Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

By Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD
Contributor

Ever wonder if the buzz around electric toothbrushes is warranted? Or question whether your manual toothbrush is outdated? If you’ve found yourself asking, “Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?” in the dental hygiene aisle, you’re not alone. Let me help brush away the confusion. I’ll even tell you what my family uses.

The Evolution of Toothbrushes – From Manual to Electric

The manual toothbrush has ancient origins with chewsticks used for dental care dating back to 3,000 BC. The modern version with nylon bristles didn’t appear until 1938. On the other hand, the electric toothbrush made its debut at the American Dental Association’s centennial celebration in 1959. Since then, technological advancements have transformed the electric toothbrush into the smart, versatile tool we know today. Manual toothbrushes have stood the test of time, and electric toothbrushes are a testament to innovation.

Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual: What Does Science Say?

Studies show that powered toothbrushes have a moderate edge at cleaning away plaque. Researchers have found that people who use them showed a significant reduction in plaque starting at one month of use and increasing after three months or more compared with those who used a manual toothbrush. There is also evidence that electric toothbrushes result in a 6% reduction in gum disease between one to three months and an 11% reduction at three months or longer. Plus, electric toothbrush users have been shown to have healthier gums overall and, in one study, kept 19% more teeth over the study period than those using a manual toothbrush!

Following are some of the benefits of electric toothbrushes.

More Consistent Technique

Electric brushes automatically move the bristles for you in a steady motion, removing some human error and inconsistency in brushing. This can help ensure all areas get brushed well.

Longer Brushing Time

Many electric brushes have built-in timers that encourage brushing for 2+ minutes, the recommended brushing time. This can motivate people to brush longer.

Better Reach

The electric heads’ oscillating and rotating motors can help bristles reach areas that are often missed by manual brushing, like the back molars.

Gentler on Gums

High-quality electric brushes tend to be less abrasive on gums than vigorous manual scrubbing. The bristles do most of the work.

Motivating Features

Features like timers, pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity can make brushing more interactive, especially for kids.

Helpful for Those with Dexterity Issues

The automated motions make electric brushes easier to use for those with grip issues or arthritis.

Regardless of the toothbrush you choose, learn the right way to use it.

1. Get a brush head with soft bristles.

2. Hold the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line – where your gums meet your teeth – as this is where plaque tends to be missed.

3. Using light pressure, brush in a circular motion with a manual toothbrush to sweep the plaque away from the gum line. If electric, move the bristles across your teeth using the same approach across the front of the upper teeth, the backside and then the biting surface before moving to the lower teeth. Hold an electric toothbrush steady. There is no need to move it in a circular motion.

4. Do not spend more than two minutes, or about 30 seconds per quadrant, brushing your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes alert you when to move to the next quadrant and when the full two-minute brush is complete. But if not, be mindful of the time.

5. Be gentle. The gum is very delicate and thin, so if you use too much force repeatedly over time, you can cause the gum to recede. When that happens, the root surface beneath the gum gets exposed, making the tooth hypersensitive to temperature changes and more prone to decay.

So, what does my own family use? We, including my older parents and my kids since their middle school years, use electric. It just takes the guesswork out of areas reached and length of time brushed. My parents’ dexterity isn’t as accurate these days and my kids always found them a little more fun than manual, and now, it is just part of their hygiene routines. The bottom line is that electric toothbrushes have been shown to be slightly more efficient in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. But if you use the proper brushing technique, any toothbrush is effective!

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD is a dentist at ROC Dental Group. Learn more at ROCDentalGroup.com.