Electric toothbrushes are more affordable than ever. It wasn’t long ago that you couldn’t find an electric toothbrush under $200, but many major brands have released affordable versions of electric toothbrushes. You can even find electric toothbrushes for children that are smaller and designed for kids under the age of ten. Are these electronic versions of the manual toothbrush worth it? Let’s investigate the differences between the old fashioned manual toothbrush and its new modern electronic prototype.

Electric Toothbrushes

One great benefit of the electric toothbrush is that many of them have settings which shut off after two minutes. This allows the user to turn on their toothbrush and brush their teeth without having to wonder if they are getting in the recommended two minutes. Additionally, electric toothbrushes will do most of the scrubbing for you. All you need to do with an electric toothbrush is glide the brush over your teeth and gums and make sure you are reaching all those hard to reach spots.

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes typically come with softer bristles than electric versions, which usually have stiffer bristles. Manual toothbrushes also come in a wider variety of styles, so if you have particular toothbrush needs, it is likely going to be easier to find a good fit in a manual toothbrush rather than in an electric version. Additionally, there is no guesswork when it comes to whether or not your toothbrush is going to work! If your batteries die in an electric toothbrush, they are not very good at transitioning into becoming a manual toothbrush because their design simply wasn’t built for that. If you are traveling and won’t have access to buying new batteries or finding outlets for charging, then a manual toothbrush is the most reliable option (they are also more lightweight!).

It comes down to what your preferences are, but we should point out that some studies show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. However, if you prefer your old school manual toothbrush, then by all means, use what you feel comfortable with!

At Mission Hills Family Dental, we care about the oral health of you and your family. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office, or you can easily book an appointment online!