For a long time, manual toothbrushes have been the one and only means of cleaning teeth, and they get better and better over the decades. The oldest known toothbrush was said to be over 5000 years old, which was a thin twig with frays on the end, dubbed the “teeth cleaning twig”. Toothbrushes since then have been available commercially since the 1930s.

Additionally, electric toothbrushes have made their way into markets at the turn of the century, offering customers a viable alternative to dental care. Some patients prefer one or the other, but if you are looking to make a switch of some sort, here is all you need to know about both types of toothbrush.

Manual Toothbrushes

After visiting your dentist in Waterloo Ontario, you’ll often be given a free manual toothbrush to take home with you. Even if you prefer to buy your own manual brush, they are all inexpensive. They don’t cost a lot of money, but they only last about several months before you need a new, clean toothbrush. People often keep multiple brushes in their home until a time in which they need to use them.

Manual toothbrushes tend to be small and portable for the most part. They are travel-friendly and do not require extra belongings such as batteries and cables. Manual toothbrushes also come in multiple styles, colors, bristles, and heads. There are certain toothbrushes that are designed for people with certain conditions, and even one that is great for brushing the tongue.

The caveat to manual toothbrushes is that they you need skillful brushing techniques in order for them to work their best. You will need to take some time to brush in the right ways, which may require some patience.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes have been around for around 20 years. How they work is that you push a button and a motor automatically turns its bristles back and forth. All the user has to do is hold the brush to his or her teeth and the head of the brush does all the work for them.

There are many types of electric toothbrushes to choose from; many of which come with different heads for different conditions and brushing strategies. These include circular heads, side to side, rotation oscillation, and counter oscillation.

Many users argue that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushes, requiring a shorter amount of time in the bathroom to brush your teeth. They are also considered ideal for people who wear braces.

The caveat to electric toothbrushes, however, is that they run on batteries. Thus, they are less convenient to travel with unless you have a power source in order to recharge their batteries.

On top of that, electric toothbrushes have a chance to decline in performance, due to their electric nature. For example, if water gets inside this toothbrush, the motor and everything else inside will respond less efficiently and slower. Electric toothbrushes, while they last longer than manual toothbrushes, are known to be much more expensive. The heads must be replaced every few weeks as well.

Conclusion

Manual toothbrushes have been reliable to people for decades, but electronic toothbrushes are a viable alternative. Manual toothbrushes are travel friendly, whereas electric toothbrushes are known to perform better. Choose the type of toothbrush that you feel more confident in using or ask your dentist for what they recommend. At KWC Dental, we can provide patients with free manual toothbrushes or electronic toothbrushes at a cost.