When walking through the toothbrush aisle at the store, one can often feel overwhelmed. Most of the time there is an entire row of toothbrushes ranging from different styles ranging from manual to electric and brushes with different bristle texture and hardness. So which do you choose? Almost every toothbrush advertisement states that ⅘ dentists prefer this brand or something similar so it is often difficult to choose. The first step in picking a toothbrush is whether or not you buy a manual or electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly more popular but how do they compare to regular manual toothbrushes?
The Manual Toothbrush
The manual toothbrush is something that most people are familiar with, due to electric toothbrushes are a newer phenomenon. Manual toothbrushes are great for several reasons. First and foremost, there are so many different brands and styles to choose from. When being compared to electric toothbrushes, there are many more options in manual toothbrushes. Dentists even still give manual toothbrushes away so you may not even have to visit the toothbrush at the store in order to get one! Manual toothbrushes are also incredibly inexpensive in comparison to electric toothbrushes. Manual toothbrushes range from $2-$10 depending on the brand, style, and level of sophistication and design. Manual toothbrushes are also extremely easy to travel with.They are small and can be easily placed in any small space. Lastly, if they are used correctly, they can put less pressure on teeth and gums than an electric toothbrush since you control the movement. With less pressure on the teeth and gums, it is more likely that you will experience less sensitivity.
Electric Toothbrushes
There are many advantages to using an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes are best for those who cannot do a great job brushing their teeth with a manual toothbrush. For example this could include elderly people with arthritis or those with limited movement in their arms, shoulders or hands. It has been suggested that those who use an electric toothbrush typically brush better and remove more plaque than the average manual toothbrush. They even have been proven to prevent gum disease better! Some electric toothbrushes offer features that manual toothbrushes do not including pressure sensors and timers that allow you to brush correctly, but not all models have these features. It has been said that many electric toothbrush users add too much pressure whilst using an electric toothbrush, which can damage tooth enamel and gums in some instances. The rotating of the toothbrush head with the added vibration can cause gums to become weaker. So if you are considering using an electric toothbrush, try to keep yourself from adding too much pressure on to your teeth and gums.
Picking a toothbrush can be difficult but once you find the best one for you, things get a lot easier. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to both manual and electric toothbrushes, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which is the best style for you since there is no clear front runner between the two.
If you have any questions regarding dental hygiene, or manual and electric toothbrushes, feel free to contact the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today!