We all need to be brushing our teeth twice daily and seeing our dentist for routine preventative dental check-ups every six months. You may be wondering which type of toothbrush you should be using – specifically, electric versus manual.

The choice of which type of toothbrush you use is determined by different factors, from budget to personal preference. Both types of toothbrushes have their benefits and drawbacks.

Manual Toothbrushes:

• Are available in a wider variety
• Options include small, medium, and large heads
• Bristles may be soft or medium
• The back of the head may incorporate a tongue cleaner
• Offer more control
• May be better suited for people with sensitive teeth and gums
• Significantly more affordable than electric options
• Smaller and easier to transport
• Do not require batteries, chargers, or electricity supplies

Electric Toothbrushes:

• Do all the hard work of brushing for you
• Better at loosening plaque
• Great for people with arthritis or other medical issues
• May have variable speed options
• Can be great for children who don’t brush properly or are reluctant to brush their teeth
• Can be better for elderly people who struggle with maintaining oral hygiene

The biggest drawback of an electric toothbrush is its expense – they range in price, with some disposable battery-operated options, but most are rechargeable, and they can be very expensive. Replacement toothbrush heads are required and even electric toothbrushes themselves do not last forever – though they can last for a long time.

Electric brushes also need a charger – so access to a power point is necessary.

What Does the Science Say?

Scientific researchers found, during a comprehensive study that took place over eleven years, that electric toothbrushes clean the teeth and gums much more thoroughly than manual toothbrushes do. In particular, electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads (rotating in both directions) are most effective at removing plaque and limiting the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

Toothbrush Tips

• Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months.

• If you have orthodontic braces, replace your toothbrush/head every six to eight weeks.

• Ask your dentist for recommendations on the most suitable option and product for you.

• You can clean your tongue with an electric toothbrush!

• Chose the softest manual toothbrush head possible to help protect your gums. If you use an electric brush, go gently so as not to cause damage to your gum tissue.

• Manual toothbrushes are generally a better option for smaller children as they learn to brush their teeth. As they grow older and permanent teeth erupt, moving to an appropriate electric toothbrush can be a good idea.

Regardless of whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you need to be brushing (and flossing or using an interdental brush!) twice daily, for two minutes at a time and using fluoride toothpaste. It is ultimately this ongoing practice, rather than which particular type of toothbrush you use, that determines your future oral health.

Adam Dental Supplies is the leading distributor of dental supplies in Australia, and we have a wide selection of both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes from which to choose. These include products for both adults and children from leading brands such as Oral B, Caredent, Curasept, and StarSmilez.

Shop with us today for all of your toothbrush needs, both commercially and for your personal use.