Electric vs. Traditional Toothbrushes

If you are looking to buy a new toothbrush, you may be facing the dilemma of whether to buy an electric or traditional one. Here, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each kind of toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrush

Pros

• Many people believe that an electric toothbrush provides a better clean than a traditional toothbrush. It’s been estimated that electric toothbrushes can create over 48,000 movements per minute while a traditional toothbrush can only do about 500 movements per minute.
• Electrics have a lot of bells and whistles that a traditional toothbrush does not. There are models with timers, pressure sensors, different modes for different parts of your mouth, different brush heads for different purposes, and even brushes equipped with Bluetooth capabilities. This can make the brushing experience more personalized and enjoyable.
• Because most brushes include an internal timer, it’s easy to brush for the recommended two minutes.

Cons

• The main con is the upfront cost, which depends on how many bells and whistles you get. However, it is possible to get a terrific electric toothbrush for less than $50! Most patients only need the timer and pressure sensor.
• Frequent travelers may find an electric toothbrush is more difficult to transport because of its added bulk and the charger. But you could always just take your traditional toothbrush on trips and use your electric brush at home!
• Some patients dislike the noise of electric toothbrushes.

Traditional Toothbrush

Pros

• With a traditional toothbrush, you are in the driver seat. Some people find that it’s more comfortable to have total control over the way they brush their teeth, especially for those with sensitive areas in their mouth.
• Traditional toothbrushes are less expensive than electric toothbrushes, with most costing under $10. (Keep in mind that you should be replacing your manual toothbrush or the head of your electric brush every three to four months.)
• Manual toothbrushes are easy to travel with since they are compact and require no charging station.

Cons

• With a manual toothbrush, you have total control of how you brush your teeth… but if you brush your teeth incorrectly (e.g. too hard, too slow, or too fast), you may be missing all those nooks and crannies that might be easier to reach with the rotating bristles of an electric toothbrush.
• Bristle softness matters! If you use a manual toothbrush with medium or firm bristles, it could damage your enamel and irritate your gums. Stick with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Traditional toothbrushes can be troublesome to grip for those with motor difficulties, arthritis, or other disabilities.

Consult with Our Expert Team!

If you are having a difficult time deciding which toothbrush is right for your unique dental needs, ask us for recommendations at your next checkup. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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