Regular Toothbrushes vs Electric Toothbrushes

The debate over which toothbrush is best has been ongoing ever since electric toothbrushes were invented, with supporters on both sides extolling the virtues of their chosen method of teeth cleaning. For the record, both types are equally as good if you brush your teeth regularly. As long as you brush your teeth using the proper technique, the type of brush you use doesn’t really matter, but let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each type.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are a lot more expensive than a manual toothbrush, and the replacement heads aren’t cheap either, so you’d better be serious about dental hygiene if you buy one. The variable speed brush on an electric toothbrush rotates or vibrates, which can help with removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Many studies show they do a superior job of it, especially the rotating brush types. They’re also good for people with limited dexterity as they do most of the work for you, but they can be harder to hold because of the larger handle.

On the positive sides, they’re great for people with braces, have built-in timers, and they’re gum friendly, so you won’t have sore, bleeding gums from brushing too hard. Children likes electric toothbrushes for the same reason, they like battery powered toys; they like things that move by themselves, as do many adults. However, it may be better to start them off with a small manual toothbrush for greater control until they’re adapt at brushing their own teeth by themselves. An electric toothbrush is only as strong as its power supply, so if you run out of batteries or have a power blackout, it’s of no use to you. If you travel overseas, make sure you bring a travel adapter so you can charge on the go.

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are cost-effective, versatile, easy to purchase, and come in a rainbow of colours and designs. You can get different sized heads for different sized mouths, and they’re just as effective as getting rid of plaque and bacteria if you brush properly. Having said that, a manual brush is only as good as the hand that controls it, and too much pressure can damage gums and cause bleeding, as can using a brush with hard bristles. They don’t have built-in timers, but you can get around that by putting a kitchen timer in the bathroom so you know when you’ve brushed for long enough.

Preventative Dentistry West Auckland Locals Will Be Thankful For

At Titirangi Dental, we provide all the support and dental services for West Auckland residents who need to keep their teeth clean and healthy no matter what sort of toothbrush they use. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the correct brushing technique if you have any concerns.

Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online for professional advice about our preventative dentistry services or to make an appointment for your next check-up.