Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes - Which Is the Best for Oral Health and Hygiene
We’ve all heard of the benefits of brushing our teeth twice a day for maintaining oral health and hygiene. But with advancements in technology, electric toothbrushes are gaining popularity over manual toothbrushes. So which is the best option? Let's find out.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes use batteries or rechargeable power to rotate the brush head, which means you only need to move it around the different areas of your mouth. These brushes can be classified into two types: oscillating-rotating and sonic.
- Oscillating-Rotating Brushes: They move back and forth or in a circular motion to clean your teeth. Studies show that people who use oscillating-rotating brushes have less plaque and gum inflammation compared to those who use manual toothbrushes.
- Sonic Brushes: They vibrate at high speeds to create a cleaning action that is gentle yet effective at removing plaque and improving gum health.
Electric toothbrushes also have built-in timers that help you brush for the recommended two minutes.
Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, rely on you to move them back and forth and in a circular motion to brush your teeth. They come in a variety of bristle types, such as soft, medium, or hard, and different head sizes to reach all areas of the mouth.
Comparison
Both electric and manual toothbrushes have their pros and cons, but when it comes to oral health and hygiene, electric toothbrushes have the upper hand.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, people who used electric toothbrushes had 21% less plaque and 11% less gum inflammation than those who used manual toothbrushes. Additionally, electric toothbrushes with oscillating-rotating heads were found to reduce tooth decay and gum problems more than sonic toothbrushes.
Another advantage of electric toothbrushes is that they make it easy for people with mobility issues, such as arthritis, to brush their teeth effectively.
However, manual toothbrushes also have their advantages. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and are available in a wide range of bristle types, including soft bristles that are gentle on teeth and gums.
Conclusion
While manual toothbrushes are still a viable option for maintaining oral health and hygiene, electric toothbrushes offer more advantages. They are better at removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation, and they come with built-in timers that help you brush for the recommended two minutes.
Ultimately, the decision to use an electric or manual toothbrush comes down to personal preference and budget. Regardless of which type of toothbrush you use, make sure to brush twice a day for two minutes to maintain good oral health and hygiene.
References
- Robinson, P. G., et al. (2005). Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub2/full
- Yaacob, M., et al. (2014). Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3/full