Is electric toothbrush better than the manual toothbrush? This is the million-dollar question dentists are asked by their patients. Electric toothbrush, as we know it, runs on electrical supply. The fact that electric toothbrush is made more readily accessible and affordable to us invites us to make comparison between it and the conventional manual toothbrush we are all so familiar with.
Before We Start
Always remember that:
The goal of toothbrushing is to remove plaque (bacteria film on your teeth) to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush
Many researchers, like you, are equally curious about the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes when compared with our manual ones.
However, the opinions are still divided over which is more superior in helping us maintain better oral care.
On one hand, many studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective in reducing plaque and gum diseases compared with manual toothbrushes [1,2,3].
However, a study done in 2020 showed that both electric and manual toothbrush can reduce gum inflammation in users who were well-trained to use either one of them. It also showed that both toothbrushes were equally effective in reducing overnight plaque (slimy film on the teeth that contains food remnant and bacteria) [4]
This was further supported by other studies which showed no differences between electric and manual toothbrushes in reduction of plaque or gum disease. These studies argue that oral cleanliness does not rely on the type of devices used but rather, behaviour and awareness of oral hygiene [5, 6].
5 Facts You Should Know About Electric Toothbrush
A little introduction for those who are interested to buy one for themselves but don’t quite know where to start:
1. How does it work?
The electric toothbrushes currently available in the market are mainly divided into 2 types of stroke motion: sonic (vibration) or oscillating-rotating (back-and-forth rotation).
2. How to choose the best electric toothbrush?
Buy one with small brush head, soft bristles and with handle long enough for you to hold comfortably. The small head enables the brush to clean difficult-to-reach areas in your mouth (the back teeth) and the soft bristles does not damage your gums or teeth. As for the stroke motion, there’s still no scientific evidence of high certainty yet that one is superior over the other in reducing plaque or gum disease [7,8].
Want to know more? Here’s one similar article you might be interested in: Choosing The Best Toothbrush Bristle: Simple Guide
3. Can electric toothbrush harm my teeth or gums?
Just like manual toothbrushes, brushing too hard with electric toothbrushes with incorrect technique can harm the enamel (outer protective layer of the teeth) and cause gum recession too. The correct brushing technique is the key here. We would like to recommend “modified bass technique” for adult users.
4. Can kids use electric toothbrush?
Yes, they can use electric toothbrush specially designed for kids. Always look at the manufacturer’s recommendation for the suitable age to use for the toothbrush you’re buying. In fact, some of these toothbrushes have features like lighting or sound that can make brushing fun for your kids.
5. Do I need to floss if I use an electric toothbrush?
Yes, you have to floss. Floss is used to remove dental plaque and food particles in the area between teeth that the bristles of toothbrush cannot reach. You are recommended to floss at least once per day.
To Take Into Consideration
While electric toothbrush is more expensive, it may be convenient to be used for certain groups of people:
- Elderly with dexterity problems (difficulty in controlling toothbrush’s motion)
- People with disabilities
- Children who wear dental appliances like braces
In fact, many electric toothbrushes on the market have additional features like timer (to ensure correct brushing time- 2 minutes) and Bluetooth feature (to connect to your phone apps). These features can be a bonus since they help you monitor your own brushing habit.
Conclusion
Manual or electric toothbrush, the general consensus shared by all dental health professionals is:
The right toothbrushing technique and brushing for two minutes twice a day is the most important thing [9].
The choice of manual or electric toothbrush totally resides with you, as both can be used effectively, as long as you brush the right way to make sure your teeth are clean.
Implement oral hygiene behaviours as part of bedtime routines as bedtime routine-related activities and combined with dietary habits has potentially important relationship with children’s dental health [10].
References
- Jain Y. A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry. 2013;5:3. (Link)
- Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, Deery C, Walmsley AD, Robinson PG, Glenny AM. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014(6). (Link)
- Rosema NA, Adam R, Grender JM, Van der Sluijs E, Supranoto SC, Van der Weijden GA. Gingival abrasion and recession in manual and oscillating–rotating power brush users. International journal of dental hygiene. 2014 Nov;12(4):257-66. (Link)
- Pius A, Hazari P, Tabasum ST, Goswamy M, Mulla MM, Tiwari H. Efficacy of Manual Toothbrushes and Powered Toothbrushes in Gingivitis: A Comparative Study. Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research. 2020 Sep;8(9). (Link)
- Petker W, Weik U, Margraf-Stiksrud J, Deinzer R. Oral cleanliness in daily users of powered vs. manual toothbrushes–a cross-sectional study. BMC oral health. 2019 Dec;19(1):1-9. (Link)
- Neelima M, Chandrashekar BR, Goel S, Sushma R, Srilatha Y. “Is powered toothbrush better than manual toothbrush in removing dental plaque?”–A crossover randomized double-blind study among differently abled, India. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. 2017 Mar;21(2):138. (Link)
- Preda C, Butera A, Pelle S, Pautasso E, Chiesa A, Esposito F, Oldoini G, Scribante A, Genovesi AM, Cosola S. The Efficacy of Powered Oscillating Heads vs. Powered Sonic Action Heads Toothbrushes to Maintain Periodontal and Peri-Implant Health: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Jan;18(4):1468. (Link)
- van der Sluijs E, Slot DE, Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL, Valkenburg C, van der Weijden F. Dental plaque score reduction with an oscillating‐rotating power toothbrush and a high‐frequency sonic power toothbrush: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of single‐brushing exercises. International journal of dental hygiene. 2021 Feb;19(1):78-92. (Link)
- Toothbrushes [Internet]. American Dental Association (ADA). 2019 [cited 25 May 2021]. Available from: link
- Kitsaras G, Goodwin M, Kelly MP, Pretty IA. Bedtime Oral Hygiene Behaviours, Dietary Habits and Children’s Dental Health. Children. 2021 May;8(5):416. (Link)
