Patient Education
Electric vs. manual brushes
What the Research Says
Is an electric brush worth it?
There have been multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of manual and electric toothbrushes. Although not all electric brushes are the same, these studies conclude that electric brushes are generally more efficient at controlling plaque than manual brushes.
Theoretically, you can do a very good job with a regular hand brush — but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more effective. Some electric brushes (such as Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that are difficult to mimic by hand, while others (like Oral-B and Rotadent) have small heads that help you access hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
That access matters even more if you wear orthodontic braces or have a history of gum disease — the areas that trap plaque are exactly the ones a small, powered head cleans best.
Not sure which brush suits you? Ask us at your next visit — we’ll recommend one based on how your teeth and gums are actually doing.
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