Electric Vs Manual Toothbrushes: A Comparison
Dr. Apsey of Warren Michigan wants you to be an informed consumer when it comes to buying the right toothbrush. When the word “toothbrush” is used, what generally springs to mind is a manual toothbrush. The toothbrush as we know it today came into use roughly 100 years ago. A lot of improvements have been made in the intervening years, but the basic format hasn’t changed a whole lot.
As technology has evolved, electronic toothbrushes were developed and become more widely used by consumers. Theoretically, the newer, fancier technology is better. And generally speaking, this is true, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone should use one. Below we’ll look at how these options stack up so you can decide for yourself what toothbrush right for you.
Manual Toothbrush Pros:
- Inexpensive. Can be found cheaply in any drugstore or free when you come in for a cleaning. Keep in mind that you should replace your brush after about 3 months of use maximum.
- Does not require charging so it saves a bit of electricity, and is compact, therefore easy to travel with.
- Shorter brushing duration. Brushing time can be flexible to meet your needs, a good average is 2 minutes.
Manual Toothbrush Cons:
- More work. Manual brushing can be arduous, and if you find this to be negative motivationally, it can be a big problem.
- Easier to make mistakes. If you have poor technique it is easier to miss sections or not brush for long enough.
Electric Toothbrush Pros:
- Better plaque removal. There is some debate here, but it’s generally accepted that electronic toothbrushes result in superior plaque removal. And the vibrations from electronic brushes often provide easier access to hard to reach areas of the mouth.
- Easy to use. With a powered toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush at the right angle, kick back, and let the machine do all the work.
- Built in timer. User-friendly features such as a built-in timer that stops or pulses to indicate different actions should remove any guesswork from your routine.
Electric Toothbrush Cons:
- Cost. Electric toothbrushes cost significantly more than their manual counterparts. The initial investment is big and there can be additional costs over the lifespan of the brush if batteries die, etc. Electronic toothbrushes can cost from $20 to well over $100 at the upper end of the scale.
- Easy to break. Dropping your electric toothbrush can be fatal. You must be careful and treat it as the expensive piece of electronic that it is.
As you can see, there are ups and downs of using both options. Needs are individualized, so considering your oral health, budget, travel habits and any other relevant factors is truly the best way to assess which toothbrush is the best for you.
Contact our Dental Office Near Sterling Heights for More Information
If you live in the Sterling Heights area and are looking for a new dentist, contact Dr. Apsey today. Our Warren dental office welcomes dental patients from Sterling Heights, Clinton Twp and throughout the Metro Detroit area.