Ever since the electric toothbrush was introduced, people have been asking “are electric toothbrushes better?”. It is important to maintain your dental hygiene, and you can’t do that without the right toothbrush. So, which is better – electric toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes? Read this article to find out!

How does an electric toothbrush work?

An electric toothbrush uses an electric motor to move the bristle head, rather than relying on manual brushing movements like manual toothbrushes. Its motor generates high-frequency vibrations or rotations, which help to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums more effectively than a manual toothbrush. 

Electric toothbrushes are typically rechargeable and come with replaceable bristle heads to ensure their longevity. Many models also come with additional features such as built-in timers, pressure sensors, and different cleaning modes to customize the brushing experience. Electric toothbrushes are recommended by dentists for their ability to provide a more thorough clean and improve oral health.

A brief history of the electric toothbrush

The electric toothbrush was first introduced in Switzerland in 1939 by a dentist named Dr. Philippe Guy Woog. It used a motor to create vibrations in the brush head, allowing for a more thorough cleaning of teeth and gums than the more common manual toothbrush. However, due to the high cost of production and lack of interest from consumers, electric toothbrushes were not widely adopted at the time.

In the 1960s, the electric toothbrush became more popular, thanks to advances in technology and improvements in design. The first rechargeable electric toothbrush was invented by Dr. George H. Rowenta in 1954, and in 1960 the first electric toothbrush with a rotating head was introduced.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, more and more companies began to produce electric toothbrushes, and the technology continued to evolve; leading to the first sonic toothbrush in 1992, which used high-frequency vibrations to clean teeth, and the first oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush in 2000, which is still widely used today.

Today, electric toothbrushes are popular all over the world, with a wide range of designs and features to choose from.

What are the advantages of electric toothbrushes?

Better cleaning

The bristle head of an electric toothbrush rotates at a high speed, which allows for more thorough cleaning and removal of plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums. This can be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty brushing thoroughly with a manual toothbrush.

Many electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard or not applying enough pressure. This helps ensure that you’re applying the right amount of pressure for an effective clean, without causing damage to your teeth and gums. They also have built-in timers that ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes, which dentists suggest for optimal cleaning.

Less physical effort required

Electric toothbrushes require less physical effort than manual toothbrushes because they use a motor to move the bristle head, which does most of the work for you. With a manual toothbrush, you have to manually move the bristles back and forth or in circular motions to clean your teeth and gums. This can be tiring, especially if you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes.

With an electric toothbrush, you simply hold the brush head against your teeth and gums and let the motor do the work. The high-frequency vibrations or rotations generated by the motor help to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums more effectively than manual brushing, without requiring as much effort on your part.

Better for people with certain conditions

Electric toothbrushes can be a better option for people that have certain conditions that make it more difficult to clean their teeth regularly.

  • People with arthritis or other conditions that affect their hand and wrist mobility may find it difficult to brush their teeth thoroughly with a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes require less dexterity and physical effort to use, making them a good option for people with arthritis or other hand or wrist conditions.
  • People with mobility issues, such as those who are recovering from surgery or have a physical disability, may also find it difficult to use a manual toothbrush effectively. Electric toothbrushes require less physical effort and can provide a more thorough clean, making them a good option for people with mobility issues.
  • People with braces or other dental appliances may find it difficult to clean their teeth thoroughly with a manual toothbrush, especially around the brackets and wires. Electric toothbrushes can provide a more thorough clean around dental appliances, helping to remove plaque and food particles more effectively.
  • People with gum disease may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush, as they can provide a more thorough clean and help to remove plaque and bacteria from the gums more effectively than a manual toothbrush.

Are there any advantages to manual toothbrushes?

Lower cost

 In terms of cost, manual toothbrushes are generally more affordable than electric toothbrushes. This is because manual toothbrushes are made of simple materials like plastic and nylon, which are inexpensive to manufacture and widely available.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, require more advanced technology and materials, including motors, rechargeable batteries, and circuit boards, which are more expensive to produce. Additionally, electric toothbrushes often come with additional features such as multiple brushing modes and timers, which can also increase the cost.

Portability

Manual toothbrushes are more portable than electric toothbrushes because they are smaller, lighter, and do not require a power source. They can easily fit into a toiletry bag or travel case, and you can use them anywhere without needing to be near a power outlet.

In contrast, electric toothbrushes are generally larger and heavier due to the battery and motor components. They also require a power source to recharge or replace the batteries. Although some electric toothbrushes are designed for travel and come with travel cases or covers, they still take up more space and can be less convenient to pack compared to a manual toothbrush.

For people who travel frequently, a manual toothbrush is often a more practical option as it is easier to carry around and use on-the-go.

Availability

Manual toothbrushes are more widely available than electric toothbrushes for a few reasons:

  • Manual toothbrushes are generally less expensive than electric toothbrushes, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers. This means that more retailers and pharmacies carry manual toothbrushes compared to electric toothbrushes.
  • Manual toothbrushes are also easier to find in stores because they don’t require a power source or additional components like batteries or chargers. They can be stored and displayed on shelves or racks, making them more visible and accessible to consumers.
  • Manual toothbrushes have been around for much longer than electric toothbrushes and are more familiar to most people. This familiarity makes them a more popular option for consumers who may not be as comfortable using or investing in an electric toothbrush.
  • Unlike electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes are disposable and need to be replaced every few months. This means that consumers need to purchase new toothbrushes more frequently, leading to higher demand and wider availability.

Which is the better option; electric or manual toothbrushes?

The answer to this question isn’t as cut and dry as you’d expect from the rest of this article.

For example, Peter Alldritt, consultant to the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee said in 2020;

“If someone is doing really well with a manual brush and not having any problems with plaque or brushing too hard, there is little to gain from switching to an electric toothbrush”

So, if you are able to effectively clean your teeth with a manual toothbrush, and you don’t feel like switching to an electric toothbrush, then you don’t need to worry about which is better.

However, for the many people who struggle to brush their teeth properly with a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush is the better option because it has been engineered to make the process of brushing one’s teeth easier. 

What’s important is that you get the right toothbrush, and you use it to clean your teeth properly. The following tips can help you effectively brush your teeth, regardless of whether you have a manual or electric toothbrush;

  • Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and has a small head that can reach all areas of your mouth.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush, as using too much toothpaste can cause the foam to build up in your mouth and make it harder to brush effectively.
  • Angle your brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, because that allows the bristles to reach under the gum line and remove plaque and bacteria.
  • Use circular motions to brush your teeth and gums, and be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth; including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
  • Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.
  • Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
  • Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
  • Floss between your teeth and use mouthwash to help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed, because a worn toothbrush is less effective at cleaning your teeth and can harbor bacteria.

How can Greenvale Dental Group help me find the right toothbrush for my teeth?

If you’re looking for a dentist who can help you get the right toothbrush for your teeth, contact us at Greenvale Dental Group and we will provide you with a modern, caring approach to your dental health.