Whenever someone mentions dentistry, toothbrushes are one of the first things to pop up into your mind.
Toothbrushes are a vital component of your dental hygiene routine.
But, when it comes down to which toothbrush is your best option, there is overwhelming information. That is where we can help. Electric vs. regular toothbrush – which is it?
Regardless… you should be brushing!
Regardless of what option you are debating over, you should still have brushing as a part of your dental routine. You should not halt your brushing because you are searching for a better option.
Manual toothbrush
Ahh yes, the classic toothbrush. Its predecessor was invented by the Mesopotamians in 3500 BC; an invention called the chewing stick. However, since then the ancient chewing stick evolved into the modern day classic toothbrush we know today!
Pros:
You have greater control over how and the way you brush. Pressure, angle, and speed are a few of the things that you can adjust yourself.
Simplicity can be a blessing. Without the need for chargers, wires, or batteries, these toothbrushes can be brought anywhere without the fear of it being another device you need to deal with.
Some people find that electric toothbrushes cause vibrations that are irritating.
Finally, manual toothbrushes are by far the cheapest option. Almost all models costing less than 10 dollars, means that this option is the most budget friendly and the most cost effect option.
Cons:
You have to practice!… without proper technique you will be unable to effectively use your toothbrush. This can become a large problem for those who accidentally skip areas or miss spots.
Dexterity required. For some people, the rotation of their wrist is not comfortable and can even be painful. Those who find this challenging should really think about whether or not this option is their best choice.
Electric toothbrush
The manual toothbrush’s cousin, the electric toothbrush, was created in 1954! Initially created for those with braces and dexterity issues, electric toothbrushes have taken over by storm. Even Dentistry.com stated that “Electric brushes with dominate the future.”
Pros:
For children, quite frequently kids are more likely to brush when the activity is fun. By using an electric toothbrush, brushing no longer is a task but rather a fun experience!
Electric toothbrushes can do a better job in the typical allotted time for brushing. Due to their high strokes per minute, 6,000 to 30,000, you are able to squeeze in more cleaning for the same or even less amount of time.
Just as what the electric toothbrush was initially created for; if you have a difficulty gripping or using a manual toothbrush, the electric toothbrush might be right for you. Its wide base allows for easy gripping and the automatic rotation means less wrist action for you!
Cons:
Costly and perhaps expensive, the electric toothbrush can range from roughly 20 dollars to upwards of 100 dollars! However, you can always choose an electric toothbrush that you are willing to spend on.
For some, the bulkiness of the electric toothbrush can be a negative. Additionally, the fact that you may need chargers or batteries, means you will have even more things to bring if you are traveling.
Occasionally, some find the vibrations from the brush, irritating and distracting. Additionally, those who enjoy having complete control over the aspects of their brushing might not enjoy using an electric brush. Controlling the pressure and speed of an electric toothbrush can be difficult.
Conclusion Electric vs. Regular Toothbrush
Let’s do an summary overview of the pros and cons and then you can decide which one is the best for you.
Manual vs Electric
You can control many aspects | Less control over settings
Price range:10 dollars and under | Price range: 20-100+ dollars
Requires excellent technique for max value | More cleaning in the same amount of time
No electric components | Sound may be annoying, may be bulky
Requires dexterity | Great for those with dexterity issues
In the end, if you are unable to decide on which brush to use, talk to your dentist and let them help you decide!