Electric vs manual toothbrushes – which are better?

Brushing your teeth has always been one of the foundations for good oral care, and one of the most fundamental ways that we’re able to look after our teeth at home. But while everyone knows all about the importance of brushing our teeth, it’s also worth considering that how and when we brush can make a real difference to our dental hygiene, as can the type of toothbrush used. With years of specialist experience in helping our patients with dental treatments here at AP Smilecare, we’ve got a few thoughts on the topic ourselves!

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes as a quick and easy way to help your gums clean and healthy. A study from 2019 has shown that those who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay, and keep their teeth for longer. Best of all, they’re not as expensive as some people think. In fact, with battery-powered toothbrushes available for as little as £10, they’re a very handy little investment that can greatly benefit your oral health.

Promotes gum health

Almost half of all adults in the UK have some form of gum disease, from bleeding gums, receding gums, and bad breath – all of which can be signs of progressive gum disease. Electric toothbrushes have been found to remove more plaque, reducing the risk of gingivitis over time. This is especially true if you use a small headed toothbrush, as the round head can reach harder to brush areas.

Better for braces

Teeth straightening treatments, such as braces, can be intimidating to adults and young people. Sonic toothbrushes are a type of electric toothbrush that work at speeds of around 30,000 strokes a minute, making them ideal for braces. The very high speeds easily clean out any food or bacteria that is trapped around the brackets and under wires, which is something that can’t always be guaranteed with a manual toothbrush.

Help with limited mobility

Electric toothbrushes are perfect for people with limited mobility, especially as they generally do all the hard work. This is especially beneficial if you have a young child who doesn’t like brushing their teeth, as trying them with an electric toothbrush could help change that.

Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes

While electric toothbrushes are widely regarded as being more efficient and effective than manual ones, that’s not to say that manual toothbrushes should be dismissed offhand. In fact they have a number of benefits – for starters, there’s the price. It’s no surprise that while electric toothbrushes have become more affordable, manual toothbrushes are still generally cheaper, also coming in multipacks, so they’re a particularly affordable option (especially for families with young children).

Manual brushes also offer a level of control, with the user in charge of how fast they brush, to how much pressure being used. This is especially useful if there are any areas of your mouth that are painful or sensitive to the touch, as the conscious effort to be gentler when you brush can help to prevent any damage to tooth enamel.

When it comes right down to it though, how you brush is always more important than what kind of toothbrush you use. By cleaning thoroughly and working from the inside and outside of your teeth, you will not only help prevent gum disease, but can improve the overall appearance of your smile.

Speaking of which, that’s also exactly what we’re here for at AP Smilecare! We offer a wide range of dental treatments, including smile makeovers, and we can also offer tailored advice about improving your individual gum health. If you have any quick questions or you’d like to book an appointment, you can get in touch with us by giving us a call on 01254 297 000, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help.