The Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Here at Coastal Smiles, we are frequently asked if electric toothbrushes are better than manual. Statistically, people who use electric toothbrushes tend to have lower rates of plaque and gingivitis, but it is mostly down to personal preferences and your brushing technique. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

The Pros

Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and can be programmed to apply the correct pressure while brushing. They make it simple to brush for the entire two minutes and are great for people with limited dexterity. An electric toothbrush is comfortable to hold, and because it does the work for you, then all you need do is to move it from one tooth to the next. Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent choice for kids because they make brushing more enjoyable, helping to build good oral habits. They can also be more effective because the oscillating motion helps the bristles to penetrate even hard to reach areas, removing more plaque.

The Cons

Electric toothbrushes are sophisticated and often quite complicated, so they are inevitably more expensive than manual toothbrushes, and you still must regularly replace the heads. Because they are electric, they are more easily damaged and need to be regularly recharged.