Dental Care: Manual Vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Which is better, a manual or electric toothbrush?  This is a very common question, especially in recent years.  Some people even claim that it provides better dental care, but, which is really better?  Here are the advantages of both:

Manual toothbrushes make it easier for you to feel how much pressure you are using when brushing.  This is especially helpful to protect your tooth enamel, as heavy brushing can damage it.  Manual toothbrushes also provide more control, and if you are brushing correctly, can be more thorough.  One final advantage is that they are more affordable, costing much less than an electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes are outfitted with a variety of features to simulate the control of a manual toothbrush, and clean teeth well.  However, it takes a little more effort on the brusher’s part to effectively clean the hard to reach areas.  There are specific cases where an electric toothbrush is recommended.  For instance, older people who have less dexterity in their hands due to joint pain, or limited mobility in arms and shoulders, would likely benefit from using an electric toothbrush.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth, the real difference is the person doing the brushing!  Remember that Dana Walters D.D.S. in Hilliard and Upper Arlington, Ohio is here to provide on selecting the right toothbrush, and all around dental care, for you and the whole family.