Electric Toothbrush vs Manual - Dentist opinion on which is better?

As a practicing dentist, one very common query I receive from my patients - "Doctor should we use electric toothbrush for more efficient cleaning of our teeth?"

Well answer to this question is very simple. Ultimately what is desired is plaque free teeth and healthy gums after brushing everyday! To achieve this we follow different methods of brushing.

Talking about manual toothbrushing, it is technique sensitive which means following proper technique of brushing for 2 to 3 mins twice a day and flossing once a day will give you results as good as an electric toothbrush. 

Electric toothbrush was made because people don’t follow proper method of tooth brushing manually and 95% of people don’t brush adequately which eventually leads to cavities in mouth. Manual toothbrushes are accessible, easy to use and affordable. But many people brush very hard which can hurt gums and can lead to loss of enamel. 

Talking about electric toothbrush , it is designed with soft bristles and a short head which covers all areas of tooth to clean efficiently with a built in timer and pressure modulator. The bristles in the electric toothbrush move in rotating and vibrating motion thus making brushing more efficient.

Electric toothbrushes are useful for people with disabilities like arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome etc. They are also effective in people undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces). 

There are other oral hygiene instructions you should take into account as well. Frequently eating/drinking cariogenic foods/beverages plays a huge role, and I’m not saying you have to quit carbs but decrease the amount of time you are spending throughout the day on such things. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.

So my opinion as a dentist is

1. Manual Toothbrush can be equally effective as an Electric Toothbrush if you follow right brushing technique.

2. From a psychological standpoint, electric toothbrushes will nudge you towards right brushing behavior due to their design.

3. Electric Toothbrush are particularly very effective for people with disabilities and people undergoing orthodontic treatment. 

Happy Brushing

Healthy Smiles Begin with Happy Tooth!!! 

 Dr Sunanda, 

Dentist in Noida

Happy Tooth Dental Clinic, Shop.no.9, Ground Floor, Sethi Arcade, Oppostite Mahagun Moderne, Sethi Max Royal, Sector 76, Noida Uttar Pradesh 201301 India