The other day I noticed that I need a new toothbrush. As I have been using a electric toothbrush for years, I wondered why I replaced the manual one with it. Besides, which one is better for my teeth anyway? The reality is that it’s essential to brush your teeth – and whether
you’re using a manual toothbrush or an electric option, the important
factor is completing a thorough, two-minute brush at least once every
day. My time is precious and I don't want to put more effort into cleaning my teeth than necessary. So, I personally prefer the electric brush to do the work for me. But decide for yourself - here are some pros and cons for each one.Electric toothbrush
1. They're greener
There is some discussion whether the electric toothbrush is environmental friendlier than the manual toothbrush. Truth is, when the bristles of your electric toothbrush are worn-out, you don't need to replace the whole brush, just the head. So, less trash is produced. Also, it is proven that electric toothbrush bristles last longer than manual ones.
2. Timer inside
A doctor recommends that you brush your teeth at least three minutes. That makes one and a half minutes for each, lower and upper, jaw. I don't know about you but when I brush my teeth I'm usually tired, whether it is in the morning or at night. The least I want to do is counting seconds while brushing. Most of the time, I estimate three minutes approximately. It is certainly more convenient to have somebody or something that tells you exactly when to switch.
3. Easier for people suffering from movement-restricting conditions
People with arthritis, limited mobility or other physical conditions are advised to use a electric toothbrush. Why? Because they have a larger handle, which is easier to grip. Plus, its powered brushes do the cleaning for you, especially in the
tricky areas that require fine motor skills to get at, such as the backs
of molars and behind your upper and lower front teeth.
4. Prevent hard brushing
As a child I thought the harder I brush my teeth the cleaner they will get. The contrary actually happens . By brushing your teeth too hard, you destroy important gum layers (which never grow back), remove enamel from the tooth surface or causing sensitivity to cold, heat and other stimuli. With the manual toothbrush you can brush as hard as you want. However, with the electric toothbrush you can't brush hard at all as the motor of the brush will stop or slower down. Some brushes even beep when you brush too hard. As a matter of fact, it is not about the brush pressure, it is about the angle of the brush and teeth. Don't be hard on your teeth.
5. Clean teeth thoroughly
The simple and only purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and to stimulate the gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When electric toothbrushes were first introduced, there was little to no difference between a manual and electric one. Over the years, more and more modals of electric toothbrushes have evolved and studies now show that there is a significant difference in plaque removing. The advantage of a electric toothbrush is that with the right size and form you clean hard-to-reach areas.In a survey of 16,000 patients published by the American Dental Association, more than 80 percent said they improved their oral cleanliness after switching from their manual toothbrushes to an electric version.
[source: Electric Toothbrush Reviews].
Manual toothbrush
1. More flexible
The manual toothbrush can be bend and turned however you want. Many modals even have a tongue cleaner on its back. So, you are able to clean your teeth and tongue at the same time. You can rotate the brush how you prefer and clean your teeth the way you want. Well, theoretically. Practically, you should brush them as your doctor advised you to.2. Good for Kids
Brushing teeth is not a child's favorite activity. Electric toothbrushes are bigger than traditional ones and are just not as handy for children. Additionally, manual toothbrushes come in nice coloring or even with characters from child movies or books. You want to give kids the impression that brushing teeth is fun and good for them. Small manual toothbrushes for children are a great help to do so; electric ones are just too bulky.3. Great for traveling
When travelling with a manual brush, you don't need to worry about charging it or an adapter for the charger, when you go to foreign country. You can just pack them up as they are and use them whenever you need to. What's easier than this, right?4. Cost and availability
Now this point is a little tricky. As many people argue, and as I have mentioned above, electric toothbrushes last longer than manual ones. However, they also cost a significant amount more. And if you need additional brush heads or specific heads, they cost you even more. A normal manual toothbrush ranges from $2 to $8*, depending on the brand, comfort grip and other features designed to make your oral care routine more effective and enjoyable. The electric toothbrush market is quite diverse, and models range from $30 to $200*. When it comes to effectiveness, a higher price does not necessarily mean a better performance. Brush heads for electric brushes vary from $10 to $40*. Nowadays, both types are available at almost the same stores. Manual toothbrushes are still the more inexpensive and available choice.*these are approximate prices and can vary
5. Many different types and variety
Blue, grey, green, more flexible, less flexible, with Winnie Pooh or Spider man - manual toothbrushes have it all. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to toothbrushes. I bet there is at least one in every store you would take. Not only the coloring, motives and shape vary, but also the texture, softness and size.
Julia
sources:
images:
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WYqF15hYOaOPTn3dRZVbSLmZgMh8KmgjsySA9gT1br0rznUo5RG49KNPNgh6d-vRsk5y5bsw2C7YoUf8CFXWqB8gMJgCzVERhZM_VZVW-OlwV9xxPNJIcRy561vlQkGpBaIpZLMhmdBA/s1600/toothbrush3.png
- http://images.agoramedia.com/everydayhealth/cms/hc_dental_health_101_manual_vs_electric_which_is_the_better_brush_article.jpg
- http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/5-benefits-of-electric-toothbrushes.htm#page=0
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/manual-v-electric-which-is-the-better-brush.aspx
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