Electric Vs Manual – Which to choose?

When it comes to dental and hygiene appointments, one of the most frequently asked questions is “should I use an electric or a manual toothbrush?” – we are here to provide the information you need to be able to choose which would work best for you.

Electric Toothbrush: A rechargeable electric toothbrush is the kind you plug into the wall to recharge, keeping the handle and replacing the brush head every three months. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes differ among the kind of cleaning technology they use, such as oscillating-rotating (3D Cleaning Action) or sonic technology.

Electric toothbrushes now come with multiple features, such as a pressure sensor, multiple brushing modes, timers and even Bluetooth to track where you have brushed and how effectively!

Electric toothbrushes have built in timers to help you record how long you are brushing for – something that a manual toothbrush can’t do. This then helps you to make sure every part of your mouth is getting the attention it requires to maintain good, effective cleaning.

The movements of the Electric toothbrush does almost all of the work for you, alongside the correct technique it is said in a recent new study to have healthier gums, less tooth decay and also prolong the life of teeth, compared to a manual toothbrush. If you are unsure of which technique to use, your Hygienist or Dentist would be more than happy to go over an efficient technique that would work for you!

If you are someone that struggles with dexterity or arthritis, then this would be the better option for you as there is less brushing work needed from you.

There is also an added benefit of less waste from replacing a manual toothbrush to a small replacement electric head, which is always an added bonus!!

Colorful toothbrushes on blue background. Top view.

Manual Toothbrush: Although manual toothbrushes don’t provide the benefits and features of a rechargeable electric toothbrush, they can still have their own benefits such as textured bristles, ergonomically designed handles, gum stimulators and tongue cleaning pads.

Manual Toothbrushes also come with their benefits, they have been around for a very long time, and are still an effective way of removing plaque build up from your teeth and gums, again with the correct technique this can be very effective.

So which should I choose?

Choosing a toothbrush is completely personal preference, and whichever you feel gives you the most effective clean. If you are comfortable using a Manual Toothbrush, and have found that your dentist feels as though you are doing a great job, then what’s the need to change? The most important thing to us is that you have something which you feel confident to brush well with and twice daily.

However, if you would like to take the plunge from a manual toothbrush to and electric, or would just like some advice on what you should be looking for when buying a new toothbrush; your hygienist/dentist would be more than happy to recommend a suitable brand and model for you at your next appointment!

Some of our favourite options can be found here:

Oral B:

https://amzn.to/2SAVBIT

https://amzn.to/3bcecl4

Phillips Sonicare:

https://amzn.to/3uFdNyY

https://amzn.to/3b9CpZj

Find out more about the hygienist treatments we have to offer at Newby Dental Practice here:

https://www.newbydentalpractice.co.uk/hygienist-treatments-shiny-teeth/