Electric Or Regular? Here's What You Need To Know When Choosing Your Next Toothbrush
The classic nylon toothbrush has been fighting plaque since 1938, when the game-changing tool was invented by the DuPont Company. And the humble device is still the most popular dental tool in use today. However, thanks to widespread reductions in the prices of electronics, the manual toothbrush now has a serious competitor -- the electric toothbrush. Here's what you need to know when choosing between these two types of toothbrushes.
Not All Toothbrushes are Created Equal
When browsing the myriad of toothbrushes available today, you'll probably find yourself wondering which one does the best job of removing plaque and preventing cavities. For the most part, electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes work equally well. However, one type of toothbrush outperforms the rest: the oscillating toothbrush.
A review of 30 years of studies found that oscillating toothbrushes outperform both manual toothbrushes and most other types of electric toothbrushes on a consistent basis.
That being said, both manual and electric toothbrushes work well to remove plaque and prevent cavities. So if you're on a tight budget, don't discount the effectiveness of affordable manual toothbrushes.
The Higher Price of Electric Toothbrushes Comes with Added Convenience
Though manual toothbrushes are cheaper (typically) than electric toothbrushes, the electric devices have many convenient benefits:
- They make brushing easier thanks to their motors doing most of the work
- They can feature built-in timers that help to optimize brushing sessions
- They can be fun for children to use
- They can utilize self-cleaning systems
These features are where electric toothbrushes shine and can command a higher price point.
Manual Toothbrushes Adapt Well to Specific Needs
Despite the many benefits offered by electric toothbrushes, the high-powered devices place added pressure on
Manual toothbrushes are also useful for cleaning crowded teeth. If you suffer from crowded teeth, choose a manual toothbrush with a small head, which will help you clean hard-to-reach places (especially those in the back of your mouth).
If you're looking for convenience and top-of-the-line performance, oscillating toothbrushes are an excellent option. But if you have sensitive or crowded teeth, manual toothbrushes offer the adaptability you'll want. Keep these factors in mind when choosing your next toothbrush -- and you'll know which option is right for you. To find out more, speak with someone like Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS.
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