In one of our previous blog posts, we’ve mentioned how important it is to choose the right toothbrush for you and that when it comes to Manual and Electric Toothbrushes, neither one is better than the other. But for the purpose who still wishes to see more comparison on these two, we’ve gathered from experts some facts on how electric toothbrushes stand up against your good old manual buddy.

Manual Toothbrushes – The Classic Route

Manual toothbrushes have been in used for many years already and their track record is excellent. They have many advantages, which include the following (to name a few)

• Inexpensive and readily-available – Manual toothbrushes are very cheap, and you can easily find one in just about any store – supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, may simply be expensive for some people.

• Lightweight and handy – it is much easier to bring along a manual toothbrush compared to bulky electric toothbrush.

• Less force on the teeth and gums – with manual toothbrushes, you can feel how much force you’re exerting on your teeth and gums as you hold the toothbrush. This helps avoid applying too much pressure. With electric toothbrushes, you can’t feel that as well as you do with manual brushes. Too forceful or vigorous brushing can wear away the tooth enamel results to sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Recommended for children – manual toothbrushes are more child-friendly than their manual counterparts.

Electric Toothbrushes – Are They Any Better

Despite the advantages of manual toothbrushes listed above, experts agree that there are some cases when electric toothbrushes have the upper hand. It most instances, it is recommended for individuals who can’t do well with a manual toothbrush. These include older people and people who have problems with dexterity (due to arthritis, for example) or limited ability to move their shoulders, arms, and hands.

The American Dental Association also added that when using electric toothbrushes, these individuals may benefit from using one with a large handle.

Some models of electric toothbrushes offer the same advantages as manual toothbrushes do, but they can be a bit more expensive that the ordinary models. There are electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors which can help tell if you’re brushing too hard already. There are also those with timers which indicate if you’ve brush long enough, though they don’t directly affect how well you do the actual brushing. Other electric toothbrushes have that specially-designed bristles that helps massage the gums and provide more efficient cleaning.

According to studies, the ones with the rotating-oscillating bristles are your best bet.

How Often Should You Replace Your Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

Regardless of the type, manual and electric toothbrushes must be replaced on a regular basis. You probably know that you have to replace your manual toothbrush at least every three to four months, but what about electric toothbrushes? The answer is yes, you also have to replace them regularly. You don’t have to buy a new one; rather, you just have to replace the brush head and you’re good to go.

Remember, always check the bristles of your toothbrush, and replace your toothbrush or brush heads as often as necessary.

More importantly, the idea of a toothbrush is to get rid of plaque and massage the gums, so any type toothbrushes will keep your teeth and gums if you know how to use them properly. For more consultancy feel free to contact Irresistible Smiles surgeons.