Everything You Need to Know About Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

Main image courtesy of Rother Dental.

What are the pros and cons of electric and manual toothbrushes? How do you know which one is right for you?

There is a long-standing debate about which type of toothbrush is better at maintaining your oral health—a manual or an electric. Many people assume that you brush with one or the other based on your personal preference. And while that may be true, did you know that there are also pros and cons for both styles to consider?

Learn more about advantages and disadvantages of manual and electric toothbrushes in this guide. We’ll cover the following topics:

  • The main differences between manual vs. electric toothbrushes
  • The pros and cons of electric toothbrushes
  • What the advantages and disadvantages of manual toothbrushes are
  • How to best care for both types of brushes
  • What toothbrush do dentists recommend and which one is right for you?

Manual vs. electric toothbrushes

These are the major differences between manual and electric toothbrushes

two female dentists working together in the office
Although which style you choose is up to your personal preference, when making a decision, it’s helpful to know that there are a few differences between the two.

The major difference between an electric and a manual toothbrush is that one you use to brush your teeth and gums yourself, the other one is battery operated, rechargeable, and designed to be guided through your mouth. Manual toothbrushes are probably what you’ve used since you were young and are what dentists usually hand out after your cleanings and checkups. Electric toothbrushes have been around for a shorter period of time, but many people like to use them because they do a lot of the hard work for you. Some other differences between the two brushes include:

  • Cost/price point. A manual toothbrush is very inexpensive, and you can find all kinds of brands that are very affordable. Manual toothbrushes are very customizable, and it’s easy to find a brush that offers all the features you want. You even might get one for free after a visit to your dentist.

An electric toothbrush can also be relatively inexpensive, starting at around $20. However, the more technologically advanced you get, the more money the brush will cost. You’ll also need to factor in replacement brush heads, batteries, and a charging station. 

  • Convenience. The reason a lot of people really enjoy using electric toothbrushes is because they are incredibly convenient. Typically the brush is designed to spin and rotate to ensure all your teeth get a thorough cleaning. Many models also come with timers, so you can be sure you’re brushing your teeth for the full amount of time recommended by dentists. Some are even designed similarly to your dental hygienist’s polishing tool.

People with limited mobility as well as children often find it easier to use an electric toothbrush because it spins and cleans on its own without using a lot of force.

  • Pressure. With a manual toothbrush it’s easy to control how much pressure you use to brush your teeth and clean your gums. You don’t want to apply too much pressure, but just enough to ensure they’re getting a good clean. While the basic model of an electric toothbrush may only come with one pressure setting, the more advanced ones typically have a variety of pressure settings to choose from. 
  • Portability. Manual toothbrushes are super easy to pack and store. If you’re traveling with an electric model, you’ll need to make sure you also bring extra batteries just in case, as well as the charging station. 

How to get the most out of your toothbrush

No matter which type of toothbrush you decide to use, it’s important that you consistently follow a good oral health routine. Dentists recommend that you brush for two minutes twice a day, making sure to spend 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. It’s important that you brush all around the teeth to remove as much food debris and plaque as possible.

After brushing make sure to wash your brush off thoroughly to ensure all the leftover from your toothpaste is rinsed off the bristles. 

When your toothbrush is starting to show signs of fraying, it’s time to replace it. Typically this is around every three or four months, but make sure you replace it sooner if you notice it starting to deteriorate. Brushing your teeth hard will fray the bristols on your toothbrush faster and make it less effective. 

Store it in a place where it can air dry, and avoid putting it in an enclosed space or somewhere that allows the bristles to remain wet. Electric toothbrushes typically dock in their charging station, but for manual brushes you’ll need to find a suitable toothbrush holder. 

What are the pros of electric toothbrushes?

These are the benefits of using an electric toothbrush

four toothbrushes lined up next to each other
Electric toothbrushes are a popular option because they do all the hard work for you. There are all kinds of models of electric toothbrushes, so you can go as low or high tech as you’re comfortable with.

Now that you’re a little more familiar with the major differences between manual and electric toothbrushes, it’s time to discuss their pros and cons. There are many benefits to using an electric toothbrush, so maybe it’s time for you to make the switch.

Effective plaque remover

There are a variety of studies that have shown the rotating/oscillating heads of many electric toothbrushes are superior at removing plaque than manual brushes. The heads on electric toothbrushes are designed to maneuver around each tooth, clearing away any plaque or food debris in the process. 

Depending on the type of electric toothbrush you have, the bristles can vibrate or even spin and vibrate at the same time. These are engineered to help clean your teeth and gums and prevent plaque build-up. When you remove more plaque, not only will you have cleaner teeth and fresher breath, but you’ll also prevent gingivitis and the potential for gum disease. 

An electric toothbrush is way more effective in keeping your teeth clean. However, many people incorrectly use an electric toothbrush like a manual toothbrush. Read the manufacturer's directions for the most effective brushing technique.

Easy to use

As we mentioned earlier, electric toothbrushes are very easy to use. You simply push the button and the head starts to vibrate or oscillate (or both), depending on the model you’re using. All you have to do is allow the brush to clean each tooth, one section of your mouth at a time. When you only have to guide the brush around your mouth, brushing your teeth can become less of a chore. 

Using an electric brush is also easier for people with limited mobility, those with arthritis, or children. Electric toothbrushes may be especially helpful to children who are just learning the ins and outs of proper dental hygiene. Having a brush that moves around and gets in and around teeth is a great way to ensure they’re on the right path to oral care.  

Incorporate advanced technology

Electric toothbrushes can be very low tech and consist of a rotating head and a timer, or they can incorporate advanced technology. Some models come with different pressure levels, so you can find one that works for your teeth and gums. Others also allow you to sync up with Bluetooth to track how well your progress is going.

You can also find models that allow you to time each quadrant of your mouth, remind you when you should brush, have different brush head adapters and prevent you from brushing too hard. No matter if you want your toothbrush to be very smart, or just give you a great clean, there are electric models to do both.

More cleaning power

With an electric brush, you can expect to get a lot more power behind each stroke. Electric toothbrushes can rotate the brush head many more times per minute than you can with a manual brush. This helps the brush  get a deeper clean in two minutes.

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Built-in timers

Perhaps one of the most helpful benefits of an electric toothbrush is that the majority of them now come with timers. You can find brushes that time the full two minutes, or ones that let you know when it’s time to switch quadrants after 30 seconds. 

One of the biggest problems many people have with using a manual toothbrush is brushing their teeth for the full two minutes. It’s easy to not count or forget to count all. When you have a timer there’s no question that you’ve brushed for the right amount of time.

Can help people with orthodontics 

People who have braces can find it difficult to get their mouth clean. Using an electric toothbrush can make that a little easier. These types of toothbrushes can get in between the orthodontics and all around the teeth a little easier than a manual brush.

Are there drawbacks to electric toothbrushes?

What are some electric toothbrush cons?

electrical and manual toothbrush on a table

Aspen Dental providers are passionate about the electric toothbrush and prescribe it to patients with active gum disease. We should make the case in favor of the electric toothbrush since over 80% of Americans have gum disease and use a manual toothbrush.

While there are plenty of benefits to electric toothbrushes, if you’re seriously considering a switch, there are some disadvantages you may want to consider.

Cost

Regardless of the model of electric toothbrush you get, you can expect to pay more than you would for a manual toothbrush. Electric brushes that have a lot of technology and offer many options when it comes to pressure, reminders, or multiple timers will all cost more than your basic model. 

Eventually you’ll also need to replace the head of your electric brush, and depending on the model, this might get costly. You may also find that your local stores do not sell the brand of toothbrush you have, requiring you to buy online or from the manufacturer itself. Depending on your situation, this might not be very convenient.

Are they really more effective?

Although there are studies that show electric brushes remove more plaque and provide cleaner teeth and gums, other studies show that there isn’t a very noticeable difference. So if you’re on the fence about switching to an electric, they might not be worth the increase in price.

Aren’t as eco-friendly

When you’re done using a manual toothbrush, you can just throw it out, or repurpose it for another use such as a small cleaning brush. There are also recyclable toothbrushes that are made out of bamboo, which can biodegrade. With an electric toothbrush, you’ll need to continuously replace the batteries and the brush heads, making them less eco-friendly than a manual brush.

Personal preferences

Some people do not like or cannot get used to the vibration sensation in their mouth as the brush head rotates. Because there is more power and rotation involved with electric toothbrushes, you may find it can also be more messy. If you’d rather avoid the extra saliva that comes with an electric model, consider staying with a manual toothbrush.

How do you care for electric toothbrushes?

Caring for an electric toothbrush is relatively straightforward, but make sure to follow the instructions of your particular brush. After you’re done brushing, wash the brush and store in its charging station so that it’s ready to go when it’s time to brush again. Every few days, wipe down the toothbrush stand with a clean cloth.

As we mentioned earlier, make sure to replace the brush heads when you start to notice any fraying or misalignment of the bristles. This is typically between three to four months of everyday use. Depending on the model you have, typically you can order replacement heads online.

What are the pros of manual toothbrushes?

What are some of the benefits of using a manual toothbrush?

two toothbrushes in a toothbrush holder in a bathroom
Manual toothbrushes have many benefits as well. They’re especially good if you’re looking for a straightforward and low tech way to ensure your teeth are clean and healthy. 

While they may look simple, there’s a reason why manual toothbrushes have been the same size and shape for a long time—because it works. Manual brushes are purposefully designed to be the ideal size and length for you to correctly clean your teeth and gums. Let’s discuss some of their other benefits

Accessible and affordable

Not everyone wants to have the newest gadgets. Instead, they want to have something that consistently works and gets the job done right every time. That’s exactly what a manual toothbrush does. One of the best things about a manual toothbrush is that you can pick one up at a convenience store, a grocery store, online, or at your dentist’s office. They are widely available and come in all kinds of shapes and textures, so you’ll definitely find one that suits your needs. 

Manual toothbrushes coming in a variety of options based on:

  • Bristle hardness
  • The shape of the head
  • Bristle pattern
  • The design of the handle

You can try out different combinations of these and determine which one you like best, or ask your dentist what they recommend.

With a manual toothbrush, you’ll also never need to worry about charging your brush, and you can use it anytime or anywhere you need to. 

Offers more control

A lot of people find that manual toothbrushes seem to offer them more control over how they clean their teeth and gums. With a manual toothbrush, you can control how fast or slow you move the bristles around your mouth, as well as the pattern of rotation you decide to use. Many people also find that because a manual toothbrush does not rotate nearly as many times per minute as an electric one, they do not have to deal with an overabundance of saliva while they brush. 

If you prefer to brush at your own pace and determine at what speed you brush, you may want to consider staying with a manual toothbrush. 

You can determine the amount of pressure

Along with having more control over how fast you brush, a manual toothbrush can also help you apply the appropriate amount of pressure. If you find that you have sensitive teeth or gums, you know how painful it can be to go over them too hard or fast with a toothbrush. When you use a manual toothbrush, if you experience discomfort due to sensitivity, you can easily change the pressure you’re applying.

This may be more difficult to do with an electric toothbrush. Unless you have a model that allows you to easily change pressure while you brush, you may find you only have one pressure option.

Easy to travel with and store

Manual toothbrushes are typically smaller and less bulky than electric toothbrushes, and they do not require a charge to operate. This makes them very convenient when you’re traveling, since they are easily packable and can be used anytime you need them.

Are there disadvantages to using a manual toothbrush?

While a lot of this is based on your personal preference, it’s helpful to know if there are any cons to using a manual toothbrush.

Don’t clean as efficiently

Electric toothbrushes are so popular because they make it easy to ensure you’re brushing your teeth properly. The technology behind the rotating and vibrating heads is proven to clean your teeth and break up plaque very efficiently. All you have to do is make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, and the electronic toothbrush will do the rest.

With a manual brush, you have to make sure you’re brushing at the right angle and getting each quadrant of your mouth. You also have to ensure you’re using the right technique of circling around each tooth while you brush. Electric brushes, alternatively, make this very easy to do.

You may brush too hard

Because you have all the control when it comes to how you brush, it may lead you to brush too hard. When this happens, you may end up doing damage to your gums and cause them to bleed. This can be especially painful if you’re using a brush that has hard bristles. If you’re going to continue using a manual toothbrush and you’re concerned you’re brushing too hard, make sure to check with your dentist about the best ways to brush.

No timer

Most people who use manual toothbrushes do not brush for the full two minutes. It’s hard to do because there is no built-in timer, like many electric toothbrushes have. You can either find a two minute song to sing in your head, or consider putting a timer in your bathroom (or use one on your phone) to make sure you’re brushing for the full two minutes. 

diagram comparing manual and electric toothbrush
Source:https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/electric-or-manual-toothbrush/#:~:text=Manual%20toothbrushes%20can%20help%20you,discomfort%20by%20applying%20less%20pressure.

How do you care for manual toothbrushes?

After you’ve finished brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse your brush and remove any toothpaste or food particles. The ADA recommends that you store your brush in an upright position so that it can air dry. Refrain from capping it because that can lead to increased bacteria growth on the bristles.

Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or if you’re noticing damage on the bristles. It’s harder for the toothbrush to clean effectively when the bristles are damaged or frayed. 

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Which toothbrush do dentists recommend?

If you’re not sure which toothbrush is right for you, consider asking your dentist. They can go over the specifics of both manual and electronic toothbrushes, and help you decide which one will meet your dental needs. Everyone has a personal preference, and as long as you’re brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day, using mouthwash to rinse your mouth and seeing your dentist twice a year, both types of toothbrushes are acceptable. 

Talk to your dentist to see if they have any recommendations that would best benefit you. 

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