Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual: Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth the Money?
The toothbrush has come a long way in recent decades, but even ancient cultures knew it was important to take good care of your teeth. Around 5,000 years ago, people used a thin twig with a frayed end to clean their teeth. As civilization grew, toothbrushes were made from bone or wood handles topped with stiff animal hair bristles.
Fortunately, we have much more appealing modern-day options, and by far, one of the best choices is the electric toothbrush. Learn about the benefits of using an electric toothbrush and other oral hygiene tips here.
Table of Contents
- Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth the Money?
- 5 Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual
- We Recommend Practicing These Additional Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Mouth
- Mint Dental Works: Offering Dental Services in SE Portland’s First LEED Certified Dental Office
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth the Money?
Yes. Research suggests electric toothbrushes do have an edge over manual toothbrushes. Although the key to good overall oral health is practicing a regular brushing and flossing routine, using an electric toothbrush makes this process more effective.
Electric toothbrushes ensure proper brushing techniques for children who are often inefficient. They also prevent gingivitis and plaque in the elderly who suffer from muscle weakness or arthritis.
Manual toothbrushes can be an effective tool if properly used, but many individuals don’t practice proper brushing techniques.
What Research Suggests About Electric Toothbrushes
Many studies have shown the difference that using an electric toothbrush can make for your oral hygiene.
Consider these findings:
- A 2014 Cochrane Collaboration looked at 56 clinical trials of unsupervised tooth brushing by more than 5,000 adults and children. The study found that those who used an electric toothbrush showed an 11% reduction in plaque at one to three months and a 21% reduction after three months or more compared to those who used a manual toothbrush.
This study also showed that electric toothbrush users had a 6% reduction in gingivitis at one to three months and an 11% reduction after three months or longer.
- A 2019 German study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that electric toothbrushes were more effective for gum health. After following 2,819 adults over 11 years, evidence showed using an electric toothbrush reduced the progression of periodontal disease. Electric toothbrush users also had healthier gums overall and retained 19% more teeth than those using manual toothbrushes.
- A study of 60 male and female dental students aged 18–28 also showed a highly significant reduction in the manual and electric toothbrush groups’ gingival, plaque, and oral hygiene index scores over six weeks.
5 Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual
#1: A More Reliable Clean
Many electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers, which is the ideal length of time to brush teeth. Individuals who brush with a manual toothbrush may not spend the recommended time on the task.
Electric toothbrushes can produce thousands of strokes per minute. This helps remove plaque from your teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush, which works as quickly as your hand moves—typically only 200 to 300 strokes per minute.
At Mint Dental Works, our hygienists can usually tell if a patient uses a manual or electric toothbrush during their visit just by the state of their teeth and gums. Electric toothbrushes are great at removing the film on your teeth that lead to cavities, and many penetrate the gum line to break up deep bacteria and reduce inflammation.
#2: Ideal for Special Circumstances
People with braces can particularly benefit from using an electric toothbrush, as it allows them to clean better in and around the metal wires and brackets.
When teeth with braces are brushed correctly, it minimizes or eliminates the white “box” that often appears on the tooth where the bracket once was when the braces are removed.
#3: Easier for People With Limited Mobility
People who suffer from dexterity issues may benefit from using electric toothbrushes. The self-powered brushing ensures that the toothbrush gets into the nooks and crannies of the teeth and gums where plaque and bacteria sit and hide.
Using an electric toothbrush could be beneficial for:
- People with arthritis
- Small children
- Those with disabilities
- The elderly
- People with limited mobility
- Those lacking strength
#4: Ensures Proper Brushing Length
Many electric toothbrush models include a timer so you know exactly how long to brush. This helps you brush the proper length of time—two full minutes—and ensures you’re doing an effective job during that time.
#5: More Environmentally-Friendly
On average, you should swap out your toothbrush for a new one every three to four months. If your bristles become worn down, bent, broken, or frayed before then, you should replace your toothbrush sooner. That means every person goes through three to four toothbrushes a year.
Electric toothbrushes have an average lifespan of three to five years. However, the head should also be changed every three to four months.
We Recommend Practicing These Additional Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Mouth
Brushing your teeth twice daily with an electric toothbrush is just the first piece of the puzzle of practicing good oral hygiene. To ensure a healthy mouth, we recommend following these additional oral hygiene tips:
- Floss daily, multiple times a day, if needed.
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
- Visit the dentist for your routine check-ups and professional cleanings every six months.
- Visit the dentist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Mint Dental Works: Offering Dental Services in SE Portland’s First LEED Certified Dental Office
Using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush is just one aspect of good oral hygiene. Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups can help ensure your mouth is healthy and any potential issues are quickly addressed.
Mint Dental Works is a SE Portland dentist with a fresh approach.
We are committed to sustainability as the country’s first LEED-certified dental office and use high-tech dentistry to provide our patients with more choices, convenience, and improved comfort. Contact us today to schedule your visit.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.