Manual Vs. Electric Toothbrushes: Pros And Cons

The dental professionals at Mississauga’s Dentistry in Streetsville are often asked about the differences and benefits between manual and electric toothbrushes. What follows are the pros and cons for each of these types of toothbrushes as they apply to at-home dental care.

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and easy to replace. Moreover, when it comes to thoroughly cleaning teeth, manual toothbrushes generally do a better job. However, this is provided you buy the proper brush (soft bristles) and know how to properly brush your teeth and do a thorough job for all your teeth, and at the gum line.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry (for travel), and they don’t require batteries or recharging. As well, there are a lot of very good choices on the market, and they’re easy to find. On the downside, it will seem like manual toothbrushes require more effort on your part, and manual toothbrushes don’t help you to time the length of your session. If you brush for what is the generally recommended two minutes, it’s something you’ll need to monitor on your own for best results.

Electric Toothbrushes 

These toothbrushes, on the other hand, are quite easy to use. If used properly, electric toothbrushes can deliver excellent results and with less work to the user, but you still need to take care that you’re reaching all parts of your teeth. The electric versions have been shown to be particularly effective at removing plaque, and the cleaning effectiveness is therefore quite good for reducing risks like those associated with gingivitis. 

As for making sure you‘re brushing for a full two minutes, electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that keep the device going until it’s time to stop. If you have kids, it can be hard to get them to brush regularly. To most children, brushing is a chore. But electric toothbrushes can be fun, like a novelty that makes the experience of brushing quite enjoyable - something that can apply to any age. 

The downside is that the electric models require charging, and they’re not nearly as convenient to carry or transport as manual toothbrushes. They can also be easy to break, particularly if

dropped, and since they’re substantially more expensive than the manual versions, this is likely to become a factor when making the purchasing decision.

It’s recommended that you discuss which version might be best for you with us. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that continually learning, having a vigilant at-home dental care regimen, and attending regular checkups is the most reliable way to ensure you have a great smile for life. 

For more info, you’re encouraged to consult with our dental professionals at Dentistry in Streetsville. Our family-oriented dental clinic offers an extensive range of dental services in children’s dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, ultrasonic cleaning and much more. 

Contact us at Dentistry in Streetsville by calling 905-821-8221 or emailing reception@dentistryinstreetsville.co.m. Dentistry in Streetsville is located at 100 Queen Street South, Suite 101, in Mississauga, Ontario. Also, visit us on Facebook and Instagram at DentistryInStreetsville.