Choosing the Right Toothbrush – Electric Vs. Manual

The essence of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Nevertheless, choosing the right toothbrush is pivotal to good dental care. On the face of it, you need to invest in a comfortable toothbrush that can clean your teeth effectively. You can choose to stick to the good, old-fashioned manual toothbrush or try out the new electric brushes available in the market today.

So how do manual toothbrushes stack up against electric versions? Let’s find out.

Benefits of a manual toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes have an excellent record. In any case, people have been using this type of toothbrush for centuries, without any complaints. Here are more benefits associated with the manual version.

• Readily available: Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and readily available. You can easily find one in your local store or chemist at pocket-friendly prices. Moreover, dentists usually give them away to their clients after a checkup.

• Easily portable: Comparatively, manual toothbrushes are more comfortable to carry when traveling. For this reason, you do not have to worry about your dental hygiene when you are away on vacation.

• Less stressful on gums: A manual toothbrush allows you to feel and control how much pressure you are putting on your teeth and gums.

• Ideal for kids: Manual toothbrushes are ideal for teaching kids how to brush and clean their teeth. Furthermore, they are safe and effective in handling the tender teeth of a child.

Are electric toothbrushes any better?

Well, electric toothbrushes are becoming popular by the day. This is because they supposedly provide superior dental care. Nevertheless, are they any better than manual toothbrushes? 

According to the American Dental Association, electric toothbrushes are ideal for older people who have less manual agility. For instance, it is somehow difficult for a person with arthritis to clean their teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. This is mainly due to their limited ability to move their arms, shoulders, and hands. In such a case, an electric toothbrush offers clear advantages over the manual variety.

Choosing an electric toothbrush

Here are factors to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush.

• Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors notify you if you are placing too much force on your teeth and gums. Essentially, they help keep teeth clean, while reducing the chances of harming your gums.

• Bristle configuration: Electric brushes come with different bristle configurations that switch and rotate to remove plaques and debris effectively.

• Brushing time: This feature lets you know how long you should brush a particular area of your mouth. 

So How often should you get a new toothbrush?

Whether you prefer using a manual or an electric toothbrush, it is imperative to change your toothbrush every few months. Toothbrushes tend to wear down after some time, consequently making them less effective.

Ideally, the right time to replace your brush depends on the condition of the toothbrush. However, experienced dentists recommend that you should not use the same brush for more than three months. You may also replace your toothbrush earlier than that if the bristles are no longer firm.