Like many others, you may be wondering about the benefits of an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush. Whilst manual toothbrushes have long been the go-to choice for home oral care, electric toothbrushes are becoming more popular. In this blog post, Sparkling Dental will be looking at the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which is best for your family.
Are Electric Toothbrushes More Effective?
This is a question which dentists are asked on a regular basis. According to a 2014 study, electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove around 21% more plaque over a three month period as compared to people using manual toothbrushes. A 6% reduction in gum inflammation was also noted. The most important factor determining the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush is its oscillation type, with automatic alternating or rotating action being the most effective.
If you are prone to brushing too hard, you may also benefit from an electric toothbrush as you do not need to apply as much pressure to obtain a thorough clean. This will help to keep your tooth enamel intact, giving you further protection against damage.
Essentially, an electric toothbrush is a great choice for people who want to maximise plaque removal and benefit from additional protection against gum disease. That said, a manual toothbrush and the right brushing technique will still be very effective.
Cost Benefits
Whilst While manual toothbrushes need to be replaced every 3 months, they only cost a few dollars each. A good quality electric toothbrush can cost anywhere from $20 to $300, depending on which brand and model you opt for. Keep in mind that you will still need to replace the brush heads, generally these come in a pack of 6 or 8 and cost between $10-$35. Larger pack sizes are available and are often the most cost-effective option.
Which Is More Convenient?
Electric toothbrushes are equipped with batteries and require frequent charging, but manual toothbrushes can be used anywhere at any time. Electric toothbrushes are also much bulkier, so if you like to travel this could be an issue. However, some electric toothbrushes come with travel cases. Many people enjoy the easy access and affordability of manual toothbrushes, but others may value the additional features provided by an electric toothbrush.
Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush – Weighing Up
Ultimately the choice of whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush is up to the individual. Both will offer a great clean, but an electric toothbrush can be more effective at loosening plaque and may be a better choice for those with dexterity challenges.
They can also be used by children, who may enjoy the additional features such as Bluetooth App connection, brushing timers and sensors to detect how well your child is brushing their teeth. If you are not sure which best suit your needs, visit Sparkling Dental and ask your dentist what they recommend. We are more than happy to offer professional advice so that you and your family can enjoy optimal oral health all year round.
To schedule a routine check-up at Sparkling Dental, please call today on 02 9953 0088.
