Are Electric Toothbrushes Really Better Than Regular Ones – Pros and Cons Compared

Today, shopping for a simple thing like a toothbrush can be quite confusing, seeing from the vast array of manual and electric toothbrushes available now in the market and every brand promising you that it has the best performance. It is easy to get lost, yes, but having a decision on whether to get a manual or electronic toothbrush can get you on track.

Choosing between a regular and a powered toothbrush really depends on your preference in comfort and convenience. When getting a dental hygiene tool, always remember that the best one is the one you can use over and over again, without all the hassle and bustle. Though both types of toothbrushes have its advantages and disadvantages, you have to weigh things over and pick out the one best suited for you.

To guide you in picking up the best choice, you should firstly, and most importantly, know what you want in a brush. You should know the features that are important to you and those you can do without. So here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of using a manual toothbrush versus an electronic one.

Manual

Advantages

  • Good for traveling as it can easily be packed and slipped in your bag, without any added weight
  • Cheap price – usually regular brushes cost from 1 to 7 dollars, depending on the design you choose and the manufacturer
  • Most manual brushes have a comfortable grip handle
  • Easy to use – Children can quickly learn how to use these kinds of toothbrushes in no time
  • No need for charging
  • You can freely adjust the pressure you are putting into the toothbrush to suit your needs

Disadvantages

  • For those with health problems, like people with arthritis, the regular brush can be somewhat hard to hold
  • Though it can clean as effectively as the electric toothbrush, you must put a lot more effort into it to achieve the same result
  • Brushing the back of your teeth can be difficult
  • You have to manually time yourself if you already reached the two minutes time suggested for bushing because regular brushes don’t have built-in timers
  • You can’t really be sure if the pressure you are applying to your teeth and gums is actually healthy or not

Electric

Advantages

  • You can be sure of the pressure being applied to your teeth and gums as most power toothbrushes, if not all, have pressure sensors
  • You don’t have to time yourself manually since most electric models have built-in timers that will automatically stop brushing once you’ve spent two minutes
  • You can choose from different brush heads, depending on your preference and need since you can quickly change it
  • Clinically proven to clean your mouth better as it can access and clean those hard to reach areas, reducing the risk of suffering tooth decay or gingivitis
  • Usually, power toothbrushes have large ergonomic handles making it very easy for people with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and others
  • With continuous use, users can enjoy whiter and fresher breath because of the deep cleaning action

Disadvantages

  • Pricey – Depending on the features, design, and manufacturer, decent electric brush costs from dozens of dollars (Oral B 4000 and Oral B Pro 5000) up to several hundreds (e.g. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean)
  • Power toothbrushes need to be charged often
  • Their batteries should be replaced when they are worn out and not charging anymore
  • It is somehow bulky when you pack it for travel

With this list, you may now be guided on whether the manual or the electronic brush one is best for you. But always put in mind that whatever type of toothbrush you are using, it can not maintain your oral hygiene alone or solve any of your oral problems, you still need to visit your dentist regularly and keep a proper diet.

Also, remember to change your brush or brush head every three months before the bristles start to wear out, to ensure effective mouth cleaning.