Ever since the first electric toothbrush was invented, which was actually, as long ago as 1954, there has been a debate regarding which toothbrush is better, electric or manual.
Both have their merits and you may be relieved to know they can both be effective. All you have to do is decide which one you prefer.
Naturally, having and using either toothbrush does not change the need to complete the rest of your oral hygiene routine. It certainly shouldn’t replace your regular visit to a reputable dentist, such as this Erskineville dentist.
The Manual Toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes are much cheaper to buy than any electric one. They are also free to run. In short, you don’t need batteries or to plug them in. This means they are always ready to use and are easy to carry with you.
What may surprise you is that a manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric toothbrush. But, you do need to use them for at least two minutes and make sure all your teeth are brushed.
If using a manual toothbrush it is best to use a circular motion and you should avoid pressing too hard, that will damage your gums and potentially cause other issues.
Of course, a manual toothbrush doers require more dexterity than an electric one.
The Electric Option
The electric option is simple. Turn on the toothbrush and move it slowly around inside your mouth until it vibrates or beeps at you, this indicates the time has been fulfilled and you can finish brushing your teeth.
Of course, you will need to replace the batteries or recharge the toothbrush regularly. It can be frustrating when the batteries go flat! Alongside this, you should note that having an electric toothbrush can make you complacent.
It makes you think you have brushed your teeth properly even when you haven’t moved the toothbrush over all the surfaces in your mouth. In short, this means that the manual toothbrush is doing a better job although you feel like you are taking care of your teeth.
Naturally, electric toothbrushes have smaller heads and rotate many times per minute. But, you still need to move them all around your mouth and avoid pressing too hard.
Final Thoughts
The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer. You can choose the toothbrush that best suits your budget and lifestyle. That can even mean using an electric one sometimes and a manual one at other times. The key is to ensure every tooth is brushed properly at least twice a day.
Alongside this, make sure you visit your dentist regularly. They don’t just make sure your teeth are healthy, they can also spot other issues and help you deal with them while they are small and easy to deal with.
If you haven’t had a dental check-up recently then you need to book an appointment today and start looking after your teeth for the future. You only get one set.