Today’s toothbrush has not strayed from the original 1930s design as the core concept has yet to change. Until the 1990s, the toothbrush finally had a competitor of an automatic kind. This, of course, being the electric toothbrush which offers a different method for oral hygiene. Since the manual and electric toothbrushes have been sharing the playing field it has often been debated which works better. Here are some pros and cons of each brush:

Manual Toothbrush

Pros:

• Your teeth will be clean with the correct technique. Brushing only takes 2 minutes and you can most definitely keep your teeth at a grade A+ level with a manual toothbrush.
• Multiple brush styles, bristles, heads and colors to choose from. There are countless colors, style, and more to choose from. Whether you have soft gums or a smaller mouth, there’s a toothbrush out the for you to pick from.
• Easy travel. All you need is your toothbrush and toothpaste for your trip. Batteries or charging outlets aren’t a thing with a manual toothbrush.
• No batteries or charging to worry about.
• Inexpensive. Manual toothbrushes are often free when you visit your dentist or cheap when buying over the counter.

Cons:

• Increased work. They’re called manual for a reason.
• No Timer Mechanism. Unlike Electric brushes, manual toothbrushes require you to time your brushing duration.

Electric Toothbrush

Pros:

• Simple to use. A powered toothbrush is very easy to use. Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle and cover each area evenly.
• Lighter work for better results. Electric toothbrushes have shown in studies to do a better job than manual brushes.
• Kids have more fun. Like any chore, children do necessarily like doing them, but with an electric toothbrush it brings some excitement to the task and keeps its regulated for brushing time.
• Desired brushing time. With a built in timer, electric toothbrushes will manage the doctor recommend two minutes every time!

Cons:

• Charging. Your toothbrush will require to be plugged in to charge or have its batteries replaced every so often.
• Increased Cost. Contrary to Manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes cost much more than a manual toothbrush.
• Travel dilemmas. Traveling with an electric toothbrush can be a hassle as they are generally bulkier and require additional room for chargers.
• Easier to break. Just like an electronics, a drop can result in it not working anymore. Your electric toothbrush is no different so be careful of how its handled.

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are much more effective than manual ones as they remove more plaque and fight gum disease more effectively. Studies aside, your oral health can remain healthy as long you take the time to brush your teeth properly. If you need some guidance in finding the right toothbrush for you, feel free to contact our Newport Beach Dental Office today.