Choosing what type of toothbrush is best suited for you is a decision best made in conjunction with your dentist. Dr Chudasama, an Invisalign dentist in Essex, provides us with the following guidelines .
Should I Buy an Electric or Manual Toothbrush?
Like everyone else, you probably make brushing a daily habit to help ensure your dental hygiene. However, you probably also know that you can only do so much with a substandard toothbrush. Perhaps you’re in the market for a new one and have been trying to decide between the manual type or electric versions that seem to be taking over. While you’ll still have to decide on the specific model, let’s take a look at the two different types.
Cost
On average, manual toothbrushes are going to cost you a lot less than the electric kind. This should come as no surprise, as obviously the hardware involved in making an electric work is definitely going to make it cost more.
That being said, a number of electric toothbrushes cost a lot less than you may think, especially if you haven’t checked in on the market in a while. There’s also an argument that you should be replacing your manual toothbrush every three months or so. In that case, the costs will pile up over the years, depending on which one you go with. Of course, electrics need new heads from time to time and electricity.
Ergonomics
Believe it or not, this category is actually one that is becoming more and more popular amongst consumers. If you suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or similar challenges, the handle of your toothbrush can make a huge difference. In fact, for many people who fall into this category, most electric toothbrushes—if not all of them—aren’t even options.
However, manual toothbrushes offer all kinds of models. When you consider the first commercial version came out in 1938, it makes sense that a redesign would eventually become necessary. In the past few years, we’ve seen that happen.
Age
Most dentists and other experts agree that children should start out with manual toothbrushes. For one, this helps them learn better brushing mechanics and an appreciation for dental hygiene. Plus, as any parent knows, children don’t always show their belongings the most respect, meaning you could spend a lot of money on a toothbrush only to see it end up in the toilet, etc.
Manuals are also better for children because electric toothbrushes can often be so powerful that they rip through enamel or otherwise do damage to teeth when in the hands of those who don’t have experience brushing.
Thoroughness
A toothbrush that isn’t thorough isn’t doing its job. We all know that. So you need to consider which type of toothbrush will help in this regard. Unfortunately, there’s no clear winner here. On the one hand, manual toothbrushes come with more options in terms of bristles. Arguably, this could help you pick the best type for your unique teeth. Manuals also make it easier for many people to get the bristles into every nook and cranny and on the other side of each tooth.
On the other hand, many would say that you simply can’t compete with high-speed bristles oscillating, spinning, vibrating, etc. Plus, many higher-end electric models come with a whole array of bristles you can use to get the best results.
Another thing going for electrics in this regard is that so many of them are being made with timers. This means it essentially lets you know when you’ve brushed for the recommended time (two minutes). Some even break it down into the two halves of your upper teeth and the two halves of the bottom. Unless you bring a timer into the bathroom with you, manuals don’t do the same thing.
In the end, you’ll have to make the decision for your dental needs, but hopefully the above helps you get a better understanding of how the two types stack up.
JG
