Manual Vs. Electric Tooth Brushes

Proper care of your teeth includes brushing them regularly. Although the ideal is to brush them after every meal and snack, at a bare minimum you should do it once a day. There are two main options for toothbrushes--a manual toothbrush or an electric model. Each has its own advantages, so you should make your choice based on your own situation.

Cleaning Power

Studies in professional publications such as the American Journal of Dentistry and the British Dental Journal say that electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively than their manual counterparts. They are also better at reducing gingivitis. They do a better job of cleaning teeth because the bristles move faster than you can move a brush by hand. They also clean back molars more evenly and do a better job of cleaning hard-to-reach spaces.

Ease of Handling

While most people have no problems handling a manual toothbrush, the American Dental Association says that electric brushes can be helpful for people who struggle with their grip. This includes arthritis sufferers and people with other manual dexterity impairments.

Novelty

Columbia University Health Services says that part of the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes may lie in their novelty. When people get a new "toy," they are likely to use it more frequently. The more often you brush, the better it affects your dental health. However, the novelty effect tends to wear off, so in the long term people may not brush more often with an electric tooth brush vs. a manual one.

Convenience

Electric toothbrushes may clean teeth more effectively, but some are not portable. This makes it harder for a person to brush after lunch or snacks at work, in restaurants and other in other places outside the home. It is much easier to carry a manual toothbrush in a pocket or purse. It can be taken out and used in virtually any location, which encourages more frequent brushing.

Cost

Manual toothbrushes cost only a few dollars, while their electric counterparts typically start at $20 to $30, as of 2009. Columbia University Health Services says that fancier models can run as much as $100 or more. If you are on a limited budget, using a manual toothbrush can be more cost-effective, even though manual models should be replaced every three to four months.

Gum Pressure

Connie Brichford of Everyday Health says that electric toothbrushes put more pressure on teeth and gums than manual models. If you do not notice this and adjust the pressure correctly, the toothbrush can wear away tooth enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to decay. It can also cause pain and increase tooth sensitivity.

References

• Columbia University Health Services article
• Everyday Health article