Good dental hygiene, no doubt lays a proper foundation for a healthy oral cavity.
Experts recommend that brushing twice daily can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum diseases. But are you sure of what kind of toothbrushes would suit you?
If not, this article may be of help and will guide you in choosing the right toothbrush. Though most of you are familiar and have been using manual toothbrushes all along, electric toothbrushes have gained popularity in recent years.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of electric and manual toothbrushes.
Electric Toothbrushes
Pros
1. More Efficient
Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are much more efficient in removing plaque and other deposits from the teeth and gums when compared to manual toothbrushes.
Therefore, it can considerably reduce the risk of developing caries and gum diseases.
2. Easy to Use
As electric toothbrushes are self-driven, they are very easy to use.
It can be a great alternative to manual toothbrushes as it can be easily used by children, older adults and individuals with disabilities.
This includes people who are suffering from conditions such as arthritis and developmental disabilities.
3. Can be Timed
Electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that will help you brush for the right duration.
It will help you brush long enough to remove the deposits from your teeth and gums.
Cons
1. Cost
Electric toothbrushes are much more expensive when compared to manual toothbrushes. For these brushes, you might need to replace the brush heads every 3 months, which will need you to spend more.
2. Extra Gadgets
Electric toothbrushes can occupy more space in your storage area and in your suitcases.
Additionally, these brushes require chargers or batteries which can make their usage inconvenient.
Manual Toothbrushes
Pros
1. Affordable
Manual toothbrushes are much more affordable when compared to electric toothbrushes.
As you are accustomed to using these toothbrushes, you are already familiar with the right technique and times of usage and thus you can effectively maintain good oral hygiene.
2. Easily Accessible
Manual toothbrushes are easily accessible from any nearby stores or pharmacies.
As these brushes do not require charging or batteries, they can be used anywhere at any time.
3. Easy to Carry
Manual toothbrushes do not require any extra gadgets such as chargers or batteries, which makes them easy to carry and use.
They don’t occupy much storage space as compared to electric toothbrushes.
Cons
1. Needs More Effort
While using manual toothbrushes, it's important to make sure that you use the right brushing technique.
Manual toothbrushes are not self-driven and you need to make sure that you are brushing in the right way and for the right time to get the desired results.
2. Requires You to be Mindful
When you are using a manual toothbrush, you have to be mindful of the amount of pressure you exert. You need to make sure that you are not brushing too hard as it can potentially damage your teeth and gums.
Hopefully, now it is easy for you to pick the type of toothbrush that would suit your needs.
You can nevertheless, consult your dentist to understand the right brushing technique and to know more about the recommended oral care measures.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.