Are Electric Toothbrushes Better? The Pros and Cons of Manual Versus Electric Toothbrushes
There’s no getting around it: regularly brushing your teeth helps to prevent oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, halitosis (bad breath), and more.
But is manual brushing getting your teeth and gums the cleanest they can be? If you’re on the fence about whether or not switching to an electric toothbrush is your next step to a cleaner, healthier smile, then we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll review the pros and cons of both manual and electric toothbrushes, and from there, you can make a more informed decision about which option is best for you.
Pros + Cons of manual toothbrushes
From those cute cartoon-covered toothbrushes we used as children, to the crisscrossed bristles, ergonomic handles, and other streamlined designs we’re opting for now, manual toothbrushes have been with us since the beginning.
Interesting fact: The modern ‘nylon-bristled’ toothbrush as we recognize it today was introduced in 1938 by the American company, DuPont de Nemours Inc. (these days known as DuPont). However, even as far back as 3000 BC, ancient civilizations are believed to have used ‘chew sticks’ which was essentially a thin twig with a frayed end that people rubbed against their teeth to keep them clean.
Pros of manual toothbrushes
Affordable
Accessible and easy to replace (you can purchase them almost anywhere)
Can choose bristle-strength (soft, medium, hard)
Tons of colour, design and style options
Cons of manual toothbrushes
Tiring to use, especially for those with limited mobility
Can be difficult to understand how hard to brush, resulting in bacteria build-up (if not brushing hard enough), or damaged gums (if brushing too hard)
Can be more wasteful, as replacing an entire toothbrush produces more waste than replacing an electric toothbrush head
Pros + Cons of electric toothbrushes
From oscillating to ultrasonic, electric toothbrushes offer a clear technological edge when it comes to cleaning power. Beyond their constantly evolving cleaning abilities, and their ease-of-use for those with limited mobility, electric toothbrushes also offer users a feeling of luxury and sophistication.
Interesting fact: Electric toothbrushes were first invented in Switzerland in 1954 by Doctor Phillipe Guy Woog (called Broxodent). These electric toothbrushes were originally created for people with limited motor skills, or for orthodontic patients (such as those with braces).
Pros of electric toothbrushes
Comes with different cleaning modes suited to your preference
Offers ever-advancing technology
Creates a luxury-feel
A better option for those with limited mobility
Comes with built-in timers (for better time management)
Safe for gums
Extra fun for the kids!
Cons of electric toothbrushes
Expensive, especially the higher-end models (such as ultrasonic and ionic)
Finding replacement heads can be difficult
The bottom line
Between the two, we believe electric toothbrushes are the better option, overall.
Not only do electric toothbrushes offer superior cleaning power, but they also give users a better experience – whether they have limited mobility issues or not. While electric toothbrushes are a more expensive option than manual toothbrushes, we believe that the initial cost is worth the investment into your oral health.
If you do prefer manual toothbrushes, you can be confident that you’re still taking steps to eliminate bacteria and protect your teeth and gums. Just be sure to pay attention to your brushing technique, or ask us about it when you come for your next dental visit.
Whether you choose an electric or a manual toothbrush, there’s no wrong answer. The most important thing to remember is to actually brush your teeth - and that means any toothbrush is better than no toothbrush.