The Pros and Cons of Electric, Manual, and Sonic Toothbrushes (2024)

FAQs

The Pros and Cons of Electric, Manual, and Sonic Toothbrushes? ›

Sonic toothbrushes use high-frequency vibrations to reach deeper into hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Manual toothbrushes can be used for a gentle and thorough cleaning but do not have the same deep-cleaning properties as electric or sonic brushes.

First of all, sonic toothbrushes are usually more expensive than manual toothbrushes. That's a disadvantage for those on a budget. However, there are also cheaper sonic toothbrushes on the market that still offer adequate performance.

While both the sonic and electric toothbrushes work well in comparison to the manual toothbrush, the sonic toothbrush is undeniably more efficient in cleaning your teeth. Electric toothbrushes typically have bristles that either scrub forward and backward or rotate in a mechanized motion.

A 2017 study published in the journal PLOS One found that electric toothbrushes were more likely than manual to abrade dentin—the tissue directly below the tooth's enamel, which can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede. Abrasions to the dentin increase tooth sensitivity and can hike cavity risks.

Is an electric brush better than a manual one? A 2019 study aimed to answer that very question. The researchers followed almost 3,000 people for over 11 years. They found that sonic toothbrushes reduce the signs of periodontal disease and the number of teeth lost.

Actually, yes: Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes. Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH, weighs in on the pros and cons of using an electric toothbrush.

Adding a fancy new sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush to your daily dental care toolbox is certainly a good way to keep your teeth cleaner and your mouth healthier, but it's not a substitute for regular visits to your dentist for a professional checkup and cleaning.

These sonic waves contribute a lot to making sure that plaque cells, which are unreachable by the bristle, are broken up. Additionally, the sonic toothbrushes are a great tool for those with sensitive gums or tend to brush overly hard. Since the machine does most of the work, your job would only be to direct it.

Electric rotating-oscillating toothbrushes come with lower power than sonic toothbrushes, but due to the rotating head you can find them quite powerful in removing the plaque off your teeth. Sonic toothbrushes, on the other hand, are considered much more effective thanks to the high level of vibrations they provide.

The video clip shown below is a high amplitude sonic toothbrush vibrating at 30,000 vibrations per minute in a glass of water. High tip-speed (amplitude) sonic toothbrushes remove more tartar and plaque beyond the tips of the toothbrush bristles by a process called dynamic brushing.

Why don't people use an electric toothbrush? ›

Sensation: For some people, simply do not like the feeling of the vibrating toothbrush in their mouth, so for this reason prefer to stick to a manual brush.

Scrubbing back and forth with an electric toothbrush can irritate and wear away at your gums over time, resulting in receding gums. Instead, simply guide your toothbrush along your teeth at a 45 degree angle to your gums – the ideal angle for sweeping away plaque from the gum line.

Common Causes of Toothache After Using Electric Toothbrush

Excessive pressure while using an electric toothbrush can lead to enamel wear and gum irritation, which results in acute sensitivity and toothache after using electric toothbrush.

Uncomfortable sensation: A sonic brush uses oscillatory waves in cleaning the teeth and the gums. This produces a tingling sensation that some first-time users may find uncomfortable. The feeling usually disappears once you get into a routine and use the brush regularly.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that manual brushing is a safe and effective method of dental biofilm removal. Manual toothbrushes are considerably less expensive than powered toothbrushes. There also tends to be more choice in bristle style, ergonomic design, color, and other features.

Absolutely! Using an electric toothbrush every day is generally recommended and can be beneficial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The consistent use of an electric toothbrush helps remove plaque effectively, reaches difficult-to-reach areas, and promotes better overall cleaning compared to manual brushing.

Electric rotating-oscillating toothbrushes come with lower power than sonic toothbrushes, but due to the rotating head you can find them quite powerful in removing the plaque off your teeth. Sonic toothbrushes, on the other hand, are considered much more effective thanks to the high level of vibrations they provide.

Scrubbing back and forth with an electric toothbrush can irritate and wear away at your gums over time, resulting in receding gums. Instead, simply guide your toothbrush along your teeth at a 45 degree angle to your gums – the ideal angle for sweeping away plaque from the gum line.

We frequently get asked which Sonicare toothbrush is best for gum recession. This is our recommendation. This Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 allows you to change intensities to allow you to brush with less intensity if your gums are feeling sensitive. It also alerts you if you're brushing too hard by pulsing.

It also massages the gums to promote blood circulation. It has also been proven to remove staining and reduce the risk of enamel abrasion and gum recession. The smaller brush heads makes it easier to access difficult to reach areas, whilst its contour extends into the gaps in between the teeth.