Are Electric Toothbrushes Really Better? This Is What Dentists Say.
THE YEAR IS 1965, and Bob Dylan is about to shock the world by going from acoustic guitar to electric, subsequently upgrading from major folk act to American icon. When you switch to an electric toothbrush , you're making a similar leap, as these tools are sharper and certainly louder. But are they more effective? I asked a panel of dentists to find out.
Like a great acoustic guitar, there is still a lot to like about manual toothbrushes. Manual options are cheaper, don't require batteries or charging, and are smaller to store or travel with. However, when I asked a roundtable of dentists on which option they prefer and recommend to their patients, the consensus was clear: Electric toothbrushes are better, and by a large margin.
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Think of previous electric innovations, and you're hard pressed to find an option where manual outperforms. Electric cars are more efficient and better for the environment, electric home appliances freed up of literally hours of daily labor, and Highway 61 Revisited is the best Dylan album. Even elsewhere in the grooming space, electric razors are capable of shaving at speeds impossible for traditional blades, and I don't want to think about how dudes used to manage their facial hair before beard trimmers were invented.
In the same way, electric toothbrushes have made major strides over traditional models. Sure, they're slightly heavier and harder to store, but that's where the disadvantages end. As dentist Dr. Joseph Field, DDS , says, 'There are very few reasons not to go electric. It's a no-brainer for better results with less effort.' How exactly are these better results produced? According to the pros, these are the three ways electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes.
More Effective for Plaque Removal
The main goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, as this will prevent cavities, gum disease, and worse, bad breath. Electric toothbrushes are more effective in plaque removal due to the rapid vibrations and movement of the bristles, says dentist Dr. Jon Marashi, DDS . He adds that this offers better results in reducing plaque and removing any lingering debris, leading to better overall oral health.
See, electric toothbrushes come in two variations: oscillating and sonic. Oscillating brushes have oval heads and use a circular motion to break up plaque, while sonic brushes look more like the traditional toothbrush shape and vibrate at high frequencies to clean hard-to-reach areas. Neither is necessarily better than the other; it comes down to personal preference. But both types outperform manual brushes by delivering more consistent pressure and better coverage, according to Dr. Marashi.
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For example, the Quip Ultra electric toothbrush delivers over 60,000 brush strokes per minute. With manual brushing, you're only good for about 200 brush strokes per minute. In fact, one study found that switching to an electric toothbrush results in a 21 percent reduction in plaque and 11 percent dip in gingivitis risk.
Built-In Timers Encourage Sufficient Brush Length
Like a great pop song, brushing your teeth should only take two minutes. This is true whether you're using an electric or manual toothbrush. Simple—but many people still fall short. 'Most people think they brush for two minutes, but if you actually time yourself, it's often way less,' says cosmetic dentist Dr. Joyce Kahng . It might seem like an arbitrary rule, but experts say brushing for less than two minutes greatly reduces how much plaque you remove, since it takes time to clean every tooth surface and get rid of the sticky plaque that traps bacteria.
Electric toothbrushes help you stay on track with built-in timers and alerts, ensuring you brush long enough and cover every area of your mouth evenly, Dr. Kahng says. Newer models, like the Oral-B Series iO Series 10 or Philips Norelco Sonicare DiamondClean , also offer accompanying apps that further breakdown the time you spend brushing to ensure a complete clean. Specifically, you should be spending 30 seconds brushing each quadrant of your mouth, including the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
Improves/Perfects Technique
Brushing your teeth is a lot like kettlebell workouts; without proper form, you lose the benefits and risk serious damage. Many people brush too hard, destroying their enamel and irritating the gums. Others forget to angle the brush toward the gumline, missing plaque that collects at the base of the teeth.
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There is also the common mistake of using a scrubbing motion instead of more gentle circular strokes, which can be less effective at cleaning and more abrasive. Even if you're aware of and well-trained in proper brushing technique, Dr. Kahng points out that this may not consistently hold true when you're half-asleep brushing in the morning.
Electric toothbrushes help ensure proper technique by providing consistent, powered motion that disrupts plaque more effectively. They also make it easier to clean along the gumline, a crucial step in preventing gingivitis, she says. As Dr. Field puts it, electric toothbrushes take the guesswork out of good technique. The pulsating action of the brush head works like a jackhammer for plaque, driving bristles between teeth and below the gumline to loosen buildup a regular brush can't reach, he says.
Dentist-Backed Electric Toothbrushes
Now that I've sold you on the benefits of using an electric toothbrush, you'll surely want to invest in one. But before getting overwhelmed by the transparent volume of options, first consider what the pros recommend. Dr. Marashi rides for the Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush , pointing to its 33,000 sonic vibrations, 40-plus day battery life, and recyclable, plant-based brush heads.
The brush uses plant-based cornstarch for its heads and castor oil for its bristles, cutting down on petroleum-based plastics. Its durable aluminum, fully-recyclable body stands the test of time according to Dr. Marashi. He loves the sleek, compact design, which is half the size of a typical electric toothbrush.
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Dr. Kahng digs the Philips Norelco Sonicare DiamondClean , pointing to its sonic vibrations that clean well between teeth and along the gums. The smart, app-backed toothbrush offers five brushing modes and three intensity levels to match all teeth, regardless of levels of sensitivity, and any oral health goals. For a budget option, she likes the Burst Electric Toothbrush with its ultra-gentle bristles and set-it-and-forget-it subscription for easy brush head replacements. Both Dr. Kahng and Dr. Field recommend the Oral-B iO Series of electric toothbrushes.
The latest of which, the iO Series 10 , is unlike any other on the market today. Its app gives real-time feedback that offers brushing guidance, with advanced micro-vibrations and pressure sensors that ensure you're cleaning effectively without damaging your gums. The device is specifically great for contouring around the gumline, says Dr. Kahng.
Ultra Electric Toothbrush
$119.99 at amazon.com
Electric Toothbrush
$119.00 at amazon.com
Electric Toothbrush
$51.46 at amazon.com
iO Series 10 Electric Toothbrush
$249.94 at amazon.com
DiamondClean 9500 Electric Toothbrush
$279.96 at amazon.com
hum Electric Toothbrush
$74.99 at amazon.com
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