Electric Toothbrush Vs. Manual Toothbrush: A Detailed Comparison (2024)

Why is it important to brush your teeth? For one, proper hygiene promotes good oral health, but just like buying other grooming tools comes with many choices, there are a lot of brushing options available for you. Let us categorize this into two major departments: manual and electric toothbrushes.

The brands and bristles may differ, but there are also major comparisons between the two in terms of basic functions.

Electric Toothbrush Vs. Manual Toothbrush

Unlike its manual counterpart, an electric toothbrush (as the word implies) does all the brushing for you. Aside from this huge difference, there are still several major factors that set the two apart:

Price

An electric toothbrush is always more expensive than a manual toothbrush. Depending on the brand and feature, the price of an electric toothbrush can reach $15 to over $200. This excludes replacement brush heads that cost $10 and up.

The best manual toothbrush, on the other hand, costs up to $5, which is significantly cheaper than any electric toothbrush, including disposable ones. To give you an idea, a disposable electric toothbrush costs around $5 to $8 without the battery, while cheaper manual toothbrush brands are sold at only $1.

Plaque Removal

Manual toothbrushes fall behind in terms of technological features, which affect plaque removal efficiency. According to comparative studies, those who switched to electric toothbrushes had better oral health because of the oscillating feature of these brushes, which can reduce the plaque formation by about 21% and gingivitis by around 11%.

Manual brushes, by contrast, are only capable of removing dirt and plaque via vibration.

Accessibility

Unlike electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes are everywhere. Their affordability and accessibility make them a strong competitor in the oral health arena.

Conversely, replacement heads can be difficult to find since not all physical stores carry all electric toothbrush brands. In this case, you might need to look for a replacement online, which may not be as convenient, especially if you have not stocked up on replacement brush heads and you need a new one immediately.

Ease of Usage

An electric toothbrush basically gets the work done for you, making it an ideal choice for the following situations:

• If you are suffering from any health problem that causes limited mobility
• There’s a need to introduce fun ways of brushing teeth to your children
• You simply want the ease and convenience these electric devices offer

Additionally, electric toothbrushes are a friendly choice if you are taking care of a family member who has learning disabilities. These powerful devices can help manage or prevent gum problems as you nurse your family members and take care of their other primary needs.

Control

If you have particularly sensitive teeth and gums, a manual toothbrush might be a better brushing option for you, as it gives you more control over the pressure you are putting on your teeth.

However, electric toothbrushes also come with specialized controls and a built-in timer, so you might want to explore this brushing alternative, too.

With this in mind, both manual and electric toothbrushes have their own pros when it comes to giving you control over your own brushing needs.

Compatibility with Orthodontic Accessories

Having braces, retainers, or other orthodontic accessories puts you up to one major challenge: brushing your teeth and making sure it is clean inside and out. As compared to manual toothbrushes, electric ones have far better cleaning reach, thanks to their oscillating features.

If you are torn between the two and you are under a specialized orthodontic therapy, an electric toothbrush is a wiser and a more user-friendly investment.

So, who wins the electric toothbrush vs. manual toothbrush battle? Well, it depends on your priorities. Are you after functionality or budget? You decide.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, remember to focus on what really matters: good oral hygiene! Brush your teeth regularly, but do not forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning! If you need a clinic that offers holistic dentistry in Durango, CO, visit us at Sunrise Dentistry. We can take care of all your oral health needs!