Are Electric Toothbrushes Really Better?

If the commercials are to be believed, that’s a resounding yes. You’ll see the electric toothbrush companies making big claims. “Removes 99.9% of bacteria.” “More effective than manual brushes.” “Better for plaque removal!”

What’s true? What’s just marketing?

Electric toothbrushes are generally considered better than the manual alternative. They not only remove bacteria and staining agents more effectively but they help optimize your routine in ways that just aren’t possible with the $2 manual alternative.

Does that mean you need one? Let’s get into it.

Improved Power

It is legitimately true that electric toothbrushes are quite a bit more powerful than their manual alternatives. Studies have shown they can eliminate up to 20% more plaque, which is not insignificant.

That increased power can come with consequences. If you aren’t careful, you can hurt your gums using an electric toothbrush. Applying too much pressure or using the wrong technique can lead to gum recession and sensitivity.

The key is to let the toothbrush do the work—gentle, steady movements will get the job done without causing harm.

Timers

Most electric toothbrushes now come with timers. When you activate them, they will automatically run for two minutes—the dentist-recommended brush time. They will also vibrate four times during that period.

This is your reminder to change sections of your mouth. It’s easy to laugh this feature off. Do we really need to spend $100+ just to remember to do as the dental office posters advise and “brush all the teeth we want to keep?”

But timers can add consistency to your routine. They help ensure that you aren’t just going through the motions and quitting early. Maybe, more importantly, they will hold you to that two-minute recommendation in a way that manual brushes simply won’t.

App Integrations

Many electric toothbrushes now come with app integrations. They’re Bluetooth-powered, which means they feed data right to your phone. From the app, you can get in-depth insights on how long you’re brushing, what parts of your mouth get the most attention, and where your technique might need improvement. And okay—this invites the question of how much time any of us are really going to give our toothbrush.

The timer has already doubled the amount of time many people spend brushing. Now we’re supposed to watch a play-by-play on our phones afterward?

Maybe, maybe not. While spending precious free time obsessing over brushing stats might not be in the cards, having access to that data can still be helpful.

You don’t need to check it every day. Just an occasional review can help fine-tune your routine.

Lots of Settings

Electric toothbrushes also come with a range of settings to personalize your brushing routine. Daily clean. Sensitive teeth. Gum care. Whitening.

Options you can filter through to meet your specific goals and needs. While most people will choose one setting and stick with it forever, it’s still nice to have choices. And you never know. One day you might wake up with sensitive teeth. Or maybe a renewed commitment to whitening your smile. When that moment comes, won’t it be nice to have ready-made settings in your corner?

Context

All of that is great, but it’s important to remember—electric toothbrushes have only been around since 1954. Teeth, on the other hand, have been around for quite a lot longer. While oral hygiene has come a long way in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, thanks in part to inventions like the electric toothbrush, it’s not exactly fair to say that teeth were lost without it either.

Electric toothbrushes can be really great. However, it’s important to keep context in mind. Most of the people who ever lived didn’t even have the option to buy an electric toothbrush. They weren’t so much the worse for it. If you can comfortably afford an electric toothbrush, then by all means, take advantage. If you’re on the fence, you can justify the cost as a sensible investment in preventative care. If it’s a stretch, or just not a financial or personal priority at the moment, don’t agonize over it.

The better investment is in your overall routine. Brush your teeth 2–3 times per day. Make sure you are getting two minutes per session. Stay informed and commit to your treatment plan. At Integrated Dental, we specialize in connecting people with affordable, easily accessed preventative care. There are lots of ways to protect your smile. Find the method that makes the most sense for you.