Electric vs Manual Toothbrush – Find the right one

Finding the right toothbrush for yourself ? It can be a very difficult task if you are not familiar with all the choices out there! One of the most frequent question asked to a dentist is which toothbrush to use whether  a manual or an electric toothbrush. The ADA concluded that a manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric toothbrush depending on the individual’s oral cleaning habits. The key to proper oral health and decay prevention is in the patients brushing technique and brushing frequency.

BATTERY OPERATED TOOTHBRUSHES (Electric Toothbrushes)

What is an electric toothbrush? 

An electric toothbrush is that makes rapid, automatic bristle motions, either back and forth, clockwise and counterclockwise motion in order to clean teeth. It comes with different cleaning modes Sensitive, Daily care, Whitening and Tongue cleaning.  
Pros
  • The powered devices can be helpful in cases of bed ridden patients and institutionalized patients like patients suffering from parkinson’s  and arthritis.
  • It reaches most inaccessible areas of your mouth and also your wisdom teeth.
  • Most modern electric toothbrushes comes with a pressure sensor that produces a warning beep when it is being used too aggressively.
  • Travel friendly and portable.
 
Cons
  • Cost – toothbrush starter kits are generally 450-4000 rupees.
  • Hard to find the right brush if you have sensitive teeth. With the rotation of the head, it sometimes can be too irritating for sensitive teeth.

Manual Toothbrush

What is a manual toothbrush? 
A manual toothbrush is one that requires no battery or electric power, and it moved across the surfaces of your teeth by using your arms and hands.
Pros
  • Inexpensive, good brushes start between 20-150 rupees
  • You can find them easily at any grocery or convenient store.
  • Manual toothbrushes are easier to travel with.
  • Hello sensitive teeth! They put less pressure on your teeth and gums
  • Easy to use for kids, if showed the proper techniques to use.
  • Modern toothbrushes have color-coded bristles that change color after adequate use.
Cons
  • Proper brushing technique has to be learnt.
  • Cannot reach certain areas of your mouth.
  • No alerts to tell you that you have been brushing for enough time.

The Doc’s Conclusion

It is patient’s preference, oral hygiene habits, and what will be the most convenient to use. To get the maximum use out of your toothbrush and to keep up to date with your oral hygiene, make sure to practice the correct brushing technique enlisted and also follow up with routine cleanings and exams.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Make sure you are brushing for a full 3-5 minutes (just sing your favorite song in your head when you brush!).
  • Use soft bristle toothbrush with dentist recommended toothpaste according to individual’s need.
  • When brushing against your gums keep the brush at an angle of 45 degree and use soft  and round motions.
  • Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
  • Make sure to clean your toothbrush after each use and replace every 2-3month

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali

Call Us Now at

Call Us Now at

(+91) 991-444-6677

Email Us at

Email Us at

info@drgauravmalik.com

Book Online

Book Online

Make an Appointment