Electric toothbrushes were once considered a novelty item, but today there are many different kinds of electric toothbrushes on the market, making them more affordable and more attractive to consumers. So should you go for an electric toothbrush? Or should you stick with a manual brush? We’ll help you sort out the differences between the two in this week’s blog.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes use electric power to either vibrate the head of the brush, or make the bristles rotate. The idea is that this will increase the ability of the brush to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
So does it actually? Well, yes and no. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. However, few studies have shown the ability of an electric toothbrush to remove an amount of plaque that is statistically significant when compared to the ability of a manual brush. The same goes for electric vs. manual toothbrushes when it comes to fighting gum disease. There are plenty of studies conducted by the manufacturer’s themselves to support their marketing efforts, but the fact is that whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, as long as you brush correctly, you’re doing what you need to do for your teeth.
Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
That being said, there are a few advantages to an electric toothbrush.
- They’re very easy to use, and can do more of the work of brushing for you. This is especially for those with problems such as arthritis that make some of the motions needed for brushing more difficult.
- Lots of them have timers that let you know when it’s been two minutes. Most people don’t actually brush for two minutes like they should, so this is a nice feature.
- Lots of kids find electric toothbrushes more fun than manual brushes, which might help them to build the routine of brushing.
Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
- Some electric toothbrushes require charging, so you have to remember to do this. Others are battery powered with AA or AAA batteries.
- While more affordable than they once were, they’re still more expensive than a manual brush.
- You run the risk of brushing too hard more so with an electric toothbrush, which can actually hurt your gums and wear away your enamel. Manual brushes give you a more tactile sensation that makes overbrushing less likely.
- If you drop the brush, it might break, and you’ll have to get another.
Overall, it doesn’t matter which you choose, as long as you’re brushing your teeth twice a day!
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