Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be used to effectively clean your teeth. Here, our Ajax dentists discuss the benefits that electric toothbrushes may offer, depending on your needs.

How good is your brushing technique?

A standard manual toothbrush can be a very effective tool for cleaning your teeth, provided that you are thorough, and use the proper brushing technique.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush in a circular motion across the teeth.
• Remember to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

If you brush using the techniques outlined above, and both you and your dentist are satisfied with the state of your oral health, then you’re doing great! There’s no need for any additional tools (other than floss, of course; use that once a day!).

However, if you struggle to brush all of your teeth sufficiently with a manual toothbrush, or if you or your dentist feel your oral hygiene routine could use a boost, you may find an electric toothbrush to be a helpful tool.

How can an electric toothbrush help?

Many electric toothbrushes have small, round, rotating heads that mimic the recommended brushing motion.

These electric toothbrushes can make brushing easier and more effective because you hardly have to do any work! Simply apply your toothpaste to the head of your electric toothbrush, place it up against your teeth, and turn it on. Then all you have to do is guide it gently around your mouth, over all the surfaces of your teeth.

You don’t need to perform the brushing motion yourself, which can help to make cleaning the backs of your front teeth easier (many people find that cleaning the backs of their front teeth, using a manual toothbrush, is an awkward process). The small round head of the electric toothbrush can also make cleaning your back molars and other tight or hard-to-reach areas a little easier, too.

And because the head spins so quickly, electric toothbrushes can do a great job of removing surface stains from your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes even have timers so that you know when your full two minutes are up!

Overall, an electric toothbrush can help you brush more thoroughly, and may even make brushing feel like less of a chore.

What if I am prone to brushing too hard?

Some people hesitate to try an electric toothbrush because they are concerned it would not be gentle on the enamel of their teeth, or their gums.

However, many electric toothbrush users find that it actually helps them brush more gently because they don’t have to make the scrubbing motion themselves. Scrubbing tends to make you want to apply pressure, and this is a non-issue with an electric toothbrush, as it performs the motion for you.

If you are very concerned about brushing too hard, many electric toothbrush brands sell heads with soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums.

Wondering if an electric toothbrush might be a good choice for you? Please contact our office today to book an appointment with one of our Ajax dentists.