These days, there’s a “smart” version of just about everything, from kitchen appliances to lightbulbs to cars (and beyond). In a world where technologically advanced alternatives are everywhere, it can be tough to decide which ones are nice-to-haves and which ones really have a positive impact on your life.
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First invented in 1954, electric toothbrushes experienced a boom in the early 2000s. Now, they’re more popular than ever. But do they really make a difference in cleaning your teeth?
Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes. Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH, weighs in on the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush.
Electric vs. manual toothbrush
Studies showthat electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth than manual toothbrushes do, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
But let’s back up for a second. Brushing your teeth is all about getting rid of plaque and debris. But why, exactly?Plaqueis a sticky film that forms on your teeth and produces acid, which can break down tooth enamel and causecavities and tooth decay. Plaque can also irritate your gums and causegingivitis, an early stage ofgum (periodontal) disease. If it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Electric toothbrushes, which are typically powered by a rechargeable battery, use electricity to move a small brush head at high speed.“This rapid movement removes plaque and debris from your teeth and gums,” Stepka explains.
There are two main types of electric toothbrush technology:
- Oscillating-rotating technologymeans the brush head spins and rotates as it cleans. This was the first kind of electric toothbrush to hit the market, anda 2005 studywas the first to show that it cleaned better than manual brushes.
- Sonic technologyuses ultrasound and sonic waves to vibrate as you brush. Some models use Bluetooth to send information about your brushing habits and technique to a smartphone app, helping you improve your brushing over time.
Benefits of electric toothbrush
Overall, using an electric toothbrush can be a good way to improve your oral hygiene and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
“I’ve seen patients who have had difficulty with home care have an overall decrease in plaque, tartar and stain when using an electric toothbrush,” Stepka says. “I think it’s a combination of the brush being more effective and patients brushing for longer because of the two-minute timers that many of these brushes have.”
Here’s what electric toothbrushes offer:
- A more reliable clean:“Electric toothbrushes can produce thousands of strokes per minute to remove plaque from your teeth,” Stepka explains. “Your manual toothbrush, meanwhile, works only as fast as your own hand.”
- Specialized features:Many electric toothbrushes have built-in features like timers and pressure sensors to help you brush properly and for the recommended amount of time. Some offer multiple brushing modes, which can be helpful for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
- Ease of use:“Because electric toothbrushes do most of the work of brushing for you, they’re sometimes easier to use for people who have limited dexterity or hand mobility,” Stepka says.
Risks of using an electric toothbrush
As with just about everything, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The main risk of usual an electric toothbrush, Stepka says, is the same as the main risk of using a manual toothbrush: The possibility that you might brush too hard.
“You might think that brushing harder equals getting your teeth cleaner, but brushing too hard can actually wear at your tooth enamel and your gums,” Stepka warns.Yikes! But the pressure sensors on some models of electric toothbrushes can be a good way to make sure you’re not doing this kind of damage when you brush.
Some other downsides:
- Cost:Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than their manual counterparts and require new brush heads every three months or so, which adds to the overall cost of ownership.
- Discomfort:Some people find the sensation of the brush moving in their mouth to be uncomfortable or off-putting. This may be especially true if you have sensory processing issues.
- Electricity:It may sound like a no-brainer, but electric toothbrushes require electricity to operate! This means they may be inconvenient or even impossible to recharge if you don’t have access to a reliable power source, like during travel.
Should you use an electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes can certainly work wonders for your overall oral hygiene. But if this kind of purchase isn’t in the cards for you right now, don’t fret.
“You don’tneedto have an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth effectively,” Stepka says. “A manual brush will do a great job if used properly and for the two-minute recommended brushing time.”
Always select a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, and try to find one with a relatively small brush head so that you can more easily reach behind your last molars.
Not sure whether you’re brushing quite right? Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist for guidance. They’ll be happy to help you, er,brush upon your technique so that you can keep plaque and tartar at bay.
FAQs
The Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Thorough yet gentle cleaning- Electric toothbrushes are less abrasive yet more thorough than a traditional toothbrushes. As a result, you can remove a more significant amount of plaque. Added accuracy and convenience- A built-in timer helps you keep accurate track of brushing time.
Why should you use an electric toothbrush? ›
The Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Thorough yet gentle cleaning- Electric toothbrushes are less abrasive yet more thorough than a traditional toothbrushes. As a result, you can remove a more significant amount of plaque. Added accuracy and convenience- A built-in timer helps you keep accurate track of brushing time.
Do dentists recommend an electric toothbrush? ›
Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes. Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH, weighs in on the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush.
Is it better to use a manual or electric toothbrush? ›
A 2021 meta-analysis of 28 studies provided further evidence that powered toothbrushes seem to have a slight edge over manual ones when it comes to plaque removal.
What are the disadvantages of an electric toothbrush? ›
They are more expensive compared to manual toothbrushes, making them less accessible to everyone. Electric toothbrushes are also fragile and require a lot of care to prevent damage. Although you have to charge them, overcharging, dropping, or damaging the batteries can mean the end of your electric toothbrush.
Is electric toothbrush worth the hype? ›
While there was an 11% reduction in plaque at one to three months of use, there was a 6% reduction for people with gingivitis for the same time period. Scientific evidence shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective at plaque removal.
Are electric toothbrushes better for oral health? ›
Electric toothbrushes are far more effective at removing plaque, limiting its damaging effects on oral health. In fact, the study showed that electric toothbrush users experienced 20% less tooth loss compared to manual users thanks to a lowered rate of gum disease development*.
What is the #1 dentist recommended electric toothbrush? ›
As the most gentle electric toothbrush that offered a near-instantaneous brighter smile with each use, the Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is the clear-cut winner among this list. Not only is it fairly priced between $35 and $50 on the market but its quality is second to none.
What is the downside of a sonic toothbrush? ›
However sonic brushes do have one major drawback; they tend to be quite expensive compared to both manual and electric versions making them cost-prohibitive for some users with tighter budgets who still want a quality brush for cleaning their teeth thoroughly each day!
Does the ADA recommend electric toothbrushes? ›
The consensus recommendation is for people to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. Either manual or powered toothbrushes can be used effectively.
Electric toothbrushes are worth the investment because they take the guesswork out of brushing your teeth and do much of the "heavy lifting" for you. Many also provide beneficial tools like a timer, Bluetooth capabilities, alerts to protect your gums if you're brushing too hard, and other helpful features.
Do you brush your teeth differently with an electric toothbrush? ›
When using an electric toothbrush it is not necessary to press hard or scrub while brushing. Instead, gently guide the brush along as it scrubs.
How long should I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush? ›
You should spend 30 seconds on each section and 2 minutes brushing in total. If your electric brush has a timer, that's even better, since you'll get a full and even clean every time. Hold your brush perpendicular to the tooth, engaging the gumline.
What percent of Americans use an electric toothbrush? ›
Although electric toothbrushes have been around since the 1960s, most people still use manual toothbrushes. According to a 2022 report by Mintel, 41 percent of adults have used an electric toothbrush in the last six months while 58 percent have used a manual toothbrush.
What are the side effects of an electric toothbrush? ›
Electric toothbrushes can cause increased tooth sensitivity, especially if you are using them too aggressively. The high-frequency vibrations can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, exposing the more sensitive dentin layer beneath. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Is a vibrating toothbrush better? ›
This vibration is theorised to benefit dental health in several ways. The article explains that the rapid vibration of the toothbrush may help move fluid around the teeth, dislodging from hard-to-reach areas, such as between the teeth and along the gumline. This may make it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Why switch to an electric toothbrush? ›
Studies have been conducted comparing the two types of toothbrushes and found that electric toothbrushes are significantly better at removing plaque and gingivitis. They also do not harm your gums, which can happen with manual toothbrushes when users brush too aggressively or use too much pressure.
What is the point of a vibrating toothbrush? ›
The straight, stationary bristles don't effectively reach into all the crevices where food hides between teeth. With a rotating and/or vibrating brush head, an electric toothbrush reaches into those areas to thoroughly clean them while applying equal pressure from the brush.
Which is better, an electric or battery operated toothbrush? ›
Battery Powered Toothbrush:
Provides a better clean than a manual, but is not at the same level as a rechargeable electric toothbrush. You will still need to brush back and forth, but there's added vibrations to help lift and remove stubborn plaque.
