At first glance, it can be hard to understand the differences between a manual toothbrush and its little sister, the electric toothbrush. That’s why we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
We’ll start by taking a look at the manual toothbrush to examine the pros and cons before turning to the electric toothbrush. Then we’ll try to answer the question to see which one best meets your needs.
At the Centre Dentaire & Implantologie Boucherville, we aim at helping you make the right choice.
Manual Toothbrush: A Timeless Classic
It would be easy to think that the manual toothbrush is a tool that has been overtaken by the arrival of its electric version. However, it’s not without its own advantages, which can still make it an interesting choice for you.
When compared to the electric toothbrush, the manual brush stands out with three main advantages:
- Its lower cost
- Its ease of transport
- It offers better control of the pressure applied to the teeth
In other words, the better control lies in the fact that it is easier to feel the pressure on your teeth and gums while brushing. This allows us to better adjust the force we apply to them.
It is important to remember that excessive pressure during brushing can cause oral health problems.
However, the manual brush also has some disadvantages compared to the electric version. When compared to the electric brush, here are its main disadvantages:
- It requires a longer brushing time.
- You must use the right technique for it to be as effective as an electric brush.
- It is more difficult to reach certain areas inside our mouth with the manual brush.
The manual toothbrush could be a good choice to maintain a good dental hygiene at low cost, even when traveling. Moreover, it could be a good option for those who tend to exert a lot of pressure when brushing their teeth.
Electric Toothbrush: A Proven New Tool
The electric toothbrush also has its pros and cons. Indeed, the electric toothbrush has stood out for the right reasons since its first appearance.
Of course, it does offer some advantages when compared to the manual brush. Here are a few of them:
- It is very effective at removing plaque.
- Its vibrating and rotating movements allow for a brushing that requires less effort.
- Finally, some models are equipped with a pressure sensor, which can overcome the difficulty of feeling the pressure on our teeth.
Therefore, the electric toothbrush makes it easier to achieve a thorough brushing.
In addition to the pressure sensor, which can help children who sometimes exert too much pressure when brushing, some can play a little song, which acts as a timer for brushing time.
Thus, the electric toothbrush can be a good option for children.
However, when compared to the manual toothbrush, it is still not without drawbacks:
- It costs more
- It is more difficult to carry
- You have to keep it fully charged for it to work
The electric toothbrush may not be the best choice for those who travel a lot.
The Verdict: What’s the Right Choice for You?
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in your toothbrush.
As we’ve seen, the manual toothbrush is less expensive and easier to carry than the electric toothbrush.
The electric toothbrush, however, offers more convenient brushing and fights plaque more easily than the manual brush.
Consequently, the important thing is to choose the product that best suits your needs.
It’s also important to remember that, regardless of your choice, it’s recommended that you change your manual toothbrush, or the head of your electric toothbrush, every three months.
If you need help deciding which product is best for you, talk to your Boucherville dentist.
At the Centre Dentaire & Implantologie Boucherville we offer you all the services and advice you need to make your oral health the best it can be! Schedule an appointment now!