Toothbrush: Manual vs Electric

Patients ask us all the time: what should I be using to clean my teeth? An electric or a manual toothbrush?

Not to worry, we’ll sift through all the information and give you the facts, the benefits, the drawbacks and everything in between!

Firstly, let’s go through the benefits of an electric toothbrush.

Data and science has shown us that electric toothbrushes actually do a better job at removing dental plaque, which is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay. In particular, electric toothbrushes that feature an oscillating brush, are seen as the most effective in removing plaque. Furthermore, an electric toothbrush requires less work by the patient, when compared to a manual toothbrush, and this can be beneficial for patients with reduced mobility such as those with arthritis, cerebral palsy etc.

In addition to this, modern electric toothbrushes typically have the head separate so that it can be replaced, meaning less waste and a more environmentally-friendly option than a manual toothbrush.

What benefits does a manual toothbrush offer?

A manual toothbrush will always be less expensive than an electric one. Whilst most electric toothbrushes start at around £10-£15, a manual toothbrush can typically be found for around £1-£2. They’re also more widely available, you can find a manual toothbrush at virtually any store whereas for an electric toothbrush, you’d probably have to go a larger supermarket.

So, what’s the right choice?

The facts are, evidence shows a larger reduction in plaque when using an electric toothbrush in comparison to the manual brush. Whilst the data might not present an enormous difference in this regard, It’s still enough in our opinion, to favour an electric over a manual brush. If you can reduce plaque, even by a small amount, your oral health will be the better for it.