Manual or electric toothbrush? Which one is better for you and your teeth? Some studies suggest electric toothbrushes may help reduce plaque and gingivitis better than manual toothbrushes,1 but that doesn’t mean a manual toothbrush won’t clean your teeth effectively.
Dr Ian Hedley, Principal Dentist at Mosman Dental Surgery says both types can support good oral health, and it’s often down to your personal preference.
While an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier for some people, a manual one can be just as effective if you use it correctly. Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one that works for you.
“An electric toothbrush is easier to use as it rotates for you,” says Dr Hedley. “And often the handle is bigger, because that’s where the battery is, so it’s easier to hold. If you’ve got dexterity issues or problems with your hands, that can be easier.
“A lot of electric ones also have a built-in timer which can be useful to remind you to make sure you’re brushing for the correct length of time – which is two minutes.”
“With a manual toothbrush,” says Dr Hedley. “It’s cheaper, you don’t have to recharge it, and you can still brush very effectively if you know what you’re doing.”
If you are unsure, you can always talk to your dentist about which one they recommend for you.
Why should we brush our teeth?
Tooth enamel, the hard outer surface of your teeth, is the hardest substance in the human body.
Tooth decay is caused by plaque – a colourless film of bacteria and saliva that builds up on the surface of your teeth. When you eat or drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can gradually soften and break down tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities, sensitivity and even tooth loss if it’s not treated.
Cleaning and flossing your teeth helps get rid of that plaque and prevent tooth decay, so most dentists advise that you brush twice a day and floss once.
“If you don’t brush that soft plaque away, it will either calcify and harden and become calculus (tartar), and it can produce acids, which will cause tooth decay,” says Dr Hedley. “So the reason for brushing is to disrupt and remove that soft plaque before it causes problems.”
READ MORE: How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush
When it comes to a healthy smile, both electric and manual toothbrushes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Manual toothbrushes advantages
- Budget and convenience: Changing your manual toothbrush every three months isn’t as expensive as buying an electric toothbrush, and they’re easy to find in shops and supermarkets, plus they’re very portable with no need for charging or batteries.
- Many choices and brush options: There’s plenty of flexibility in the types of manual toothbrush you can buy, and you choose the features you want including your preferred brush head size, hardness of the bristles and handle shape.
- You’re in charge: You have total control over the pressure and the brushing technique you use, which can be a good idea if you have sensitive gums, for example.
Manual toothbrush disadvantages
- All in the technique: The effectiveness of manual toothbrushes depends on the user's technique so it can vary depending on how it’s used.
“You can still brush very effectively if you know what you’re doing, but you’ve got to do the circular motions yourself,” says Dr Hedley.
Manual brushing can also be influenced by your own understanding of oral hygiene, time and physical ability.
- Lack of features: A manual toothbrush doesn’t necessarily have as many features as an electric one, so you’re limited to one head and there are no pressure sensors, timers or different brushing modes.
Electric toothbrush advantages
- Thorough clean with less effort: Dr Hedley says electric toothbrushes rely less on proper technique to get a decent clean. “They rotate and oscillate for you, so you pretty much just have to hold it in position,” he says.
- Great for people with limited motion: Electric toothbrushes are ideal for people with limited mobility who might not find it easy to hold a manual toothbrush. They’re particularly good for older patients whose manual dexterity is not great, or if they’ve got rheumatoid arthritis, for example,” Dr Hedley says. “If you have problems with your hands, it can be easier.”
- More technology: With many electric toothbrushes including inbuilt timers, links to phone apps, that can keep a track of your brushing history, and advise you when to change brush heads and timers, you can help optimise the way you brush your teeth through technology.
Electric toothbrush disadvantages
- Cost factor: Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than the manual ones. Prices vary greatly between brands and the technology on offer.
- Over-brushing: There is a potential to overbrush with an electric toothbrush, which can damage enamel and gums. “A lot of people think if they press harder and scrub harder, they’re doing a better job, but actually they can be doing more damage to the teeth and the soft tissue,” says Dr Hedley.
- Batteries and charging: Electric toothbrushes either need a battery or electricity to power them, which isn’t always convenient if you’re travelling or not near a power source.
READ MORE: Can you brush your teeth too much?
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So, do you need an electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush can be a great tool, but it’s ultimately personal choice. Some people find them more user-friendly, while others prefer the feel and control of a manual one.
“You don’t need an electric toothbrush, but I would recommend one for most people, as it’s probably more effective,” says Dr Hedley.
An electric toothbrush can also be an effective option if you have braces, but you do need to be careful. They can make the brushing process easier and the oscillating head can reach the areas of the teeth that are often harder to clean with a manual brush. But using too much pressure can damage the brace brackets so make sure you use it gently.
How to use an electric toothbrush
- Wet the toothbrush with bristles and add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Place the toothbrush head on the first tooth you want to clean and turn on the toothbrush.
- Move along your teeth slowly and gently, allowing the brush to clean all surfaces of the outside of the tooth. Stop for a few seconds on each tooth.
- Repeat that process on the inside surfaces.
- Repeat that process on the chewing surfaces of the tooth.
- The whole process should last around two minutes and then spit out the toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water.
