Manual and Electric Toothbrush – Did you know that toothbrushes come in many forms? There are regular or manual toothbrushes and there are electric ones. Although the function is the same, the two types of toothbrush have a slightly different way of working. Between manual and electric toothbrushes, which one is better?
The way manual and electric toothbrushes work is slightly different. An electric toothbrush uses electricity. So the bristles can move and rotate automatically. While manual toothbrushes must be moved and rotated by themselves using hands.
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Difference between Manual and Electric Toothbrush
Manual and electric toothbrushes both work to remove plaque and food residue on your teeth and gums. Before deciding which type of toothbrush is better, you need to first know the advantages and disadvantages of each.
1. Manual toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes are quite effective in removing plaque from your teeth. In addition, this type of toothbrush also has several advantages :
- Easy to get, be it at a pharmacy, warung, or supermarket
- More practical and does not need to use batteries
- The price is relatively cheap
- Available in many shapes and choices of bristles
- Although it has advantages, manual toothbrushes also have disadvantages. In the use of this type of toothbrush, people usually tend to brush their teeth too hard, so the risk of damaging the teeth and injuring the gums.
But, brushing too hard can also erode tooth enamel or the protective layer of your teeth. Eroded tooth enamel will make your teeth look yellower and darker.
If you use a manual toothbrush, it will also make it difficult for users to know whether the duration of brushing their teeth is ideal or not. Because ideally a good brushing time is for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque by about 21% more than manual toothbrushes. In addition, the use of an electric toothbrush is also less risky for causing gingivitis.
This type of toothbrush is also good for long-term use and is effective in preventing tooth decay. Other advantages too:
- Easy to use
- Equipped with a timer feature that makes it easy to brush your teeth with the ideal time waktu
- It has a pressure sensor feature that is able to detect when the teeth are brushed too hard.
- A good choice of toothbrush for children and people with certain conditions, such as hand arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and people with disabilities.
- It is the right choice of toothbrush for braces or stirrup users because it can make cleaning teeth easier
- Makes users more focused when brushing their teeth, so the results can be maximized
Electric toothbrushes also have their drawbacks :
- Less effective in the elderly in cleaning dental plaque than a manual toothbrush
- The price is quite expensive and not available everywhere, especially in areas far from big cities
- Not practical when used when traveling because you need to carry a spare brush head
So, Manual or Electric Toothbrush?
Whatever type of toothbrush you use, be it a manual and electric toothbrush, it will be equally effective in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth as long as it is done the right way.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least 2 times a day and for at least 2 minutes. In addition, there are several other important things that need to be considered in maintaining dental and oral health :
- Avoid exchanging toothbrushes with other people.
- Choose a toothbrush head that is the right size for your mouth.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft, smooth bristles.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
If you are confused about choosing the right type of toothbrush or have problems with your teeth and gums, don’t hesitate to consult a dentist.
