If you’re building a house, then you definitely want power tools – unless you’re Amish, in which case you want assistance from your 93 cousins. But what if you’re just brushing your teeth? Is adding electricity to the equation really worth your while?
The answer to that question depends entirely on your personal preferences. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), either manual or powered toothbrushes can be used effectively. Full stop.
Two out of five Americans report using an electric toothbrush in the past six months. Why do they prefer the battery-powered solution to oral hygiene? Is it due to clever marketing by Oral-B? Possibly, but most of them likely also recognize one or more of the real advantages of electric toothbrushes.
The Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
- Gentleness – According to a recent study, electric toothbrushes are less abrasive than (or similarly abrasive to) manual toothbrushes.
- Effectiveness – The same study acknowledges that electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque (i.e. the harmful film bacteria form on teeth).
- Accuracy – The ADA advises brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time. If your internal clock wouldn’t pass Swiss standards for accuracy, then an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer can help you reliably attain your two-minute goal.
- Comfort – Do you suffer from arthritis in your wrist, and experience discomfort while brushing as a result? Electric toothbrushes don’t require rapid side-to-side wrist movement, which is why many seniors prefer them. Anyone who doesn’t feel like moving very vigorously can find an electric toothbrush more convenient as well.
- Fun – Are you finding difficulty convincing a young child to brush their teeth? Then a “smart toothbrush” like the GUM Playbrush, which turns toothbrushing into a video game, may provide just the solution.
Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
There are two sides to every coin. Before you decide whether or not to embrace electric toothbrushes, it’s important to consider the downsides to the technology as well.
- Potential enamel loss – Although it isn’t a proven fact, it is possible that high-powered electric toothbrushes may remove healthy tooth enamel in addition to plaque. The risk of enamel erosion can increase if you don’t replace a toothbrush’s head once its bristles have worn out.
- Expense – Naturally, a battery-powered device always costs more than the analogous equivalent. Electric toothbrushes also require head replacement every 90 days, which can add up quickly. Conversely, a manual toothbrush is so inexpensive that you can get one for free at a dental clinic or hotel lobby.
- Damage – If you drop an electric toothbrush on a tile floor or in water – two hazards common to bathrooms – then you will very likely find yourself in the market for a brand new one.
- Inconvenience – If you lose or break your electric toothbrush’s charger (or forget to take it with you on vacation), then its battery won’t do you a lick of good.
That pretty much sums it up! Once again, you can do a perfectly adequate job of brushing your teeth regardless of whether you use 21st century or 10th century technology. So long as you use the proper brushing technique, pearly whites can be all yours to enjoy.
Of course, brushing alone isn’t enough to attain a healthy and attractive smile. If you have any need for family dentistry or any other type of dental care in Logan, UT, then we welcome you to contact All About Teeth today. We’ll be happy to share more of our opinions on the manual vs. electric toothbrush debate in person!
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