Should I use an electric or a manual toothbrush?

Choosing the right tools is key to taking the best possible care of your teeth. So, should you go for an electric or manual toothbrush? To decide which one is best for you, it’ll help to understand the differences between manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes, as well as the techniques of brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush.

In this article we will explore the difference between using an electric or manual toothbrush, in addition to electric toothbrush benefits including:

1. Efficiency
2. Ease of use
3. Waste reduction
4. Improved oral health
5. Bonus features

Read on for our simple guide to electric toothbrushes, including the simple steps for brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, and our simple 5-step guide for how to use an electric toothbrush.

Electric or manual toothbrush: The differences

It’s important to know the key differences between the two types when it comes to choosing between an electric or manual toothbrush. Other than the fact stated in the name, that electric toothbrushes are powered by electricity, here’s what that means for how they brush your teeth:

• The brushing motion is different between electric and manual toothbrushes. With a manual toothbrush the motion will be performed by you manually moving the brush against your teeth, whereas electric toothbrushes will create this motion from the brush itself.
• Manual toothbrushes require more physical effort. When it comes to an electric brush, the brush will do 90% of the work.

Top 5 electric toothbrush benefits

So, you’re wondering “should I use an electric toothbrush?” The answer is yes! Here a few of the top electric toothbrush benefits:

1. Using an electric toothbrush is more efficient than using a manual brush. ¹
   With studies showing the average person only removes 50% of the plaque on their teeth during brushing, anything that can ensure more efficiency and better oral hygiene has to be a winner.
   Tip: Opt for the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean for maximum efficiency and up to 7x the plaque removal power of a manual toothbrush. This sonic electric toothbrush will not only help to whiten your teeth in just one week, but it is also gentle on sensitive teeth.
2. Electric toothbrushes are easy to use.
   Some of the hard work is removed when it comes to brushing your teeth by electric toothbrush. In cases where users have dexterity challenges such as young children, or people with arthritis or disabilities, an electric toothbrush can help them brush more effectively. ²
3. Choosing an electric toothbrush can help to limit waste.
   We all know that changing our toothbrush regularly is important for health and hygiene reasons, ³ but the great thing about electric toothbrushes is that you only have to change the head. Keeping the handpiece reduces waste.
4. Knowing how to brush properly with an electric toothbrush can improve your oral health.
   We all know that following the correct method for brushing teeth using electric toothbrushes or manual ones is key to maintaining our oral health. As electric toothbrushes are more efficient, ¹ this makes them ideal for improving your oral health. By improving the reduction of plaque, using an electric toothbrush can help to lower your risk of gingivitis and developing cavities.⁴
5. Electric toothbrushes can offer bonus features.
   Once you know how to clean teeth properly with one, there are a number of bonus features offered by electric toothbrushes which make them the go-to option when choosing between an electric or manual toothbrush:

• Interchangeable brush heads. The ability to choose your brush head means you can pick one that works best for you, for example the Philips Sonicare premium plaque control or gum care toothbrush heads.
• Multiple modes. Some electric toothbrushes allow you to choose your mode, according to your toothbrushing preferences.
• Specialised indicators. Some electric toothbrushes like the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 have an indicator to let you know when it’s time to change your toothbrush head.
• Pressure sensors. Some electric toothbrushes, such as the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean, have a sensor which will let you know if you are pressing too hard.
• Smart technology. Some electric toothbrushes come with an app that allows you to learn and improve your brushing habits.

Now that you know the key electric toothbrush benefits, it’s time to learn how to brush properly using an electric toothbrush.

How to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush

So, you want to know how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush? We’ve got you covered. When it comes to brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, the technique matters.

Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush requires a slightly different brushing technique than a manual one. So, if you have an electric toothbrush, follow these steps for how to use an electric toothbrush:

1. Place the electric toothbrush head on your gums at a 45° angle to the gum line.
2. Position the brush so that the bristles cover the teeth and gums equally.
3. Work row by row and go over all surfaces including the interior, top and exterior.
4. Brush for about 5-10 seconds per tooth to loosen the plaque.
5. While electric toothbrushing time is usually determined by the toothbrush itself, approximately 2 minutes is recommended by the NHS. ³

With this guide we’ve explored how to clean teeth properly using an electric toothbrush and why it is important. Now, you can not only answer the question, “should I get an electric toothbrush”, you are also better equipped to choose the toothbrush best suited to your teeth and maintain a healthy smile.