Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes: Which Ones are Better?  

It may surprise you to find out that the first electric toothbrush was invented in 1954 in Switzerland, but they weren’t introduced to the American Dental Association until five years later, in 1959. The goal of this invention was to make tooth brushing more effective and easier, but today, many people doubt whether the sizable investment in an electric toothbrush is actually worth it. Manual ones have been the go-to choice for most people for hundreds of years, but there’s a hot debate on whether they’re as effective as their electric counterparts. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each and what type of toothbrush would work best for you.

Weighing the Pros & Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Over the years, electric toothbrushes have come so far. Today, they have smart phone applications that track how long you brush for, along with specially designed vibration patterns for more thorough cleaning. Not only does this make them incredibly effective at removing plaque and preventing dental staining, but they’re also great for those with limited mobility as they’re easier to handle. If you’re eco-conscious, they also often lead to less waste, although you’ll still need to replace their heads regularly.

While there aren’t many cons to electric toothbrushes, a study attempting to test their effectiveness and efficiency among seniors showed that they don’t remove significantly more plaque than manual ones. This simply means that if you’re already a good brusher, switching to an electric toothbrush may not actually change much in terms of your oral health. Another con is their high price point. Some electric toothbrushes can cost hundreds of dollars.

Weighing the Pros & Cons of Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes have two main pros: accessibility, as they can be bought virtually anywhere, and affordability, as they typically cost less than five dollars. They’re also easy to travel with because they don’t need to be charged on a dock or take batteries.

While they don’t have many cons, some people don’t realize how little pressure is needed to effectively remove plaque from teeth. As a result, those with manual toothbrushes often brush too hard, which can lead to damaged gum tissue and enamel deterioration.

Which Type of Toothbrush is Best for You?

At the end of the day, the type of toothbrush that’s best for you depends on your unique needs. Consider whether you’re a notoriously hard brusher, have carpal tunnel, arthritis, or developmental disabilities that may make it harder to use a manual toothbrush, and your budget. Based on each of these factors, you should be able to come to a conclusion as to what type of toothbrush will be the best for you.

About the Practice

At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, our office is led by two skilled and experienced dentists, Dr. Tom McDougal and Dr. Chris Richards. Most of our team members have also been working in the dental field for over two decades, allowing them to provide helpful oral health education and advice on how to keep your smile in its best condition. We provide a comprehensive menu of services, focusing on thorough preventive care that helps you avoid serious dental health problems. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 972-231-5376.