Oral hygiene has come a long way since the days when our ancestors used frayed twigs to clean their teeth. Today, all we have to do is head to the local grocery store or pharmacy and pick up a toothbrush and some toothpaste. But which toothbrush should we choose? An electric one or a manual one? A family dentist is here to compare these two options and help you choose a brush that’s best for your smile.
Effectiveness
Research has shown that individuals who use electric toothbrushes tend to have less plaque in their mouths, but the difference between them and their manual counterparts is fairly small. Proper brushing technique is always more important than the type of toothbrush you’re using.
An electric toothbrush may be better for individuals who do not have the patience to thoroughly clean every tooth with a manual brush. Powered brushes deliver thousands of strokes per minutes, delivering more cleaning power for your efforts.
Usability
Many individuals enjoy using an electric brush more than they like using a manual one; kids especially love to experience that tingling, vibrating feeling in their mouth. This “fun factor” may make some people more likely to stick to a good oral hygiene routine.
Electric brushes also tend to be better for folks who have dexterity or mobility issues. Since the toothbrush does part of the work for you, it’s less challenging to achieve a clean mouth.
Price
Even the most affordable electric toothbrush is likely to cost more money than a manual one. If you decide to invest in a powered brush, please do your research before you make a purchase. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to look at consumer reviews and ask your dentist for a professional opinion on which product is truly worth your money.
Portability
If you travel with an electric toothbrush, you might have to worry about things such as batteries, a charging station, and how much space the brush is going to take up in your suitcase. Some electric brushes come with a convenient travel kit, but they’re still going to be more challenging to travel with than a manual toothbrush.
Still, it’s not a bad idea for jetsetters to buy an electric toothbrush. If you ever find that you’re desperate for extra space in your luggage, you can simply switch to a manual toothbrush for the duration of your trip.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line on the toothbrush debate is that for many people, an electric toothbrush may be the superior option for oral health. For others, a manual brush could suffice. If you’re not sure witch type of brush is right for you, your dentist or dental hygienist will be happy to give you personalized advice.
About the Dentist
Dr. Karl Arakelian is proud to serve as your dental professional in Bradford. He is a skilled general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist who is always happy to share his vast knowledge with his patients. If you would him to settle the toothbrush debate for you, contact our office at 978-373-0901.
