Electric vs. Manual: Which Toothbrush is Better?

February 2022

Brush, brush, brush your teeth
Gently round your gums.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Brushing is such fun!!

Good for you if you enjoy brushing your teeth. But have you ever wondered if your toothbrush is effective? Does it matter to your teeth and gums whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush? Is one better than the other?

We’ve done the research for you and summarized the main findings and the pros and cons of each. But first, a quick review:

 

Why Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Proper brushing (and flossing) is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Daily brushing removes plaque, the film of bacteria on your teeth that can cause tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.

Both manual and electric toothbrushes, also called powered or power toothbrushes, have proved safe and effective at removing oral plaque. But both have their benefits and drawbacks. You decide which is right for you.

 

Pluses (+) of Electric Toothbrushes

• They do most of the work for you:
  • The vibration or rotation makes for micro-movements that effectively remove plaque buildup.
  • Many have built-in timers to alert you when it’s time to move to a different area of your mouth and to ensure you brush the recommended two minutes.
• Many have different modes and pressure sensors to accommodate special dental needs like sensitive teeth.
• Some feature cartoon characters or funny singing or buzzing sounds to make brushing fun for kids. If your children enjoy brushing their teeth, they are more likely to do so.
• Research has shown that people using electric toothbrushes are more focused on brushing their teeth, which leads to more effective oral hygiene habits. 
• They are easier to use for people with developmental disabilities or health conditions such as carpal tunnel or arthritis.
• They make it easier to clean braces.
• They lead to less waste because only the brush head needs to be replaced, not the entire unit.

 

Cons (-) of Electric Toothbrushes

• They are more expensive. A powered brush can cost from $15 for a basic model to $250 for a fancy one with all the bells and whistles. Disposable models are typically $5 to $8, plus the cost of batteries. Tip: Ask your dentist for a recommendation.
• Replacement heads may be difficult to find and add additional costs.
• Powered brushes need to be regularly charged to operate correctly.
• You may need a plug-in if you’re traveling internationally.
• If you lose your charger, you may not find a replacement from the manufacturer and have to replace the whole unit.
• Their dependence on electricity or batteries increases their environmental footprint even though they result in less waste.

 

Pluses (+) of Manual Toothbrushes

• If used correctly and for the appropriate length of time, they effectively remove plaque to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• They are compact and convenient—easy to store and pack in your overnight bag. (Do use a toothbrush case.) 
• They are easily accessible. You can purchase a toothbrush practically everywhere, at grocery stores, pharmacies, dollars stores and even gas stations.
• They are affordable. The average price ranges from $1 to $3.

  Your dentist will probably give you one for free at each visit. Delta Dental also makes in-kind donations of toothbrushes. If your organization is eligible, you may request up to 200 toothbrushes per year. 

• Without the need for electricity or batteries, they are reasonably eco-friendly.

 

Cons (-) of Manual Toothbrushes

• People tend to brush too hard when using a manual toothbrush, according to research. Brushing too hard can damage your enamel and gums.
• Without a timer, you don’t know if you are brushing the recommended two minutes.
• They create a bit more waste than power toothbrushes because the entire brush has to be replaced.

 

The Verdict

An electric toothbrush does a slightly better job of removing cavity-causing plaque. Several studies showed that power brushes reduced plaque by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent.

However, according to the ADA, both electric and manual toothbrushes are safe and effective at cleaning teeth if used correctly. That means:

• Pick a toothbrush that’s the right size for your mouth or your kids’ mouth.
• Select a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your teeth and your gums.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste and only use a pea-sized amount.
• Gently brush all tooth surfaces for two minutes.
• Brush your tongue. 
• Rinse with your saliva only, don’t add water.

Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one you use daily and correctly.

 

Ask Your Dentist for Advice

If you are unsure about proper brushing and flossing techniques, ask your dentist. If you don’t have one, use this handy tool to find one in your area. 

If you’re looking for dental insurance, check out our plans for individuals, families and groups. Delta Dental of Arkansas offers several insurance options with different levels of benefits depending on your needs, plus access to one of the state’s largest networks of providers.