Manual toothbrushes can help you feel like you’ve got more control over the brushing process, including how hard the pressure is on their teeth. This can be particularly helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums, who are able to respond to twinges of discomfort by applying less pressure.

Manual toothbrushes are also significantly cheaper than electric toothbrushes, making them much easier to replace. As they’re smaller, they also pack more easily when you’re travelling, so you never have to go a night without ensuring your teeth are sparkling clean! One of the main benefits of an electric toothbrush is that they do a lot of the work for you, with a power rotation that helps to loosen plaque.

This can be a huge benefit for people with arthritis or other conditions which limit dexterity. The range of variable speeds can also be helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums, and some of the higher-range electric toothbrushes even have a warning light that acts as an alert if too much pressure is being applied.

Electric toothbrushes are often great for kids who are reluctant to brush their teeth, as electric toothbrushes can seem more fun for them to use. Many electric toothbrushes also include an in-built timer to make sure you’re brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, and give guidance about where in your mouth you should be brushing, to help ensure you brush all four quadrants of your mouth. With both electric and manual toothbrushes, you should look to change your toothbrush or brush head every three months. If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to change your toothbrush more regularly, around every six to eight weeks.

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