Advantages of an electric toothbrush compared to a regular toothbrush

In this article, we explain to you the advantages of electric toothbrushes compared to regular toothbrushes from the point of view of dentists in Canada.

Brushing is the basis of dental health. The most effective way to remove the plaque that bacteria create on your teeth is by brushing, but what kind of toothbrush is best to prevent tooth decay?

In general, electric toothbrushes are better at removing dental plaque than manual toothbrushes. But patients should talk to their dentist to choose a toothbrush that fits their needs of each person.

In this article, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of manual and electric toothbrushes, in addition, you will know what features you are looking for when buying a toothbrush to clean your teeth daily.

What to look for in a manual toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are generally less expensive than electric toothbrushes, but studies have shown that regular toothbrushes are not necessarily effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

If you’re looking for a manual toothbrush, look for one with a small, compact head that can reach the back teeth.

People are always looking for soft toothbrushes, no one is looking for hard toothbrushes. Hard bristles on the toothbrush will damage your gums.

It is not supposed that the harder the hair is, the more cleaning power it will have. But they increase the possibility of damage to the gums, which can eventually cause tooth sensitivity and receding gums.

Advantages and disadvantages of a manual toothbrush

Hear from the dentist the most important points that you should keep in mind when buying a manual toothbrush:

Advantages

• Portable: You can easily carry a whole manual toothbrush to the office, put it in your bag, or take it everywhere with you when you travel.
• Inexpensive: the price of a manual toothbrush in a pharmacy or supermarket is less than 10 dollars; which is affordable.
• Easy Access: You can easily buy a manual toothbrush at most drugstores or grocery stores.
• No need for batteries: There is no need for batteries and chargers, and battery consumption is also avoided.

Disadvantages

• Lack of access to all points: I concluded that people tend to use toothbrushes with big heads. It is better to use small toothbrushes to make sure that the toothbrush covers all your teeth. However, a manual toothbrush that is used correctly is just as effective as an electric toothbrush. Of course, remember that dental floss is very important and none of the two brushing methods is complete without dental floss.
• Less effective: In a 2014 study, researchers concluded that conventional toothbrushes were less effective in removing plaque and gingivitis than electric toothbrushes in the short and long term. Of course, the researchers pointed out that they had a small statistical population, and more standardized studies are needed.
• Production of plastic waste: dentists believe that every three months the bristles of the toothbrush wear out and need to be replaced, which causes more plastic waste to be produced.
• Gum wear: If you use toothbrushes with hard bristles, you will not notice the damage to your gums, while there is a warning in the electric toothbrush for you not to apply too much pressure.

Creating problems for patients: experts say that disabled or elderly people who do not have enough strength should not use these manual toothbrushes.

What should we look for in an electric toothbrush?

There are different types of electric toothbrushes. Three types of famous electric toothbrushes are:

1. Oscillating rotating toothbrush: These toothbrushes have circular heads that both rotate and move back and forth.
2. Sonic toothbrush: This toothbrush moves quickly back and forth and creates vibrations.
3. Ultrasonic toothbrushes: In this model of toothbrushes, ultrasonic vibrations are used that humans cannot hear.

There are few articles about the types of electric toothbrushes, and although there are articles sponsored by the manufacturing company, more independent articles are needed.

Dentists recommend sonic toothbrushes. More hair is drawn to your teeth and your teeth. These tiny and many hairs, penetrate the border between teeth and gums and clean it well.

In an ongoing 2016 review of rechargeable and battery-powered toothbrushes, researchers found that the rechargeable type removed plaque better.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric toothbrushes

Studies have shown that the benefits of an electric toothbrush are likely to be greater in maintaining your oral health than a regular toothbrush. However, consult your dentist about the pros and cons before purchasing.

Advantages

• An electric toothbrush is more effective than a manual toothbrush in reducing plaque and gingivitis. In a large, long-term study published in Germany in 2019, volunteers were followed over 11 years. This article showed that in general, people who used electric toothbrushes had better overall oral and dental health compared to those who used manual toothbrushes, and diseases such as gum disease and tooth loss was less common. They were observed.
• In another review article in 2014, which covered the analysis of 56 articles, it was shown that the benefits of electric toothbrushes compared to regular toothbrushes for removing plaque and preventing gingivitis are greater in the long and short term. In general, the use of an electric toothbrush has an 11% reduction in dental plaques in the short term compared to manual toothbrushes, and a 21% reduction in plaques has been seen in the long term.
• An electric toothbrush is better for people with gingivitis. The results of a survey in 2017 showed that the health of the gums may be compromised in patients who have orthodontics, the research showed that people who used an electric toothbrush had less inflammation and bleeding and were closer to the treatment of bleeding gums. And overall, they had healthier gums, however, more research is needed in this area.
• The benefits of electric toothbrushes are more for children compared to regular toothbrushes. In an article in 2013, it is said that electric toothbrushes are more suitable for children aged 7 to 18 and clean plaques better.
• The benefits of electric toothbrushes are more for the elderly compared to regular toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are useful for the elderly. Since I got it, the handle is more comfortable and the vibrations of the toothbrush are enough for cleaning and do not require strong movements. Especially for arthritis patients, it is enough to place the head of the toothbrush on the teeth and there is no need to interfere with the hands.
• In scleroderma, the skin around the mouth hardens and the doctor says that using an electric toothbrush is easier and more suitable for these people.
• There are different types of electric toothbrushes that you can install programs on your phone and track the health of your teeth. For example, they have sensors that warn you if you stay in one place for more than two minutes, or if you apply too much pressure, the gum damage warning is activated, and you can check the clock and time of your brushing.
• Waste reduction. Although you have to change the electric toothbrush every once in a while, the doctor says that the length of the brush head is smaller and causes less waste.

Disadvantages

• High costs: Electric toothbrushes cost between $30 and $200, the cheapest of which is more expensive than the most expensive $10 manual toothbrush. During a year, you need to change four toothbrush heads, and each pack of toothbrush heads costs between one and ten dollars.
• Tall: Electric toothbrushes are significantly taller than manual toothbrushes. This feature is annoying for some people and even destructive in some cases.
• Using excessive force: Sometimes people habitually put more pressure on the handle, which may cause damage to the gums in the long run.

Brushing is only one part of a complete oral care process; Therefore, taking care of eating habits, regular flossing, and washing with antibacterial solutions are essential components of a healthy oral health program.