Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush | Robina Town Dental

We offer interest free payment plans. Click here to learn more.

We offer interest free payment plans. Click here to learn more.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Better for My Teeth?

8 min read
Brushing teeth

Twice-daily tooth brushing is one of the best ways to take care of your teeth and to avoid oral health problems, but there’s more than one way to brush. Electric toothbrushes are widely used in Australia by people who may prefer them to manual toothbrushes or find them easier to use, but do they give a better clean?

Read this guide to find out the pros and cons of an electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush and to give you an idea of what might be better for you. For personalised advice about toothbrushing products and habits, make an appointment with our Gold Coast dentists.

What does the evidence say?

There isn’t a statistically significant difference in cleaning efficiency between electric and manual toothbrushes when toothbrushing is done correctly. According to 2012 review of studies, powered toothbrushes were found to lower rates of plaque and gingivitis (gum disease) at least as effectively as manual toothbrushes, but results weren’t found to be significantly better with an electric brush.

This doesn’t mean that both types of toothbrushes work equally well for everyone though, as many people find manual toothbrushes harder or less comfortable to use. In particular, those with restricted mobility caused by conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, Parkinson’s and stroke may improve their tooth brushing by going electric.

An electric toothbrush may also be more effective at cleaning around braces and other orthodontic appliances. Kids who are reluctant tooth brushers may also find an electric model more appealing to use, especially one with lights or sounds. Your dentist can recommend the best toothbrush for your individual needs, but here are some more things to consider about both options.


Electric toothbrush

Electric or powered toothbrushes work the same as standard toothbrushes at removing food and plaque from tooth surfaces, but their automatic movements don’t require as much manual operation. You still need to move an electric toothbrush around your mouth to reach all surfaces of your teeth, but the toothbrush takes care of the brushing action.

Electric toothbrushes with small, oscillating heads can be better at removing plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Some types of toothbrushes feature lights or sounds that can make brushing more engaging for kids, or in-built timers to help make sure you brush for the recommended two minutes and to help instil good habits.

Just as a standard toothbrush should be replaced roughly every three months, electric toothbrush heads should be replaced after the same time, or when the bristles start to bend out of shape. Replacement heads are widely available in stores, but it’s important to buy the right fit for the type of toothbrush you have.

Pros

  • Can be easier to use, especially for people with limited mobility
  • Can encourage kids and other reluctant brushers
  • Less waste compared to disposable toothbrushes

Cons

  • Electric brushes and replacement heads cost more than manual toothbrushes
  • Some people may find them uncomfortable
  • Can be less convenient for travel

Manual toothbrush

Most people can clean their teeth just as effectively using a manual toothbrush, and some people prefer standard brushes for their simplicity and affordability. They can also be more convenient when travelling, because of their smaller size and not having to think about charging or batteries.

However, more care is needed when using a manual toothbrush to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth effectively and not accidentally causing damage. Not brushing your teeth well allows plaque to build up, which can cause decay and cavities, while brushing too roughly may damage the enamel or gums and cause teeth sensitivity.

As manual toothbrushes are not reusable, the whole toothbrush should be disposed of and replaced every three months or when the bristles fray. Some manual toothbrushes for kids also feature flashing lights or character designs to make them more appealing, and a toothbrush timer app or other timer can be used to help make sure you’re brushing for the recommended amount of time.

Pros

  • Some people find them easier or more comfortable to use
  • More affordable
  • Convenient for travel

Cons

  • May be harder to use for children or people with restricted mobility
  • May not be used effectively
  • May be less appealing to reluctant brushers

Are electric toothbrushes safe for kids?

Powered toothbrushes are safe for most kids from the age of 3, as long as you choose a brush that’s a suitable size for their hand and mouth. You should also check that the bristles of the toothbrush heads are soft, as harder bristles can damage the enamel on children’s developing teeth.

Your child’s dentist might recommend trying an electric toothbrush if they think your child could find it easier or more appealing to use. Some reluctant brushers may find the sounds, movement and other features of a kids’ electric toothbrush more appealing than a regular toothbrush, encouraging them to take better care of their smiles.

As with manual brushing, an adult or older sibling should help younger children to brush correctly until they’re around the age of 6. It’s around this age when most kids are able to brush independently and can use adult-sized brushes, though it’s still recommended to supervise their brushing and check that they’re doing it correctly.

How to brush your teeth effectively

Whichever type of toothbrush you prefer, its cleaning performance depends on how well you use it. Here are some dentist-recommended tips for both manual and electric toothbrushes to help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible and reduce plaque build-up.

  • Brush twice a day: Preferably after waking up and before going to bed. Your dentist may advise more frequent brushing if you need to improve your oral health.
  • Brush for two minutes: Spend a roughly equal amount of time in all parts of your mouth. A toothbrush timer app or other time tracker could help.
  • Don’t brush straight after eating: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking something other than water before you brush, as acids on your teeth can soften the enamel and make it more prone to damage.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is proven to help reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. You only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to clean effectively. Younger kids should use low-fluoride children’s toothpaste until around the age of 6.
  • Brush all three surfaces of your teeth: The front, back and chewing (top and bottom) surfaces.
  • Brush in gentle circles: Rough side-to-side brushing doesn’t remove more plaque and may damage tooth enamel or make teeth feel more sensitive. An electric toothbrush should take care of this action for you.
  • Brush at a 45-degree angle: Tilting the brush slightly helps to clean around the gumline as well as the teeth.
  • Don’t rinse after brushing: Rinsing your teeth or using mouthwash straight after cleaning removes fluoride that can help protect your teeth against plaque.
  • Replace every three months: Toothbrush heads get frayed over time. You should replace a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head after 2–3 months or when the bristles bend out of shape.

Other ways to keep your teeth healthy

As well as good brushing, good oral hygiene also involves:

  • Flossing daily: Cleaning between your teeth and around the gumline for at least two minutes a day. If you find floss uncomfortable or difficult to use, your dentist could recommend alternatives such as a floss holder or electric water flosser.
  • Limit sugar: Many foods and drinks contain added sugars that contribute to tooth decay. You can identify these by checking the packaging details and ask your dentist about healthy sugar swaps.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, dairy and equivalents provide many vital nutrients for teeth and gums, including calcium, phosphorus and vitamins.
  • Drink plenty of water: Water helps your mouth stay hydrated and rinses away sugar and acids. Fluoridated water, such as tap water, provides extra protection against plaque.
  • Use mouthwash, if advised: If you’re trying to improve your oral health, your dentist might recommend a fluoride mouth rinse. This should be used following their instructions, and it shouldn’t be a substitute for brushing and flossing.
  • Visit the dentist twice a year: A regular dental check-up lets your dentist check your teeth and mouth for any signs of problems and address these before they cause serious damage. They’ll also clean and scale your teeth to remove stubborn plaque and lower your risk of tooth decay. For most people, it’s recommended to see a dentist every 6 months, but this will be based on your individual needs and risk factors.

Talk to a Gold Coast dentist today

If you want to know the best way to care for your teeth, or you’re due for a check-up and clean, contact our team at Robina Town Dental for friendly and experienced advice. Call us today on 07 5575 9100, visit us in Robina Town Centre, or send us a message and we'll get back to you.

We welcome patients from all ages from surrounding suburbs, including Burleigh Heads, Mudgeeraba, Miami, Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Waters, Merrimac, Mermaid Waters, Worongary and Clear Island Waters.

References

Vibhute A, Vandana KL. The effectiveness of manual versus powered toothbrushes for plaque removal and gingival health: A meta-analysis. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2012 Apr;16(2):156-60. doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.99255. PMID: 23055578; PMCID: PMC3459492.

 
Call us on 07 5575 9100