Which is the better choice: an electric toothbrush or a manual one? This question often sparks lively debates. Advertisements feature increasingly advanced electric toothbrushes, some even connecting to smartphones. Despite this, many people still prefer the classic method: a simple manual toothbrush.
Spoiler alert: the best choice for cleaning your teeth is the one that works best for you. After all, everyone has their own preferences. For some, the noise of an electric toothbrush is unpleasant, while others like the tactile feedback of brushing with a manual toothbrush.
Brushing effectively with a manual toothbrush
We all learned to brush our teeth with a trusty manual toothbrush as kids. An effective brushing session should last around two minutes. We recommend creating a “mental map” of your mouth to ensure no tooth is left uncleaned.
Your brushing plan might look something like this:
- Upper outer surfaces
- Lower outer surfaces
- Upper inner surfaces
- Lower inner surfaces
- Chewing surfaces of upper molars
- Chewing surfaces of lower molars
- Tongue brushing
- Flossing
When brushing, focus on one tooth at a time using circular motions. These circular movements help dislodge plaque and allow the bristles to reach between teeth more effectively. However, be careful not to press too hard with the brush head.
To gauge the ideal pressure, imagine holding an orange in your hand.
Good oral hygiene doesn’t end with brushing. We recommend using dental floss to clean between teeth and a tongue scraper once a day.
The success of using a manual toothbrush lies in your brushing technique, patience, and skill. If done regularly and thoroughly, manual brushing can be just as effective as using an electric toothbrush.
Brushing effectively with an electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is powered by a battery or rechargeable batteries and is slightly bulkier than a manual one. It cleans teeth through oscillating, rotating, vibrating, pulsating, or vertical sweeping movements. These brushes can reach speeds of up to 10,000 oscillations and 40,000 pulsations per minute. The precision, speed, and consistency of an electric toothbrush make brushing easier. Depending on the model, the force and additional features, such as timers, can vary.
Just be cautious not to brush too hard or for too long, as this can damage the enamel and harm your gums.
Gums, in particular, can suffer if too much pressure is applied while brushing your teeth. Many models now include sensors that alert you if you’re applying too much pressure. Tilt the electric toothbrush slightly to clean between teeth effectively. Otherwise, the same general principles apply as with a manual toothbrush. If used correctly, the benefits of an electric toothbrush include:
- More effective cleaning compared to a manual toothbrush
- Great convenience due to easy handling
- Makes brushing more enjoyable
- Useful additional features like timers and pressure sensors
Final thoughts
In conclusion, using an electric toothbrush generally results in better cleaning due to its technical capabilities. However, regular and thorough brushing with a manual toothbrush can achieve the same results.
No matter which you choose, the key is to brush properly to maintain a bright smile! (And for a quick and easy way to get that radiant smile, you can book an appointment with us for a professional cleaning and whitening treatment 😉
