Which Is Better – a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

10 Jul Which Is Better – a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

Patients are always asking Dr. Tiffany D. Boyd, a five-star rated dentist in Bradenton, Florida, what kind of toothbrush they should be brushing with. As all of the best dentists in Bradenton will tell you, the answer is whichever one is going to make it easiest for you to keep up with a healthy routine of brushing every day. 

Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is the single most important thing you can do to maintain a beautiful smile and healthy gums. Most people still brush with a manual toothbrush. In fact, according to the consumer marketing analysts at Mintel, only about 36 percent of us are using an electric toothbrush. 

Whether you stick with the tried-and-true manual toothbrush or power up your brushing routine is largely a matter of personal preference. Both can get the job done, if you’re brushing correctly. 

Electric vs. Manual 

According to researchers, electric toothbrushes are a bit more effective than your old manual toothbrush, but that doesn’t mean you should rush right out and buy one.  According to Consumer Reports, there are pros and cons for each. 

“Powered brushes can be very, well, powerful, which explains why they can do such a thorough job on plaque,” Consumer Reports (CR) says. “But too much power may also be potentially problematic.”

You don’t need to apply pressure when using an electric toothbrush – or powered toothbrush as CR says. The toothbrush has plenty of power without any help from you. Just position the toothbrush up against the surface of your tooth and let it get to work.

Why is that a concern? “A 2017 study, published in the journal PLOS One, found that powered brushes were more likely than manual to abrade dentin—the tissue directly below the tooth’s enamel, which can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede. Abrasions to the dentin increase tooth sensitivity and can hike cavity risks,” CR explains.

If you have questions about the best toothbrush for you or your kids, contact our dental team in Bradenton, FL.