Manual vs Electric Toothbrush: Pros and Cons

Before choosing a toothbrush, it is important to emphasize that regular and proper brushing is important for the health of the teeth and oral cavity. The purpose of a toothbrush is to remove dental plaque to prevent caries and gum disease. By brushing in detail, using the correct movements, i.e. the correct brushing technique and, of course, the correct choice of toothbrush, it is possible to achieve the maximum effect every time you brush your teeth.

We can choose between classic – manual and electric brushes, but the condition of the teeth and oral cavity should be taken into consideration. Some of the important features when choosing a toothbrush that we must pay attention to are: the size and shape of the brush head, the density and hardness of the fibers and the handle of the manual brush.

Manual Toothbrush

The manual brush is the oldest and most common type of brush we know. It is important to use it correctly. Using the correct brushing technique, which is light, semi-circular movements holding the brush at an angle of 45 degrees to the teeth, without too much pressure for a minimum of 2 minutes, will achieve the maximum with a manual brush.

Electric Toothbrush

An electric brush has an energy source that drives it. The movement of the brush head (rotation, vibration), which is smaller than the head of a classic manual brush, is already set to optimally achieve sufficient and regular movements for the purpose of cleaning even the hard-to-reach surfaces of the back teeth. Some electric brushes have a built-in timer and pressure sensor to help brush long enough without too much pressure. Electric toothbrushes are a modern and effective solution, especially for people who do not have the dexterity or ability to properly use a manual toothbrush, and can greatly facilitate teeth brushing. They are more expensive than a classic manual brush, depending on the model.

To put it simply, a quality toothbrush must have a suitably smaller diamond-shaped head (narrower at the top), it must have as many thin and rounded fibers as possible, which must not be too hard (because it is also used for massaging the gums), and it is extremely important that the teeth are not brushed too roughly, avoiding too much pressure and a handle that allows a good reach, which means that the handle of the brush must be wide/thin enough to fit both in the hand and in the mouth.

In conclusion, no matter which brush you choose, it is important to know how to use the brush properly. The decision to choose between a classic hand brush and an electric brush is a personal choice that depends on the needs, possibilities and condition of the oral cavity.