When it comes to the toothbrush, the debate for years has been over which is better: manual or electric? The truth of the matter is that for the most part toothbrushes will keep your teeth clean if you understand how they should be used. The main purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and stimulate the gums, which both manual and electric are able to provide. Below is some information to help you make the decision over which one you would prefer.

Manual toothbrush

The manual toothbrush has been used for many, many years and does have plenty of advantages. The price is the main selling point and you can pick up a manual toothbrush for under £1 from numerous stores, shops and supermarkets. The manual toothbrush also puts less force on your gums and teeth as you control it yourself.  Applying too much force to teeth can wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity problems and an augmented danger of tooth decay.

The manual toothbrush is also extremely useful if you have children as they can easily learn to use them themselves, helping them turn tooth-brushing into one of their daily habits.

Electric toothbrush

However, the electric toothbrush also has a number of advantages. For example they are extremely useful for those who have problems using a manual toothbrush, for reasons such as shoulder problems or arthritis. An electric toothbrush can help an arthritis sufferer clean their teeth much more effectively, without the need to move their joints as they would with a manual toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes also come with added features, such as pressure sensors, which make you aware if you’re applying too much pressure. Some electric toothbrushes also use timers, to show you the best amount of time you should spend cleaning your teeth.

An electric toothbrush with bristles that move in multiple directions has proved to be the most effective device for removing plaque and helping prevent gum disease. This is one of the main benefits of electric toothbrushes, providing as near to a dentist clean as possible. However, the costs of electric toothbrushes are their main downfall, with the lowest price being around £ 20.

Both toothbrushes have their pros and cons but hopefully you now have a little more information to help you make your decision. Remember that whichever brush you choose once the bristles have worn down always change your toothbrush or toothbrush head.