In this article we compare the electric toothbrush or the manual toothbrush. Which toothbrush is better and more practical?

The electric toothbrush was introduced to the market about 40 years ago, but at the time it was actually only intended for people suffering from motor disorders. In the meantime, the electric toothbrush has developed considerably.

Due to medical examinations, electric toothbrushes are generally preferred to a manual toothbrush by dentists and recommended to patients.

Electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush

According to Wikipedia, however, independent studies have shown that you can clean your teeth just as well with a manual toothbrush as with an electric toothbrush. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the electric toothbrush.

Pro – What can the electric toothbrush do better?

There are different types of electric toothbrushes, e.g. oscillating toothbrushes, sonic and ultrasonic toothbrushes. What they all have in common is that they clean the teeth with high revolutions. You don’t need high pressure on your teeth to clean them thoroughly. By the way, you should not increase the pressure too much when cleaning with a manual toothbrush, as this can damage the enamel and the gums. With oscillating toothbrush it is about 3000 revolutions, with sonic toothbrushes 30000 provide a clean mouth feel. For people who have difficulties with their motor skills, an electric toothbrush is always helpful, this also applies to seniors and children. Here the sonic toothbrush has proven to be more advantageous.

The electronic sonic toothbrush works more gently than the oscillating .

A higher frequency ensures more revolutions of the bristles. With the oscillating or rotating toothbrush, however, the brush head is smaller and thus reaches hidden parts of the teeth better. This video shows how exactly that works:

In general, electrically operated toothbrushes are cleaned down to below the gums and discolouration or plaque caused by red wine, coffee or tea can be eliminated. Gentle cleaning also protects the gums.

The brushing process for the rotating toothbrush

It is often confused with the oscillating toothbrush, but this is wrong, because unlike the rotating one, the brush head of the oscillating toothbrush only swings back and forth. The rotating toothbrush is set in circular motion and can have one or even several brush heads.

The cleaning effect of these electric toothbrushes is increased by the rotating brush heads and in various cases the technical design ensures that they pulsate even more. The teeth are effectively cleaned by gyroscopic movements of the brush attachments.

What types of rotating electric toothbrushes are available?

There are different models of rotating toothbrush. On the one hand, there are those that only have a rotating brush head, then there are toothbrushes with a vertical rotating cylinder and then, as already mentioned, there are rotating electric toothbrushes with several smaller, rotating brush heads. The latter should probably contribute to a very thorough tooth cleaning, because the small brushes also get into remote hiding places, in which plaque or food residues are still hidden.

The rotating and pulsating toothbrush is advantageous in any case also for children or adults who have to wear braces.

Like most electric toothbrushes, these are also powered by a rechargeable battery, which allows several brushing operations when charged. In the meantime, the rotating toothbrushes with several small brushes are available from us, the two alternatives can usually only be obtained from abroad.

Contra – Why not an electric toothbrush?

The financial costs speak primarily against an electric toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush. Firstly, the basic unit must be purchased, then new brushes must be purchased at regular intervals and the smallest amount should then remain for the electricity.

And here we have another disadvantage: The electronic toothbrush needs a battery or is powered by batteries. And these in turn are harmful to the environment and must be specially disposed of.

The use of an electric toothbrush can also be unpleasant for one or the other, as the rapid movements and the resulting vibration can cause unpleasant tickling or tingling. The sound of such a toothbrush can also be disturbing, but you can quickly get used to it over time.

If you go into the different types in detail, you have to be careful with an oscillating toothbrush for example not to use it with too much pressure and not for too long, because bleeding gums or slight damage to the tooth itself can occur here and there.

Conclusion:

An electric toothbrush safely helps to thoroughly clean the teeth and gently massage the gums. However, as we have already read at Wikipedia, you can keep your teeth really clean with a cheap manual toothbrush and when used correctly. In both cases, the toothbrush alone does not help to remove all leftovers or bacteria from the teeth.

You need dental floss and mini toothbrushes to get into the most inaccessible corners.

If you don’t have to pay attention to the penny, you are certainly well advised with an electric toothbrush. If you have problems with your gums or have difficulty with your hand, you should also opt for an electric toothbrush.