The electric toothbrush was invented in the 90’s. Did you know that the modern nylon toothbrush (as we know it today) was invented in 1938? Before that, and for over 500 years, people used a wooden or bone handle with boar bristles on the end to brush. And before that, humans chewed on thin branches to clean their mouths.
With all the upgrades we’ve had in other technology we use every day, it’s crazy to think that people have been using the same type of manual toothbrushes for almost 80 years!
So when the electric toothbrush was introduced, it was a pretty big deal. Some seem to swear by its benefits, while others have kept loyal to the classic manual brush.
So, should you upgrade your trusty manual toothbrush to its new-age electric brother? Let’s explore the pros and cons of electric brushes, so you can decide if it’s worth a switch!
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Less work for better results
- Built-in timer to let you know when your two minutes of brushing is up
- Gets kids brushing: great for mischievous or forgetful little mouths, the tickling can be a lot more fun for kids. Plus if their brushing technique isn’t totally developed, the moving bristles help them get the most out of every brush.
Cons
- Extra expense
- Charging or buying batteries can be a hassle
- Bulkier: takes up a lot more space on counter tops, or when travelling
- Not as durable: just like any other piece of electric-powered equipment, your toothbrush is faster, easier, but also prone to breaking if you drop it
The facts on the electric toothbrush
Some studies show that electric toothbrushes remove significantly more plaque, and are better at fighting gum disease than manual toothbrushes. That being said, most dentists agree that as long as you consistently brush and floss correctly, your good oral health will remain just that.
The truth is, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. But if you’re wondering if you would benefit from an electric toothbrush, ask about it at your next appointment. Or, if you’d like to, ahem, brush up on your manual cleaning technique, you can ask about that too. If you have any questions feel free to ask us at your next appointment.
