This is a topic that is hotly debated amongst today’s dentists and patients alike. Some will say that technology wins out in this debate, however others believe that the good old fashioned manual toothbrush is the way to go. Then there’s science. Science boils it down to this: regardless of how you do it, practicing good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is what will keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
That said, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of manual vs. electric tooth brushes.
Pros of a Manual Toothbrush
There are lots of reasons to consider remaining loyal to a good old fashioned manual toothbrush.Besides the fact that some people just don’t like change, here are some of the other reasons people choose to use them:
1- A manual toothbrush is easy to use. There’s not a huge learning curve involved once you’ve been properly taught how to use one. And since this takes place early on in life, the steps involved in using a manual toothbrush are like second nature.
2-A manual toothbrush is cost effective! It’s a cheap and simple tool that can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars throughout your lifetime, yet it can be replaced at any time for under five bucks. No spending money on batteries, and no need to find a power source for this puppy!
3- Who needs flashy technology? Some folks believe in ‘why fix it if it aint broke’. In other words, a manual toothbrush will deliver a thorough cleaning of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the insides of your cheeks just as well as any other type of toothbrush.
4- A manual toothbrush is easier to handle because it’s less bulky and more flexible. While an electric toothbrush may look flashy and high-tech, they can often be bulky and unwieldy. The benefit of a slim manual toothbrush is that it’s easier to maneuver into the far reaches of the mouth, to get at those tricky back teeth.
5- Easy to travel with. As noted above, there are no batteries or power sources required (think camping). As well, it’s much more compact and will fit into your makeup or toiletries bag while taking up minimal space.
6- Variety – manual toothbrushes come in lots of different sizes, colors and bristle strengths. Some people prefer a soft bristled toothbrush over a hard bristle. Some folks like the larger size of the manual toothbrush head, while others prefer a smaller child-sized brush head. This type of variety is often limited when it comes to electric toothbrushes.
7- Safer for kids to use. Kids should focus simply on doing a good job of brushing their teeth, and not have the added burden of trying to figure out how to use an electric toothbrush. And take note of the key word ‘electric’. Kids, water, and electrical devices = recipe for disaster.
Cons of a Manual Toothbrush
Some people prefer the high-tech appearance of today’s electric toothbrushes over the old fashioned manual. You know the type – always has the latest phone or gadget, rarely uses it for more than a few months before they’re on to the next ‘big thing’. To these types, a manual toothbrush probably looks old and stale and outdated. Other than that, there really aren’t any cons to using a manual toothbrush.
Pros of an Electric Toothbrush
Many people swear by the use of electric toothbrushes, strongly believing that they deliver a much more thorough cleaning. Here are some other reasons why an electric toothbrush may have an advantage over a manual toothbrush:
1- Today’s super-toothbrushes have all sorts of fancy extra features, like timers and indicators that let you know when you’ve spent enough time brushing; the brush head needs to be replaced etc. These types of features can help ensure that you spend enough time brushing your teeth each day.
2- There is some science behind the use of sonic technology. The vibrations of a sonic toothbrush can help to loosen food particles and plaque from otherwise hard to reach places within the mouth. Not only will this aid in healthy teeth, but it will also keep your gums healthy and prevent such conditions as gingivitis. It can also contribute to a reduction of halitosis (bad breath).
3- The head of an electric toothbrush can move thousands of times per minute, and let’s face it, that’s just not possible with an old fashioned manual toothbrush. These movements can lead to a cleaner fresher feeling.
4- Some electric toothbrushes offer different levels of cleaning that include deep cleaning, sensitivity care, tooth whitening, tongue cleaning, and gum massage.
5-Less pain – because an electric toothbrush need only be lightly run over the surfaces of teeth, whereas a manual toothbrush sometimes requires a little elbow grease to get at some areas of the mouth. This elbow grease can prove irritating to sensitive gum tissue.
6-Improved stain removal – because of the rapid movements of an electric toothbrush, stains are removed more quickly than they would be when using a manual toothbrush.
7-Wow-factor – let’s face it, some people just love using new toys. An electric toothbrush looks fancy and inviting sitting on the bathroom counter. This is considered a plus because it often encourages folks who’d otherwise possibly neglect the regular brushing schedule required, to maintain good oral health.
An electric toothbrush may be easier to use for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, because there is less hand movement involved in the use of these brushes. One simply needs to gently run it back and forth over the surface of the teeth rather than using the vigorous hand movements required when using a manual toothbrush.
Cons of an Electric Toothbrush
There are several reasons why a person may choose not to use an electric toothbrush, including the following:
Cost – electric toothbrushes can be very expensive depending on the features you choose when buying.
Convenience – or lack thereof. If you’re a person who travels a lot, or likes to rough it camping, having to lug along an unwieldy toothbrush along with batteries and/or a charger can be a major pain, whereas a manual toothbrush can be packed quickly and easily into any type of luggage or bag.
Safety – electric tooth brushes can pose certain safety risks depending on who is using the brush. As noted, anything that involves batteries, water and electricity probably isn’t a safe option for a child.
Summary
The type of toothbrush you choose really is a personal choice. The bottom line is, regardless of what type of brush you choose, practicing good regular oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing at least twice a day, is the most effective path to good dental health.
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