We all know that brushing our teeth is one of the most important things we can do to stay healthy. We know that we need to brush twice a day for two minutes. But what a lot of us don’t know is which type of toothbrush to use. Should you stick with the classic manual toothbrush, or upgrade to a more modern electric one? Which one is better for dental cleaning? Let’s look at the pros and cons of manual and electric toothbrushes.
Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Some of the benefits of electric toothbrushes are:
- Automatic timers. With timers, the toothbrush will let you know when you have brushed for the recommended two minutes. Some even have timers that go off every thirty seconds, so you know when to switch to another quadrant of your mouth.
- More fun for children. Electric toothbrushes can encourage children to brush their teeth by playing fun two-minute songs. They can also come in different shapes, colors, or cartoon characters.
- Easier to hold. Individuals with arthritis or carpal tunnel can have an easier time holding electric toothbrushes because they rotate automatically.
Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
The two main reasons against buying an electric toothbrush are:
- Cost. Electric toothbrushes are significantly more expensive than manual ones. In addition, you will have to replace the toothbrush head as often as you replace your manual brush, leading to more money spent over time.
- Inconvenience. While manual brushes are sold at nearly every grocery store or pharmacy, you’ll have to do a little research to find where to find a new head for your electric brush. This can mean more time spent traveling to a specific store that may be out of your way.
Advantages of Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes may not be fancy, but they still provide benefits such as:
- Accessibility. Manual toothbrushes are found in pretty much every supermarket. You will almost never have to drive out of your way to find one when the time comes to replace it.
- Portability. Because they are smaller than electric, manual toothbrushes leave more room in your bag when traveling. They also can be used anywhere, since they don’t have to be charged.
- Cost. Manual toothbrushes rarely cost more than $5.
Disadvantages of Manual Toothbrushes
There are a few cons of manual toothbrushes, including:
- Incomplete brushing. Without a timer, many people neglect to brush their teeth for the full two minutes recommended by your dentist.
- Too much pressure. One study found that people were much more likely to brush too forcefully with a manual toothbrush, which can actually hurt the teeth and gums.
Ultimately, the most important step in maintaining proper oral health isn’t which type of toothbrush you use, but how you use it. Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day are great ways to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Make sure to also visit your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and dental cleaning!
About the Practice
At Forni Dental, Drs. Max Forni, Sam Pero, and Annie Siassipour provide excellent care to all their patients in the Lake Wales, FL area. Dr. Forni is even a Board Certified Dentist in the state of Florida. They focus on providing as gentle care as possible to help the patient feel comfortable. If you would like one of the dentists to help you settle the toothbrush debate, click here or call (863)-676-6021.
