The question on a lot of consumers minds: Manual Toothbrush or Electric toothbrush?
The fact is manual toothbrush is good enough provided you can brush your mouth perfectly in technique and duration. Most people however can’t achieve that standards. Therefore, we all can use some help from an electric toothbrush.
Let’s briefly go through the pros and cons of each of the type of the toothbrush:
Manual toothbrush:
Pros
1. Thoroughly clean teeth with proper brushing technique. Brushing only takes 2 minutes, and you can most definitely keep your teeth at a grade A+ level with a manual toothbrush.
2. Multiple toothbrush styles, head shapes, bristles, and colors to choose from. You have the freedom of choosing soft bristles if you have sensitive gums, and a smaller head if you have a smaller mouth. Some brands even make special prints on toothbrushes especially catered for children. Nevertheless, you’ll never be short of options with manual toothbrushes. In short, you have the preference to select your perfect toothbrush.
3. Easy to travel with. All is required of you is a toothbrush case and you’re all set to go for your trip. There is no more worrying about batteries or charging outlets. It is simple to carry and use.
4. No batteries or charging required.
It is often inexpensive, even free whenever you make a trip to your dentist. Keep in mind that you should ditch your toothbrush after about 3 months of use.
Cons
1. More work. You are 100X slower than the electric toothbrush regarding strokes per minute.
2. No timing. Manual toothbrushes require you to guess how long your brushing session will last (unless you set a two-minute timer).
Electric Toothbrush
Pros
1. Easy to use. All you need is to position the toothbrush at a 45° angle and let the toothbrush do all the work. You don’t even need to brush, just glide it along your gumline and see the toothbrush do the work
2. Less work for better results. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your mouth and removing plaque and gingivitis.
3. More fun to use for children. Children love things that are easy. If a child never brushes their teeth, try having them use an electric toothbrush. It’s less work, it tickles their teeth, and the timer will let them know they’re all done! It’s a lot easier (and more fun).
4. Built in timer. Electric toothbrushes use a built in timer that stops the toothbrush once two minutes are up; no more guessing!
Cons
1. Charging. You will either have to charge your toothbrush or replace its batteries when the power is depleted.
2. Pricing. Electric toothbrushes would surely cost significantly more than their manual counterparts. There are a few types of powered toothbrushes but be prepared to pay more than you usually have to.
3, Difficult to travel with. Traveling with an electric toothbrush can be a hassle because of the charging of the brush. These brushes are bulky and bringing a charger along doesn’t help with room constraints either.
4. Easy to break. Dropping your toothbrush can spoil it. You have to be more caution whenever using an electric toothbrush.
One last thing to point out here: there have been some studies that prove electric toothbrushes remove significantly more plaque compared to manual counterparts and are better at preventing gum disease. Despite all the studies that have been done, your oral health will remain healthy as long as you persistently take care of your teeth. If you are still considering of buying a powered toothbrush, do talk to your dentist the next time you come in for your dental treatment.