The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush vs. a Manual | Hicks Dental Group (2024)

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The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush vs. a Manual | Hicks Dental Group? ›

They found that sonic toothbrushes reduce the signs of periodontal disease and the number of teeth lost. Other studies have concluded that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones at removing plaque, one of the main culprits of cavities and gum disease.

Over an 11-year time period, a large 2019 study in Germany found those who used electric toothbrushes had better overall oral health, including less gum disease and tooth loss than those who used manual brushes.

Manual toothbrushes require a certain skill level to get it right — proper angles, appropriate pressure and diligent coverage of all areas. On the flip side, electric toothbrushes, with their rotating or vibrating heads, can reach tricky areas and remove plaque more efficiently.

The American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that manual and electric toothbrushes are effective. For general oral health, a manual toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended by the ADA. Examples include the Colgate 360 Toothbrush which has soft tapered bristles and soft rubber polishing cups.

Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

Removes more plaque –electric toothbrushes remove up to 70% more plaque than manual toothbrushes in hard-to-reach places*. Good for your gums – an 11-year study of electric vs. manual toothbrush use found that electric toothbrushes resulted in 22% less gum recession.

Dentists agree that overall, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. "Because electric brushes have a rotation, they essentially force the toothpaste in more difficult-to-reach areas, which is where cavities start," says Dr.

They are more expensive compared to manual toothbrushes, making them less accessible to everyone. Electric toothbrushes are also fragile and require a lot of care to prevent damage. Although you have to charge them, overcharging, dropping, or damaging the batteries can mean the end of your electric toothbrush.

According to the same Cochrane Review study, electric toothbrushes were found to be more effective when it comes to removing plaque! There was an 11% reduction in plaque at one to three months of use and a 21% reduction in plaque when assessed after three months of use.

Electric toothbrushes are worth the investment because they take the guesswork out of brushing your teeth and do much of the "heavy lifting" for you. Many also provide beneficial tools like a timer, Bluetooth capabilities, alerts to protect your gums if you're brushing too hard, and other helpful features.

Brushing with receding gums requires a gentle yet effective approach to maintain oral hygiene without exacerbating the condition. Electric toothbrushes offer valuable benefits for individuals with receding gums, providing precise cleaning action and customizable settings to accommodate varying oral health needs.

Can an electric toothbrush remove tartar? ›

Also, consider using an electric toothbrush as it can clean your teeth more efficiently and may help loosen and remove tartar.

Pros: less abrasive yet more thorough than a traditional toothbrushes. A built-in timer helps you keep accurate track of brushing time. allows individuals suffering from arthritis to brush properly with less pain.

The Oral Health Foundation did a study that showed electric toothbrushes do make a difference. A decade-long study found a 22% reduction in gum recession and an 18% reduction in tooth decay with electric toothbrush users. Another study resulted in similar findings.

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do remove more plaque and decrease gingivitis (gum disease) than manual toothbrushes compared with a manual toothbrush.

One of the critical advantages of manual toothbrushes is the level of control they offer. You can adjust the pressure and angle to target specific areas of your mouth. This precision control allows for a more thorough and effective cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach places like the back of your molars.

The Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Higher Cost- Battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than their traditional counterparts. They also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey. Higher Risk of Damage- Because of their electronics, they are at a higher risk of damage if dropped or falling in the water.

The clinically proven superior technology of an electric toothbrush removes 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Two-Minute Timer: Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes include a built-in timer that guides you through a two-minute brushing routine to help make sure you clean all the areas of your mouth.

The Oral Health Foundation did a study that showed electric toothbrushes do make a difference. A decade-long study found a 22% reduction in gum recession and an 18% reduction in tooth decay with electric toothbrush users. Another study resulted in similar findings.

While many studies have shown electric toothbrushes to be more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes, many have also shown manual and electric toothbrushes to be equally effective at maintaining optimal gum and dental health. It's the cleaning habits you create with your toothbrush that really matter.