Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the best ways to avoid dental health problems. Over time, bacteria grows in your mouth and can damage your teeth and gums. Regular brushing ensures that the bacteria are sterilized and any buildup is removed. Your toothbrush makes a big difference in the quality of your dental care.
Dental care technology has improved over the last several decades to give you a variety of toothbrush options. You can use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Deciding between the two main options can be difficult since both have their advantages. Here is a look at the differences between electric and manual toothbrushes.
Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes are the most common choice for the vast majority of people. They have been around for hundreds of years and are what people think of when they think about toothbrushes. While electric toothbrushes provide many benefits that manual toothbrushes don’t have, there are some things that manual toothbrushes can do better.
The most important benefit from a manual toothbrush is that it always works. Since it is not electric, you can use it anytime, anywhere without additional equipment. They are also easier to use. Teaching someone how to brush their teeth is easier since there are no moving components or use restrictions. Plus, most young children dislike the feel and sound of an electric toothbrush, making a manual toothbrush the best choice.
Manual brushes have changed in design over the last several decades. There are different versions for every dental health need. The bristles are more durable and come in many more hardness levels for added comfort and to protect your teeth from damage. The brush heads are also designed for better, deeper cleaning action. That way, you get a more thorough clean, which leads to better dental health.
Drawbacks to Manual Toothbrushes
The biggest drawback to manual toothbrushes is that the quality of the cleaning depends on the user. That means that every time you use the toothbrush, you may not get the same quality of cleaning. It also means that every brush provides different results for each person. This can lead to a lot of effort trying to find the right brush for the right type of cleaning that meets your needs.
Manual Toothbrushes are also limited in how much they can clean. Electric toothbrushes can clean in multiple ways at the same time thanks to their design. This often leads to a more detailed and deeper clean than manual toothbrushes.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have only been around for a few decades, becoming more popular in recent years thanks to their improved cleaning abilities. Electric toothbrushes manually clean your teeth in the same general way as a manual toothbrush. However, it can do it with several key changes. The cleaning action for some electric toothbrushes is in a circular motion, making it easier to clean a specific area and giving it a greater ability to remove stuck-on plaque. It also moves the bristles much faster than a person can and with a lot less physical work.
Aside from the faster motion, some brands of electric toothbrushes also provide sonic cleaning abilities. It vibrates at a high frequency that can help break-down plaque and other stuck-on substances. This often leads to a much deeper clean.
Drawbacks to Electric Toothbrushes
The two main drawbacks to an electric toothbrush are both related to the fact that the toothbrush is electric. Because it uses electricity, it needs to be charged. You will have to take a charger with you if you travel for longer than a few days. The other drawback is that some electric toothbrushes may not be entirely waterproof. If water gets into some brands, it may short-circuit and break. You have to be more careful with an electric toothbrush, especially since you use it around water every day. For many brands this is not an issue.
Which One Should You Use?
Choosing between a manual and an electric toothbrush is relatively easy. If you can afford one and it won’t hurt your teeth, you should get an electric toothbrush. The cleaning benefits make it worth the added cost. If you are going to travel for extended periods of time, don’t know what type of brush works for you, or money is tight, then get a manual toothbrush. They are easy to use, don’t require any additional equipment, and are affordable.
Ready to Make Your Dental Appointment?
If you’re ready to get started with a progressive yet conservative approach to your dental health, contact Creekview Dental today at 651-738-8204 to schedule your first appointment. We offer teeth cleanings, preventative dental care, Invisalign, pediatric dentistry, and many other dental best practices intended to make you more comfortable.
