With so many options in the market, deciding whether an ordinary or an electric toothbrush is best for your child can be a complicated ordeal. Is one better than the other? The truth is that they both have their advantages and disadvantages, and their use depends on your child’s particular needs and preferences. A toothbrush’s main function is to remove as much plaque as possible since it is the principal cause of many oral diseases. Thus, the way in which a toothbrush is used is crucial for successfully removing plaque. This is the main difference: there must be vertical movements when using a manual toothbrush, whereas, with an electric one, the movements must be circular. Below, we’ll detail the characteristics of each of these types of toothbrushes.
Manual Toothbrush
Among the many advantages of a manual toothbrush, its low cost is one of the most important ones. It is much less expensive than an electric one, not to mention that it’s more practical because of its size, weight, and the fact that it does not have to be charged. Also, it is easier to control the pressure, the speed and the movements with a manual toothbrush, which is particularly handy in situations such as having sensible gums or after an oral surgery.
Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is more effective in the sense that it removes plaque by its automatic motions as well as the ones given by the user, which helps reach more places. If used properly, it protects the gums from any type of infection. Also, this type of toothbrush facilitates a faster, more accurate and comfortable cleaning. Electric toothbrushes are recommended especially for those who have a disability, either physical or mental since its use is almost automatic and does a thorough cleaning.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes have their own distinctive characteristics. Deciding which one is the right option for your child depends on their particular needs, and personal preferences, of course. If you’d like to book an appointment to discuss what the best option for your child’s oral care is, contact Pediatric Dental Associates now. We are the leading dentists for kids in Fair Lawn and surrounding areas. Call us now at (201) 652-7020.