Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Toothbrushes

When we think of the word “toothbrush,” we often imagine a traditional, manual toothbrush with a brightly colored plastic handle and white, stiff bristles. While this has been the means of cleaning teeth for many decades, electric toothbrushes are becoming more common and more popular among oral hygiene enthusiasts. So, is a manual toothbrush better than an electric one or vice versa? Here we will explore the pros and cons of both toothbrushes, so you can decide for yourself!

Manual Toothbrush

Some of the pros of a manual toothbrush include being able to clean the teeth thoroughly with proper brushing techniques, being easy to travel with, not needing batteries or chargers, there being multiple types of manual toothbrushes for every need, and being less expensive than electric toothbrushes. Although this makes manual toothbrushes sound great, there are some cons as well. Some of the cons of using a manual toothbrush include that brushing properly takes more work, and there is no indication of how long you are brushing or if you are brushing for a long enough time.

Electric Toothbrush

Some of the pros of using an electric toothbrush include that they are easier to use, they require less work but give the same or better results than a manual toothbrush, and that they have a built-in timer to help ensure you are brushing for the right amount of time. However, like the manual toothbrush, there are some cons as well. The cons of electric toothbrushes include having to use batteries or a charger to use the toothbrush properly, not being very travel friendly, and breaking easily. In addition to these cons, electric toothbrushes are much more expensive than the standard manual toothbrush.

So, Which One is Better?

When it comes to the battle of manual versus electric, there will never be a clear overall winner. Toothbrushes, like a lot of things in life, are very personal, and it is often up to people’s personal preferences and oral hygiene needs to determine if an electric or manual toothbrush will work better for them. In addition to individual personal preferences, people should also consult their dentist in order to determine which option may be better for them. Their dentist has some additional insight into their oral hygiene needs and may be able to recommend the perfect toothbrush for them!

If you or a loved one is in need of a trip to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

Copyright: karelnoppe / 123RF Stock Photo