The
debate over whether manual (disposable) or electric toothbrushes are
better has been going on ever since the electric one was invented. There
is no clear or definitive evidence that proves one is better than the
other. In the end it boils down to a matter of personal choice and
whether one option will clean your teeth better. Here are a few
parameters that may help you decide which one is right for you.
Cost
Although
the prices of electric toothbrushes vary considerably, even the
cheapest ones are many times more costly than the most expensive manual
brushes. There is a misconception that because an electric toothbrush
lasts longer than a manual one, the price differential is not that
great. The fact is the toothbrush head on an electric toothbrush has to
be replaced almost as often as a manual brush. When looked at purely in
terms of purchase price, the manual brush is the clear winner.
Suitability
The
best toothbrush is the one you are most comfortable using. For some the
vibrating feeling of an electric brush feels good and they enjoy
letting the brush to do all the work. For others, the vibration can be
an irritant. They may also get a feeling of satisfaction from using
their muscles for a few minutes to clean their teeth. Electric brushes
may be the better option for those with mobility issues like arthritis.
Other than that, it is really a matter of which type will motivate you
to brush for the recommended time of two minutes.
Safety
Some
people are hesitant about putting even a part of an electrical device
in their mouths. All toothbrushes, both electric and manual, that are
approved by the American Dental Association, are safe to use. That being
said, those who tend to use excessive force when brushing the teeth may
benefit from an electric brush which will limit any possible tooth
damage. Some studies suggest that an electric toothbrush may increase
the amount of bacteria in the mouth that enters the bloodstream. This
will not affect most people, but may not be good for those with cardiac
conditions or weak immune systems. There is no conclusive proof of this
as of now.
Effectiveness
Comparisons
of the cleaning of manual and electric toothbrushes have been made for
many years. A review of over 25 studies shows that there is no
discernible difference between the cleaning achieved by an electric
toothbrush and a manual one, if both are used correctly for the
prescribed time. Some recent studies indicate that the new rotation
oscillation type electric toothbrushes may be slightly more effective, but no proof is as yet available.
Daily
brushing and flossing of your teeth is the foundation of good dental
hygiene and health. The better you clean your teeth and gums, the less
the chances of contracting tooth or gum problems. But brushing and
flossing is not enough. It is important to visit your dentist every 6
months to have your teeth checked so that any incipient problems that
you may not have noticed can be treated at an early stage.
