Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

Oral care is vitally important to a healthy smile and over-all well-being. Brushing teeth thoroughly and twice daily helps reduce plaque and support a beautiful smile. Thereby, choosing a toothbrush reinforces beneficial dental care. When deciding on a type, an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush, consider expense, effectiveness, ability to travel, and a dentist’s recommendation.

For the last 50 years, dentists, patients, and companies have been debating which type of toothbrush provides the public with the best oral care on the market. An average manual or standard toothbrush costs about $3.00, whereas an electric toothbrush ranges in price from $5.00 to an astonishing $300.00. Toothbrushes, though, have a continuous cost. Every three months a toothbrush, or toothbrush head, needs to be replaced because the bristles become weak and tend to be less effective at removing bacteria and plaque. Replacing a toothbrush about four times a year will help to keep smiles bright and beautiful.

In comparison, a manual toothbrush is arguably easier to travel with and allows a person to fully control the speed and pressure during brushing. An electric toothbrush, on the other hand, normally increases the length of brushing time, due to built-in timers that encourage patients to brush for an average of two minutes. But the real debate begins with the effectiveness of electric and manual toothbrushes. Some studies indicate that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and tartar build-up, as suggested in the Georgetown study. In the article, Georgetown University members acknowledge that the American Dental Association, or the ADA, does not note a difference between the quality and effectiveness between a standard toothbrush and a powered toothbrush. However, Georgetown staff still concludes that an electric toothbrush cleans teeth, removes plaque, and decreases the likelihood of gingivitis more efficiently in comparison to a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush stimulates circulation in the gums, cleans hard to reach places, and benefits children and elderly patients alike who sometimes fail to brush properly.

Considering this information, studies cannot provide conclusive evidence in support of a specific technique to brushing, thereby, preference and individual dentist recommendations can help in the decision-making process. Most importantly, brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting a dentist routinely will help maintain healthy dental care.

Dr. Alexander Ash, located in Studio City, California provides general dentistry and family dentistry throughout Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Burbank, and Studio City, in addition to specialized services such as sleep apnea treatments, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and dental implants for all patients. As a credible and successful dentist, Dr. Ash can provide toothbrush recommendations for all clients.