quality above all else.