Electric toothbrushes have their own benefits and drawbacks compared to manual toothbrushes. Here are some of the key points from the search results:
Benefits of electric toothbrushes:
- More effective at removing plaque: A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes.
- Easier for people with limited mobility: Electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, making them helpful for anyone with limited mobility, such as people with carpal tunnel.
- Thorough yet gentle cleaning: Electric toothbrushes are less abrasive yet more thorough than traditional toothbrushes, allowing you to remove a more significant amount of plaque.
- Added accuracy and convenience: A built-in timer helps you keep accurate track of brushing time, and the brushs ability to rotate on its own makes using it easier and more convenient.
- Support for specific patients: An electric toothbrush allows individuals suffering from arthritis to brush properly with less pain.
- Improvement in oral health: The action of the bristles may remove more plaque and improve gum health. Studies have been conducted over the years on the efficacy of these brushes. A Cochrane Review of existing studies shows a reduction in plaque and gingivitis after using an electric toothbrush for as little as one month.
Drawbacks of electric toothbrushes:
- Higher cost: Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes, and they also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey.
- Require charging: If you travel or are forgetful, you can find yourself with an oversized paperweight when your toothbrush runs out of power.
- Potentially problematic: Electric toothbrushes can be very powerful, which explains why they can do such a thorough job on plaque. But too much power may also be potentially problematic. A 2017 study found that electric toothbrushes were more likely than manual to abrade dentin—the tissue directly below the tooth’s enamel, which can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede.
Overall, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at cleaning teeth if you use proper technique and brush long enough. The best toothbrush for you is the one you like with a design and function that suits your oral care needs. Seeking the recommendation of your dentist or dental hygienist is a great place to begin to improve your attention to oral health.
