
She has penned stories for Mashable, Everyday Health, HuffPost,, and more.Īdditional reporting for this story by Danielle ZoellnerĪs a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Stephanie Valera covers topics including climate, health, and sustainability. Cooper says, “and that's angling the brush at a 45 degree angle or so … and sliding back and forth beneath your gums.” Proper toothbrush technique is twice per day for about two minutes, making sure to hit the “occlusal surfaces, or the top surfaces, of the teeth” as well as the back sides of the teeth, she adds. “Both are equally effective and thorough in cleaning your teeth if used correctly,” Dr. Cooper says it’s not necessarily about using a manual or electric toothbrush, but instead the technique the person uses when they’re brushing their teeth.
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So, I would definitely still recommend an electric toothbrush in these instances.”Ī consistent debate when it comes to dental hygiene is if an electric toothbrush is better to clean the teeth compared to a manual toothbrush. When a patient has gingivitis, the gums at their gum line are inflamed. “When you have gum recession, your gums have receded to a point where their roots are starting to become exposed. “Usually there is a slower setting if the patient is afraid of putting too much pressure on the gum tissue,” she says. Flynn recommends patients can still use an electric toothbrush but pay attention to the setting options. If you’re concerned about receding gum lines or gingivitis, Dr. If you don’t want to spend any more time thinking about oral care than you need to, automatically having these replacement heads shipped to your home can be a huge help. If you are choosing an electric option, you may want to consider signing up for a timely replacement head subscription to truly take the guesswork out of brushing your teeth. Most electric toothbrushes have simple one-button controls and will vibrate or turn off to let you know you’ve been brushing for a certain amount of time (typically two minutes) to reach an optimal clean. Manual toothbrushes are pretty straightforward, though some might find electric toothbrushes easier to use, and for kids, it may help make brushing more exciting. The handle should be a little wider than usual so smaller hands can grab on and maneuver it more easily. If kids are too young to use an electric toothbrush, choose a manual brush that comes in a kid-friendly color and shape. “Additionally, we recommend parents help kids brush up until the age of eight years old.” “Electric can assist kids who have trouble with the dexterity of their hands get the scrubbing power they need,” notes Dr. So have some fun with it and let your children use an electric brush as soon as they can handle one.” They also tend to get kids more into brushing and taking care of their teeth because they like the vibrations of the brush. “Electric toothbrushes clean better-especially with kids who tend to not get all their teeth properly. “Depending on the age of the child, I usually recommend kids start using electric toothbrushes as soon as they can,” says Dr. and Chief Dental Officer at BURST Oral Care, and Arizona-based dentist Parker Mitchell, D.M.D, agree that using an electric toothbrush can be a better option for kids.

Both are environmentally-friendly options.īoth Shaun Flynn, D.D.S. Those made from non-GMO corn starch or even bamboo.



When buying a manual brush, look for brush handles that are biodegradable. Nowadays, there are way better options to choose from. Traditionally, manual toothbrushes were made of plastic handles and nylon on the brush heads. “That means that are soft enough so that it does not cause damage to the tooth structure,” she says, “and it’s also an indication that it’s been tested by independent reviewers that the toothbrush is effective and won’t damage your gums or your teeth.” Per the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual brushes work equally well to clean your teeth, if you are using them effectively.Īda Cooper, DDS, a New York-based dentist and spokesperson for the ADA, recommends looking for the ADA’s seal of acceptance on a toothbrush when deciding between products. What to Look for in a Toothbrush Your Preferenceįirst and foremost, you need to decide what type of toothbrush you actually enjoy using. If you’re specifically concerned about sensitive gums or teeth, we recommend the Foreo Issa 3, which features soft silicone bristles that effectively help to prevent receding gums and tooth sensitivity. Our top pick for the best toothbrush to boost your oral care routine is the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9300 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush because of its multiple cleaning modes, and settings.
