Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual? | Pointe Dental Group

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Ones?
There’s no question that taking care of your teeth is
important. That’s why it’s no surprise there are always new products and
devices coming out to help you improve your dental care. Every year, electric
toothbrushes are becoming more common. But you may be wondering, “are electric
toothbrushes better than manual ones?”
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of electric
toothbrushes versus manual toothbrushes to see if upgrading makes sense for
you.
Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric Toothbrushes Are Better for Cleaning Teeth
Research has shown that those who use electric toothbrushes
in general have better results for cleaning their teeth. While the difference
isn’t massive, it does mean that electric toothbrushes have the edge when it
comes to maintaining great oral health.
Certain types of electric toothbrushes, specifically those
with oscillating heads, perform the best. Make sure to do your research before
you purchase any toothbrush to find out if it’s right for you. The dentists at
Pointe Dental Group can help you if you have questions.
They Help Teach Ideal Brushing Habits
The primary reason that electric toothbrushes outperform
manual ones is that they can help make sure you’re brushing correctly. Because
they do most of the work for you, you don’t need to worry about maintaining
even pressure and going side-to-side like you do with a manual toothbrush. You
simply press the brush to your teeth and slowly move it across every surface of
your mouth.
Additionally, almost all modern electric toothbrushes come
with a device to help with your timing. Proper brushing requires that you brush
for two minutes to ensure you fully clean your mouth.
Not only do some toothbrushes alert you to when two minutes
are up, they sometimes include small buzzes at certain intervals to help you
brush evenly throughout your mouth. This can help prevent you from overbrushing
– which is one
common dental mistake that leads to wearing down your enamel!
Useful Attachments for Orthodontic Patients
Do you wear braces? One common concern that new
orthodontic patients have is new difficulty when brushing their teeth. The
last thing you want when improving your smile is to start developing cavities!
Electric toothbrushes offer unique types of brush heads that
are ideal for cleaning hard to reach places, like interproximal brushes. Not
only can these be used to help clean around your braces, they can be used to supplement
flossing and brushing for the most difficult surfaces in your mouth.
Helpful for Those with Impaired Dexterity
Are electric toothbrushes better for those who have trouble
with fine motor control? Absolutely! Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric ones
require very little movement. All you need to do is move them across the teeth
and gums slowly!
This makes them ideal for
those who are older or individuals with unique dexterity limitations. No
matter your circumstances, it’s critical not to let your oral health degrade!
Pros of Manual Toothbrushes
Easy for Travel
There’s no denying that “simple” is the name of the game
when it comes to traveling. Manual toothbrushes let you keep your teeth and
gums clean without needing anything other than a source of water. They’re
typically smaller, lighter and more convenient to store when moving from place
to place.
Inexpensive
Toothbrushes frequently need replacing. Whether the bristles
have worn, you dropped it on the ground or lost it completely, you’ll purchase
several throughout your lifetime.
When it comes to replacing a toothbrush, manual ones are
cheap. They’re only a few dollars and almost any name-brand toothbrush will do
what it needs to do.
They Can Be Purchased Easily
In addition to being cheap, you’ll be able to buy manual
brushes anywhere. Convenience stores, drug stores and grocery stores are
everywhere – and they almost always have a small selection of quality
toothbrushes.
When shopping for an electric toothbrush head, you need to
find one that’s compatible with your base. Not every retailer will have what
you need!
Manual Toothbrushes Are Useful Anywhere
If you’re taking a week-long camping trip to the mountains,
you’re unlikely to find a place to plug in your toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes
don’t need anything besides your muscles to get the job done.
Even if you’re camping in an RV with power, you always want
to conserve that electricity for when you need it.
Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
They’re More Expensive
Electric toothbrushes cost more to use. Even if you’re just
replacing the head! There’s no denying that their convenience comes at a
premium. If you’re extremely money-conscious, you may consider the extra price
for a powered toothbrush to be incompatible with your finances.
Require Charging
If you travel or are just forgetful, you can find yourself
with an oversized paperweight when your toothbrush runs out of power.
Most name-brand electric toothbrushes require a few hours to
charge when they’re completely drained. Even if they have power, the motor can
start to weaken when it’s running low, providing a less-than-adequate clean.
You May Have Technical Issues
A manual toothbrush only has the base and its bristles.
Electric ones have a lot of internal parts. Everyone knows that technology can
have trouble’
It’s not common for them to break, but they do. You’ll most
likely just replace a broken electric toothbrush, which means technical issues
bring you right back to their expensive costs.
Cons of Manual Toothbrushes
Difficult for Some to Use
Certain disabilities make manual toothbrushes nearly
impossible to use. Using a manual toothbrush inadequately can lead to all of
the common issues of poor dental care:
Manual Toothbrushes Require Proper Brushing Technique
You may be surprised to learn that you can brush your teeth
incorrectly. Manual toothbrushes can be challenging for children or adults who
were never taught how to brush properly. Using too little or too much pressure
can leave your teeth at risk. Many people brush too quickly, leaving bacteria
and plaque on their mouth that a timer from an electric toothbrush could
correct.
Which is Right for You?
So, are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? It
all depends!
If all you care about is keeping your teeth cleaned, either
type of toothbrush will work for you. While electric toothbrushes can offer a
marginally more efficient clean, their real benefit is from convenience,
consistency and additional features.