Many people spend hours in the oral hygiene isle trying to decide between an electric and manual toothbrush, and we are here to help you make an educated and beneficial choice for your smile! First, we would like to say that both brushes are great choices. Each instrument effectively and successfully cleans your smile, so your preference in brush is all that matters. With that being said, we are happy to provide the following facts so you know the differences between each brush:
Plaque-removing abilities
The manual toothbrush has been providing success year after year when it comes to removing plaque from your smile. The electric toothbrush also removed about the same amount of plaque from the teeth when it first became available. However, now that the design and technology of the electric toothbrush have evolved, the powered brush has proven to remove a larger amount of plaque compared to the manual toothbrush, especially from the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.
Brushing technique
There is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth, and there is only one right way to brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush. Simply hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and start cleaning your smile at the gum line. Use a gentle circular motion and move your brush up and down each tooth. When you use an electric toothbrush, things might be a little more complicated. Your brushing technique will likely change when you use a powered toothbrush, depending on the model you choose to use. So, when you first begin using the brush, make sure to read the instructions before you start cleaning your smile.
Ease of use
The design, shape, and size of a manual toothbrush are simple and effective. The manual toothbrush is easy for people to use and it fits perfectly inside the mouth, giving you the best tool to clean your smile. But, for those who aren’t sure they are brushing properly, an electric toothbrush can help.
The electric toothbrush, compared to the manual toothbrush, is certainly heavier. Because of the batteries in the device, the brushes can be 6 to 14 oz., which can be a burden for some people. As you brush your teeth, you still need to guide the brush from tooth to tooth, but when it comes to the brushing motion itself, your brush will do the work for you.
Technical advantages
For those of you who favor the technical applications of the brush, electric toothbrushes have many applications that can make brushing fun and educational. Some electric toothbrush brands have timers built into them so you know when your two minutes of brushing are up. Other brands provide oral hygiene tips while you brush. Some brands play music as the bristles scrub your teeth.
If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more, we invite you to call our office and talk to a member of our caring dental team! We look forward to helping you choose the best brush for your pearly whites.