Is it better to use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?
The best toothbrush is the one you’re comfortable with. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most crucial step for dental health. Combined with flossing, it is the main factor in preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other conditions. That said, many people have strong preferences one way or another!
Let’s take a closer look at the two options and what they have to offer.
Manual Toothbrushes
Pro: Ease of Use
Just about everyone learned to brush using a standard manual toothbrush. These toothbrushes can be found everywhere. They do not require you to recharge a battery. And when your electric toothbrush “stops working,” all that really happens is it becomes a manual toothbrush.
Pro: Better for Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Electric toothbrushes can have various settings for cleaning the surfaces of teeth, the gums, and even the tongue. However, some settings can irritate gums. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth or one with untreated cavities, you should not use an electric toothbrush on that tooth. It may worsen the damage.
Con: Limited Brush Head Options
An electric toothbrush comes with an assortment of interchangeable brush heads. This usually includes a soft-bristled brush and a hard-bristled brush. With a manual toothbrush, what you see is what you get. You can only switch brush heads when you replace the brush – which you should do every 90 days or so.
Electric Toothbrush
Pro: May Be More Effective for Some People
Some people report that they feel their teeth are much cleaner when they use an electric toothbrush versus a manual one. This gives them greater confidence in the health of their teeth. If your teeth feel gritty or slimy after brushing, you may need to replace your brush head. If the feeling persists, schedule a dental cleaning.
Pro: Multiple Modes May Help Some People
Although you do not need to brush your tongue to maintain your dental health, some people prefer to do so. They might enjoy the special settings on electric toothbrushes and feel they are getting a deeper clean. If this helps motivate you to brush, it can only be a good thing.
Con: Expense
In addition to the cost of charging an electric toothbrush, brush head replacements tend to be more pricey.
Learn more or schedule an appointment by contacting Coscarella Dentistry today.
