Manual Toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush: Which one to choose?

Whether it is manual brushing or an electric toothbrush, both toothbrushing methods are effective in removing plaque that causes caries when used with the right technique. The important thing here is to brush for 2 minutes and twice a day.

Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis at a higher rate than manual toothbrushes. Plaque buildup was reduced by 21% and gingivitis by 11% in electric toothbrush users after three months of use. The conclusion is that electric toothbrushes provide better oral hygiene. It has been determined that these devices with vibrating or rotating heads reach the difficult areas of the teeth more comfortably.

Although the devices are divided into features, they are generally automatic and perform brushing without damaging the teeth.

Electric toothbrushes that offer a timer feature determine the appropriate brushing time by themselves. If brushing is stopped before 2 minutes, it warns the person. In this way, it provides time awareness in tooth brushing. In addition, brushing has become easier with electric toothbrushes for people who use braces. Electric toothbrushes, which also attract children, offer a more fun brushing experience.

Studies have found that people are more likely to brush hard when using a manual toothbrush. Brushing too hard can damage your gums and teeth.

New electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors aim to eliminate the risk of gum recession or tooth erosion due to hard manual brushing. I recommend sensor devices to my patients who suffer from gum recession.

How Often Should I Change My Electric Toothbrush?

If you use an electric toothbrush, you should change the brush head every 3 months. Also, if the brush head wears out over time and the bristles become misshapen, it reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning and causes bacteria to accumulate. If the bristles are frayed or misshapen, adequate cleaning cannot be achieved. Therefore, changing the brush head regularly is important to maintain your oral health. The time it takes to replace the head of an electric toothbrush also depends on the frequency of use and brushing pressure. Therefore, it can also be useful to regularly check the condition of the bristles. Some electric toothbrushes also have features to alert you when the head needs to be replaced. This makes the process easier.

How Often Should I Replace A Manual Toothbrush?

Manual toothbrushes should also be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on the frequency of use. The bristles of these brushes also wear out and deform over time, reducing the cleaning efficiency. In order to prevent the brush head from wearing out, it is also important to brush gently and not apply excessive pressure.

Is There An Age Limit For Using An Electric Toothbrush?

After the age of 3, children can start using electric toothbrushes. I recommend the combined use of an electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush, as the use of a manual toothbrush will be beneficial for the development of children’s ability to use a brush.

In addition, it will be more efficient in the initial stage for parents to check after brushing teeth in children.

Electric toothbrush can provide a better clean for people with braces.

Is It Harmful To Use An Electric Toothbrush?

Using an electric toothbrush is not harmful, on the contrary, it is very successful in removing plaque. This type of brush can provide a more effective and regular cleaning compared to manual toothbrushes. It gently brushes the surface of the teeth without having to worry about the brushing technique. However, it is important to follow the rules, such as avoiding pressing too hard, to avoid damaging the gums. With a suitable head and a gentle brushing motion, an electric toothbrush can support your oral health. As mentioned above, electronic toothbrushes with sensors should be preferred to prevent pressing.

Which Toothbrush Should I Choose?

Electric toothbrushes are more expensive. Head replacements are also more costly than normal brushes.

Manual toothbrushes are still preferred today because they are cheaper and easier to access.

The question “Which brush do you recommend?” is asked a lot. Today, manual toothbrushes are produced as soft, medium and hard. If you are not sure how much pressure you apply while brushing, I recommend you to choose medium hard ones, and if your teeth are sensitive or you have gum recession, I recommend you to choose soft hard ones. I do not recommend hard ones as they usually cause abrasion on the teeth.

How Long Should I Brush My Teeth?

If you have no difficulty using a manual toothbrush and are confident that you are using it correctly and effectively, continue to use it twice a day.  The important thing here is that you brush effectively for 2 minutes. You can use a kitchen timer in your bathroom to time your brushing sessions. You can also place a 2-minute hourglass.

In conclusion, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective in cleaning teeth if you use the right technique and brush long enough. If you have any questions about which toothbrush is best for you, you can consult your dentist.