When it comes to the price of products, a common logical fallacy people fall to is the appeal to wealth fallacy. This happens when people assume something is simply better because it is more expensive. If we are not careful, we might fall to the fallacy that an electric toothbrush is probably better than a manual toothbrush.
However, the truth is a little more complex than that. The modern manual toothbrush we know today was invented in 1938. People have been brushing with a manual toothbrush for 80 years and it still does a good job removing bacteria stuck between the teeth and gums.
If we do not brush the accumulated bacterias may turn into a tooth plaque or even decay. This is also why we need to brush our teeth regularly as the plaque will accumulate in your mouth before you know it. Some individuals, particularly many Japanese have the habit to brush their teeth right after every meal to keep their breath fresh, as the buildup of bacteria will cause bad breath.
Enter the electric toothbrush. In 1954, Dr. Philippe Guy Woog invented the Broxodent an electric toothbrush for Broxo S.A. This toothbrush was manufactured in Switzerland. Philippe created the toothbrush for this patient with limited motor skills and for patients undergoing orthodontic patients (E.g. those with braces).
Ever since then, the debate has raged on. Is the electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush? Read on to find out.
Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush
In 2014, a study published in the Cochrane Library by researchers from the NHS and the University of Bristol found that electric toothbrushes were better than the manual toothbrushes in reducing the chances of plaque and gingivitis (red & swollen gums prone to bleeding) by 21% after the 3rd month of use. The study found that “powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushing in the short and long term.” Based on this data, you might think that it’s time to change to an electric brush.
However, despite electric toothbrushes having a slight edge, the difference tends to be pretty minimal. This, according to an interview conducted by SELF with periodontist Dr. Steven Daniel. There is no obvious difference in maintaining oral health using an electric or manual brush, what really matters is the brush you’re holding twice a day to clean off all the accumulated bacteria and dirt.
The Benefits Of Using an Electric Toothbrush
Using an electric toothbrush does come with some advantages. The brush generally works on either vibration, rotation (circling) or oscillation (back and forth) to clean the teeth, Most electric toothbrushes have a timer to indicate when you should switch area or stop brushing to ensure you do not under or over brush your teeth.
Some people think that using harder bristles are better for your teeth as it’ll be able to scrub off the dirt, but in reality, it only cleans the outer area and the tough bristles are not flexible enough to reach deep into the necessary areas. If you brush your teeth vigorously, you might cause your gums to bleed and damage it on the long run. This is why an electric toothbrush usually comes with soft bristles and keep all your strength in check and ensure you have the right amount of brushing.
According to dentist Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, D.D.S an American Dental Association spokesperson, electric toothbrushes “make sense for people with dexterity issues due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, or just aging in general.”
If you would like to get an electric toothbrush, IUIGA’s Pro Clean Sonic Electronic Toothbrush vibrates at 31,000 strokes per minute and removes more dental plaque along the gumline, improving gum health and even comes with 4 replacement brush heads!
The Benefits Of Using a Manual Toothbrush
It’s cheap and travel-friendly, which gives you no excuses to skip brushing. With various designs, textures, and sizes, you can change a new toothbrush anytime as well, making it the most popular choice of brushing.
At the end of the day, you do not need an electric toothbrush to achieve great oral hygiene, a manual toothbrush will do just fine, but the electric could make your brushing experience more convenient.
The bottom line is that you don’t automatically need an electric toothbrush for great oral health, but it can help in certain situations. “People have individual needs and abilities and skills. If an electric toothbrush helps them stay healthy and avoid having additional decay, it can wind up being a good investment,” “Sometimes it really makes a difference in people who are struggling to stay healthy but always on that ragged edge of falling back into disease and infection.” says periodontist Dr. Steven Daniel.
If you would like to get a manual toothbrush, IUIGA’s 3-Flex Soft Bristled Toothbrush Set of 4 is armed with 3 different types of ultra soft and anti-bacterial bristles, that keep plaque at bay. Features a silicone strip that offers a non-slip grip. Slim, lightweight and functional, it is the perfect travel-friendly toothbrush.
Word of Warning – Don’t Overbrush
Whichever toothbrush you decide to use, don’t get carried away with brushing. Brushing teeth excessively with either manual or an electric toothbrush is bad for your dental health. Too much pressure and too frequent brushing can abrade enamel, or the root if the gum has receded.” This abrasion, he says, can cause teeth to become hypersensitive to hot and/or cold. says dentist Dr. Eli Friedman.
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