Your Dentist in Corpus Christi Discusses Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Brushing your teeth at least twice per day is the foundation for optimum oral health. Have you ever stopped to consider if you’re using the right tools for your brushing? Did you know that the type of toothbrush you’re using could be affecting the amount of plaque you are successfully able to remove? The American Dental Association (ADA) approves both electric and manual toothbrushes, so which one is right for you? Your dentist in Corpus Christi has answers, so read on!

All About Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes offer many benefits and work well for most people. The electric bristles vibrate and rotate, which allows them to remove more plaque than a manual brush when used correctly.

These brushes also help protect your gums from the damage caused by brushing too vigorously. They have built-in timers to ensure that you are getting your full 2 minutes of brushing in, and some brushes even alert you if you’re pushing too hard. An electric toothbrush takes the guesswork out of brushing and really does all the heavy lifting for you.

The Downside to Electric Toothbrushes

There are however, some cons to choosing an electric toothbrush. For some people, it is hard to get used to the feel of the vibration of the bristles, making it uncomfortable to brush.

This brush also presents a higher cost as they can range anywhere from $15 to $250. You also have to pay to replace brush heads every few months, which also adds to the cost.

Your toothbrush will also need to be charged, which can make traveling with it a challenge.

All About Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are also effective at removing plaque when used correctly twice per day. This type of brush is easily accessible as they are available at your local grocery store for around $3. They are also easy to travel with because they don’t require charging like an electric toothbrush does.

The Downside to Manual Toothbrushes

There is no timer to let you know that you’ve brushed for the full two minutes with a manual brush. Using a kitchen timer or your phone can help with this problem.

Studies have also found that people tend to brush harder with a manual toothbrush, which can cause damage to your delicate gum tissue.

A Note for Children

A good rule of thumb for kids is to let them brush with whatever type of toothbrush they like best. If your child is motivated by a Spiderman electric brush, let them go for it! Encouraging your child to brush regularly and monitoring their process is the best way to help them learn good oral habits early on.

If you have more questions or need suggestions on the right toothbrush for your needs, contact your dentist for more information.

About the Author

For over 30 years, Dr. John T. Thompson has been providing patients in Corpus Christi, TX with exceptional dental care. Dr. Thompson and his team offer a wide range of services designed to meet his patients’ needs here at one stop. Patients appreciate the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere they experience when they choose our office as their dental home.

If you would like to contact Dr. Thompson, he can be reached by calling 361-242-3151 or through his website.