Coke versus Pepsi, McDonald’s versus Burger King, Microsoft versus Apple, and manual versus electric! Perhaps the rivalry between manual and electric toothbrushes doesn’t rise to the level of the top ten greatest rivalries, but it does stir an exciting debate. When it comes to your oral health, which tool delivers the best results? Can a manual toothbrush match the cleaning power of an electric toothbrush?
Inevitably, there are pros and cons to both products. Choosing which is right for your oral health needs means comparing the benefits of both toothbrushes.
The Key Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes
Oral health technology has come a long way since humans scraped the plaque off their teeth with burnt sticks. Today electric toothbrushes offer cleaning power only rivaled by a trip to your dentist. Yet, are they that much better than manual brushes?
Research shows that sonic and electric toothbrushes offer superior cleaning power and cause less recession and trauma to the gums. The rotation and vibrations of these brushes gently force toothpaste into hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, making for a more effective oral health routine. These brushes also tend to be gentler on the gum line and cause less erosion of the teeth.
One barrier to investing in an electric toothbrush for many people is the cost. Electric toothbrushes can be much more expensive than manual brushes at the local drugstore. An electric toothbrush can range from $30 to upwards of $150, depending on the features you are looking for in an electric brush. However, electric toothbrushes also contribute less overall plastic waste to the environment since you only need to replace the brush head every three months instead of the entire toothbrush.
The Key Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes are cheap and easy to find. Easy and affordable access to dental care tools means more people will likely spend money on these necessities. Manual brushes are also easier to travel with and replace when needed. Most manual brushes today come in various styles, sizes, and bristle textures, making finding the type of brush you need to meet your oral health needs simple.
Unfortunately, manual brushes may not offer the deep clean that an electric brush can deliver and can’t easily reach certain areas of the mouth.
The Verdict
So which toothbrush wins the battle against tooth decay? The one you use. Both options offer pros and cons, and while the electric toothbrush may seem like the apparent winner in a head-to-head matchup, the best toothbrush is the one you will use constantly. An electric toothbrush can’t do anything for your oral health if it sits on your bathroom countertop and you don’t use it.
For the toothbrush that meets your oral health needs, use what’s comfortable. Your technique and how long you brush are what count. Your choice of oral health tool is the icing on the cake.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit Today
Brushing is vital, but so are regular visits to your dentist. The team at Babylon Dental Care wants to bring out your natural smile and keep those pearly whites healthy. Call our office at (631) 893-6665 today to schedule an appointment with our friendly and caring staff.
