Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush: How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth is the beginning of good oral health. They are effective in removing plaque and saving us from various dental problems. Also, you get options to choose your toothbrush. The American Dental Association puts a seal of acceptance before launching them in the market. And according to them, both electric and manual toothbrushes with the Seal of Acceptance prove to be safe and effective. Let us learn more about them in detail and understand which one is better for you.

Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are brushes whose bristles vibrate or rotate and remove plaque from the teeth and gum. The vibrations in these brushes provide more micro-movement when you move the toothbrush across your teeth.

Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

• It is more effective at removing plaque and gingivitis from the teeth.
• It eases the process for people who have arthritis, carpal tunnel, and developmental disability.
• It has a built-in timer that prevents you from brushing your teeth for too long.
• If used properly, an electric toothbrush prevents your enamel and gums from further damage.

Manual Toothbrush

A manual toothbrush lasts for a longer period than an electric toothbrush. It doesn’t have the special abilities of electric toothbrushes, but they are still relatively effective for cleaning plaques and preventing gingivitis.

Benefits of Using Manual Toothbrush

• It is effortlessly available everywhere, be it a grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station.
• It does not require charging before use.
• They are relatively more affordable than an electric toothbrush.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

According to the toothbrush manufacturer guidelines and dentists, toothbrushes or electric toothbrush heads should be replaced every 12 to 16 weeks. Moreover, you might need to replace your toothpaste in some cases. If not replaced on time, they could cause problems like tooth decay, discoloration, and gingivitis.

You may also need to replace your toothbrush after recovering from an illness like a canker or sore throat. It is because the toothbrush might contain bacteria and viruses that can infect you again. Therefore, it is the best idea to replace them as per the instructions.

To conclude, both electric and manual toothbrushes work well if used properly. An electric toothbrush makes brushing easier than a manual toothbrush. Still not sure? Talk to your dentist to get advice on the right toothbrush for yourself.

At All Care Dentistry, Dr. David Powell and his team of dental assistants offer you exceptional dental treatments and guidance to help you take care of your dental health. For more information and appointments call us at (801) 266-1414 or book online. You can also visit us at 6065 S Fashion Blvd # 275, Murray, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.