Manual or Electric: Which Type of Toothbrush is Better?

Jan. 14, 2016

Types of Toothbrushes

Find the Right Brush for Your Teeth!

This debate between manual or electric toothbrushes has become as popular of a debate as boxers versus briefs. You may try to save money by using a standard manual toothbrush, but in the long run, you may be shorting yourself of the benefits of an electric toothbrush.

Cleans Better

An electric toothbrush, whether battery-operated or rechargeable, cleans your teeth better than a manual toothbrush. It reaches in places you might not be able to reach or don’t try to. It massages the gums with a continual force, which as you may know, helps remove plaque within the gums. An electric toothbrush prevents against gingivitis better than a manual brush.

Less Work

Your arm won’t get nearly as tired with an electric toothbrush. This means that you’ll brush effectively the entire time as opposed to with a manual brush that takes more work.

Easier on Your Hands

Those with arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints will be able to brush adequately without any pain. Plus, if you’re trimming down the time you spend brushing because of RA, an electric toothbrush will allow you to clean thoroughly your teeth for the proper amount of time.

Can Time It

It’s recommended that a person brush his or her teeth for at least two minutes per session twice per day. If you’re using a manual, you don’t have the option to use a built-in timer, so you may need to use a timer or just guess. And is it really worth it to guess with your oral health?

More Choices

Although you can choose the color and the bristle type of a manual toothbrush, an electronic one comes with more choices. An electric toothbrush allows you to choose whether you want a battery-operated one or one that’s rechargeable. You can choose the brush type and the color. You even can opt for ones with different settings or speeds. The best one to have is one that’s a rotating-oscillating one. Sometimes, they have special features like a timer that help you to know you’re meeting the recommended guidelines for brushing.

More Fun for Kids

Not all kids enjoy brushing their teeth. In fact, sometimes the process ends up in tears for both the parents and the children. However, an electric toothbrush feels better and is more fun. You can even buy ones that play music or light up.

Without great brushing habits, the best toothbrush in the world won’t help you maintain your dental health. Dr. Jon D. Smith Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry is here to help you keep your smile perfect and healthy.



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