Electric toothbrush: Is it safe?

Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective in removing plaque that causes cavities and gingivitis.

Brushing your teeth is the basis of good oral hygiene. Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque, which causes cavities and disease. But which is the best choice? Check it out:

Benefits of Electric Toothbrush

The bristles on an electric toothbrush vibrate, or rotate, to help remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums. Vibration allows for more micro-movements every time you move your toothbrush.

More effective in removing plaque

A review of studies showed that, overall, electric toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21% and gingivitis by 11% . Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes appear to work better than vibrating toothbrushes.

Easier for people with limited mobility

The electric toothbrush does most of the work. It can be useful for anyone with limited mobility, such as those with carpal tunnel syndrome, developmental disabilities, and arthritis.

Can improve focus when brushing

One study found that people were more focused when brushing their teeth using an electric toothbrush , which could improve brushing.

May improve oral health in people with braces

Another study found that electric toothbrushes are particularly helpful for people with braces, as they make brushing easier. Among people with braces who already had good oral health, however, plaque levels were the same whether they used an electric toothbrush or not.

Benefits of a manual toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time and are still an effective tool for cleaning your teeth and preventing gingivitis. If you feel more comfortable with a manual toothbrush , then by all means continue using it – the important thing is that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, every day.

Accessible

You can get a manual toothbrush at almost any grocery store, gas station, dollar store, or drugstore for an affordable price. It doesn’t need to be charged to work, so you can use a manual toothbrush anywhere, anytime.

Disadvantage

One study found that people were more likely to brush their teeth too hard if they used a manual toothbrush, compared to an electric one. Brushing too hard can hurt your gums and teeth.

Using a manual toothbrush can also make it harder to know if you’re brushing long enough for each session, since there’s no built-in timer. Consider placing a kitchen timer in your bathroom to time your brushing sessions.

Children

The best toothbrush for your child is the one he or she is most likely to use. Experts recommend soft bristles and a child-friendly toothbrush head. There is no manual or electric toothbrush that is necessarily best for young children. The same pros and cons of each type still apply.

Children can safely use an electric toothbrush on their own. However, it is recommended that they be supervised to ensure that they do not swallow the toothpaste.

When to replace your toothbrush

All toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months and should be disposed of properly. Replace yours if it looks worn out or if you used it when you were very sick. When using an electric toothbrush , you also need to dispose of the batteries properly. Learn how in the article: “ How to dispose of batteries? ” If you prefer a manual toothbrush, opt for more eco-friendly options , such as bamboo.