Electric vs. Regular: Which Toothbrush Is Better?
A lot of people have been trying to figure out which toothbrush is better, an electric or a regular toothbrush. While many people pick their favorite toothbrush based on personal preference, brand loyalty, budget, and availability, there is a valid, scientific reason that makes one better than the other. To help settle this debate once and for all, we came up with this article to compare the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision when you go out to purchase your next toothbrush.
Regular vs. Electric Toothbrush
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective against plaque and bacteria. Nonetheless, there are still some distinct features that can make you prefer one over the other, depending on your needs. Below are some of the pros and cons of using a regular and electric toothbrush:
Electric Toothbrush
Pros
Effective: A consumer report that was published in 2015 found the electric toothbrush to be more effective against plaque than a regular toothbrush. According to the report, an electric toothbrush can remove up to 20% more plaque than a regular toothbrush.
Easy to Use: An electric toothbrush is not as complicated as it sounds. To use one, all you have to do is the angle the top part (head) of the brush correctly so it can easily access and remove plaque from the teeth surfaces. It’s also more exciting to use than a manual toothbrush which makes it suited for kids too.
Good for Braces: A brace is a dental implant that helps align crooked teeth. Unfortunately, when installed, they can provide room for plaque and bacteria to hide in and also make practicing good dental hygiene more challenging. We usually recommend patients who get braces installed at our dental office in Alexandria get an electric toothbrush since its vibrating feature makes it more effective at removing plaque stuck in the braces.
Timer: Many modern electric toothbrushes feature a built-in timer. This is quite helpful as it notifies you when you’ve reached the recommended 2 minutes of brushing time.
Cons
Costly: Getting an electric toothbrush can be a bit costly for people on a limited budget. The brush can cost anywhere between $20-$150, and some even go beyond the said amount. You also need to replace the brush head regularly, the recommended period being three months.
Fragile: Even though electronic toothbrushes are durable, they can break easily if not handled with care. They also have a shelf life, so you’ll need to get a new one after a given period.
Regular Toothbrushes
Pros
Affordable: A regular toothbrush is cheaper than an electric toothbrush. It’s also easier to find and does not need you to purchase extra parts to be fully functional.
Effective: Although an electronic toothbrush is more effective than a regular toothbrush, you can still get similar or even better results with a regular toothbrush. All you have to do is compensate for the lack of a vibrating feature by getting good at brushing with a normal toothbrush. Our dentist will be happy to provide you with general dental care tips to make brushing with a manual toothbrush just as effective as using an electric one.
Compact: The size of a toothbrush is usually not something that many people consider when choosing a toothbrush to purchase. However, when there is limited storage space or luggage weight, a small, light toothbrush can be just what you are looking for when traveling. A regular toothbrush weighs less and takes less room than an electric toothbrush, making it suitable for carrying.
Cons
Needs More Work: The lack of a vibrating feature in a manual toothbrush means you’d have to compensate for it by learning how to brush properly. You’ll therefore need to ensure you brush in a circular motion and back and forth to reach difficult angles and remove all plaque.
No Built-in Timer: A regular toothbrush does not have a timer to help you know if you have brushed for the recommended 2 minutes. Due to this, you’ll have to keep an eye on your watch or set the alarm to know when it’s the right time to stop.
Conclusion
Both electric and regular toothbrushes have the capability to safeguard your teeth from the cavity and other dental problems associated with bad oral hygiene. If you can afford an electric toothbrush, you should definitely get one, as it is more effective and will make brushing your teeth less strenuous. Nonetheless, for complete cavity protection, you’ll still have to visit a dentist near you for regular dental checkups and cleanings. So visit Burton Dentistry today to get dental care tips and services to help you keep your teeth strong and healthy for longer.