Are Electric Toothbrushes Better? Benefits & FAQs | Philips Sonicare (2024)

7 minutes

Since the introduction of the first electric toothbrush in the 1950s,¹ the electric vs manual toothbrush debate has continued. It’s not hard to see why: maintaining oral health is crucial for overall wellbeing,² and having the right tools makes it much easier to achieve.

So, are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Are you able to achieve the same results using both? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about using an electric or manual toothbrush including:

• Why choosing the right electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush is key to your oral health.
  
• Electric vs manual toothbrush: The pros and cons of manual toothbrushes.
  
• Why are electric toothbrushes better: What can they do that manual brushes cannot?
  
• Should I use an electric toothbrush?

So, are electric toothbrushes better? Let’s explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Electric toothbrush or manual? Your overall health

Your oral health is often something you take for granted, but did you know it can affect your overall health too? Here’s why it’s important to choose the correct electric toothbrush or manual:

• Not cleaning away the plaque and food residue correctly can lead to gum disease.³
  
• Sugar and other food residue can lead to dental caries.⁴
  
• Incorrect brushing can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis.⁵
  
• Oral health has been linked to other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes; however, finding direct causality remains elusive.⁶
  

Electric vs manual toothbrush: manual toothbrush pros and cons

Let’s examine the benefits and disadvantages of manual toothbrushes to help settle the electric vs manual toothbrush debate:

Manual toothbrush benefits

• A manual toothbrush is the classic, well-known option we’ve probably all used at some point in our lives.
  
• There is a wide variety of options available on the market to help you make a choice based on preference.
  
• Following the correct toothbrushing technique, you can get a thorough clean with a manual toothbrush.
  
• Manual toothbrushes are budget-friendly.

Manual toothbrush disadvantages

• We are only human. We cannot be perfect – no matter how hard we try to follow the right technique and brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.
  
• It can be easy to brush too hard and potentially cause damage to your gums.⁷
  

Why are electric toothbrushes better: The differences

So, are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes? There are several key ways you’ll get better results by understanding how to use an electric toothbrush:

• Knowing how to use an electric toothbrush and unlocking the electric toothbrush’s benefits means knowing how to use their unique features. Pre-programmed settings, for example, help you achieve optimum technique with the correct brushing time and pressure. Knowing the ins and outs of these features can be beneficial.
  
• Designed to offer gentle yet effective brushing, electric toothbrushes often offer more plaque removal than manual brushes.⁸

Top tip: Invest in quality, tested products like the ExpertClean 7300 Sonic electric toothbrush which offers 4x more contact* for up to 10x more plaque removal** and healthier gums in as little as 2 weeks.*^, **

• Built-in sensors can help you monitor and improve your brushing technique.
  
• Smart technology in some toothbrushes means you can track your habits to remain consistent and help you maintain good oral health with a connected app.

Top tip: Smart apps are a great way to get children involved and encourage them to enjoy maintaining their oral health. The Philips Sonicare for Kids Sonic electric toothbrush works with an interactive app to help your children build healthy habits through fun and dynamic learning.

FAQs about electric vs manual toothbrushes

How do I use an electric toothbrush?

Learning how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush is simple:⁷

1. Place toothpaste on the brush head.
   
2. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
   
3. Using light pressure, gently guide the brush around your entire mouth brushing all surfaces of each tooth.
   
4. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes

In just 4 simple steps, you now know how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush!

Get the best results from an electric or manual toothbrush

Here are our top tips, whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one:

Manual toothbrushing tips

• Soft bristles are best as they protect your gums from injury.
  
• You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when it looks frayed or matted.
  
• Be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.
  
• Make sure you follow the ADA guidelines to brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.⁷

Electric toothbrush tips

• Invest in brush heads that suit your individual needs, from whitening to gum care.
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance to choose the right settings for you.
  
• You should replace your brush head every 3-4 months or when it looks frayed or matted.

Did you know…? The ExpertClean 7300 Sonic electric toothbrush has built-in sensors to alert you when you need to change your brushing technique for optimal results. This helps to protect your gums and teeth from damage and improve your overall oral health.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?

So, are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes? To summarize, yes! No matter how you brush your teeth, healthy habits are crucial. From giving you a chance to achieve better technique to offering great tooth coverage, and even telling you when the brush head needs replacing, these products help you achieve better, more consistent oral health.

Does an electric toothbrush fix dental issues?

Unfortunately, an electric toothbrush cannot fix issues already in place, but it can help to improve your oral health moving forward . If you have any additional questions, it’s best to check in with your dental professional. They’ll be able to give you more detailed guidance and advise on your diagnosis and treatment options.

So, should I use an electric toothbrush? Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one, the important thing is to maintain consistent healthy habits. Remember: brushing twice a day for two minutes and cleaning in between teeth with dental floss or water flosser are the first steps to taking care of your oral health.

Disclaimers
* compared to DiamondClean
** more than a manual toothbrush
***in Gum Health mode vs a manual toothbrush at 2 weeks; measured by GBI

Sources

¹ Safety and Design Aspects of Powered Toothbrush—A Narrative Review, NCBI
² Oral Health, MouthHealthy.org
3 Periodontal disease, NIDCR
⁴ Nutrition and oral health, ADA
⁵ Bad breath triggers, JADA
⁶ Oral-Systemic Health, ADA
⁷ Toothbrushes, ADA
⁸ Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health, Cochrane Library

• Choosing an Electric Toothbrush: Which is Best? Read the article
• Plaque in teeth: prevent and remove dental plaque Read the article
• When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth? And Other FAQs Read the article

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