Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual—We Asked Experts Which Is Better

For a hygiene practice that’s a twice-daily requirement, having all the right tools to care for your teeth is pretty important. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of an impressive toothbrush selection in the oral hygiene aisle simply asking, “Should I go for the electric toothbrush vs. manual option?” we can assure you that you’re not alone. So which one is better? We asked oral health experts to give us the truth.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes 

Before deciding whether to choose a manual toothbrush or an electric one, you’ve got to first understand the key differences between the two. Obviously, an electric toothbrush does most of the work for you, while a traditional option is wielded entirely by you. 

“Electric toothbrushes use rapid bristle movements, vibrations, or oscillations to clean teeth. They often have built-in timers to make sure you brush for the recommended two minutes and offer pressure sensors to help prevent brushing too hard, which can damage your gums and tooth enamel,” explains William E. Graves, MD, DMD, a doctor of dental surgery in Amarillo, Texas. 

A manual toothbrush, on the other hand, requires you to control the pressure, angle, and motion. Dr. Graves says this is a simple, cost-effective option that gets the job done so long as you use proper technique and brush for the full two minutes  if you use proper technique and brush for a full two minutes morning and night. 

So Which Type of Toothbrush Is Better? 

Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one that you pick up every single day and use. From there, it’s an entirely personal choice. Dr. Graves tells us that both are highly effective at cleaning your teeth—so long as they’re used properly. That being said, electric toothbrushes take out a lot of the guesswork and can make brushing your teeth a more enjoyable, successful process!

“In my experience, electric toothbrushes tend to provide better overall results, especially for people who have trouble maintaining proper technique. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and can reduce gum disease more effectively than manual ones,” Dr. Graves says. “That being said, I’ve also seen patients who use a manual toothbrush with perfect technique and maintain excellent oral health. The key is consistency and brushing correctly.”

Dmitry Nikitayev, DDS, a cosmetics dentist at 209 NYC Dental, agrees that electric toothbrushes probably have the competitive edge. 

“Manual and electric toothbrushes can efficiently remove plaque and help maintain healthy teeth and gums when done twice daily,” Dr. Nikitayev says. “However, an electric toothbrush is more effective because of its rotation, which provides toothpaste to the hard-to-reach areas where cavities are most likely to begin.” 

Pros and Cons of Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

To help make your decision easier, read through these general pros and cons on traditional and electric toothbrushes. 

Pros for Electric Toothbrushes 

• Automates the process and takes the guesswork out
• May be more thorough at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis, according to research
• May be easier to use for those with dexterity issues
• Has helpful technology like built-in timers and pressure sensors

Cons for Electric Toothbrushes 

• More expensive
• Harder to travel with due to bulky size and chargers
• The noise or vibrations may be uncomfortable for some

Pros for Manual Toothbrushes 

• Easy to find and purchase 
• Inexpensive
• Gets the job done as long with proper usage
• Easier to pack when traveling 

Cons for Manual Toothbrushes  

• No pressure sensors or built-in timers that automate the process and ensure gum safety 
• Require proper technique and manual timing, which some people struggle with
• May not remove plaque as efficiently 

Remember: At the end of the day, the best toothbrush is the one you actually use. Also, great technique for either can ensure a thorough clean for healthy gums and teeth, so make it your mission to nail this very important part of your hygiene routine.