Are electric toothbrushes worth it? Our dental expert weighs in
Posted on February 6, 2025 in Healthy You
Curious about whether an electric toothbrush is worth the investment? Dr. Jeffrey Chaffin, Chief Dental Officer for Delta Dental of Iowa, explains everything you need to know about electric toothbrushes — from their potential to improve dental health to their cost and convenience compared to manual brushes.
Q: Are electric toothbrushes more effective at cleaning the teeth and mouth than manual toothbrushes?
Dr. Chaffin: Studies show that electric toothbrushes can be up to 21% more effective at removing dental plaque compared to manual toothbrushes. Dental plaque contains the bacteria associated with dental cavities and gum disease. That sticky plaque also plays a role in bad breath.
Electric toothbrushes can also be very useful for those with hand grip issues, as holding a manual toothbrush can be difficult for some. Additionally, many newer brushes have apps associated with them that can track your brushing and provide feedback. We recommend that you brush for two minutes, which doesn’t seem that long. However, when you set a timer (often included with the app of an electronic toothbrush), you will see that two minutes is longer than you think.
Q: Are there any specific techniques or tips for using an electric toothbrush effectively?
Dr. Chaffin: With brushing, like many other health behaviors, you should develop a technique and follow it each time you brush. This ensures that you clean all the surfaces of your teeth. Some brushes will have “feedback” in the handle if you push too hard. Let the electric toothbrush do the work — you don’t have to push extremely hard — just gently move the brush around the mouth.
Q: Can electric toothbrushes help with whitening teeth?
Dr. Chaffin: Currently, there is no relationship between whitening teeth and the use of any specific toothbrush. If you are undergoing teeth whitening, sometimes teeth can become sensitive. There are toothpastes that can help with sensitive teeth, and those toothpastes can be used effectively with both electric and manual toothbrushes.
Q: Are electric toothbrushes safe for young children to use?
Dr. Chaffin: Electric toothbrushes come in all sizes and can be safe for children. The parent should monitor children’s brushing regardless if they are using an electric or manual brush. For smaller children, make sure you check on how well a child is brushing — it is important to remove plaque from all surfaces. Some children’s brushes have fun themes and that can make brushing more exciting for kids.
Q: What are the drawbacks of using an electric toothbrush, and are there any potential downsides for certain people?
Dr. Chaffin: The two major drawbacks of electric toothbrushes are cost and the lack of portability. A good manual toothbrush (note that we only recommend soft and extra soft bristles) is less than $5, but electric toothbrushes can cost as much as $200. The cost is a big drawback. For those who travel a lot, two disadvantages for an electric toothbrush are it takes extra space and requires electricity.
Q: Can a traditional manual toothbrush provide the same level of oral hygiene if used correctly, or are electric toothbrushes truly superior?
Dr. Chaffin: Although there is evidence that electric toothbrushes can be better, manual toothbrushes are still a great option as long as you brush the right way. When using the right technique, a manual toothbrush can effectively remove dental plaque. Some people want to use a scrubbing motion when brushing, and that can damage the tooth structure at the gum level. Your dental professional can help ensure that you are using the right technique.
Q: Electric toothbrushes cost more than manual toothbrushes. Are they worth the investment, in your opinion?
Dr. Chaffin: The choice of the type of toothbrush is highly personal. If an electric toothbrush motivates someone to brush longer and more frequently, then the investment may be worth it. I do recommend electric toothbrushes, but I also teach how to effectively use a manual toothbrush. At the end of the day, the best toothbrush is the one you actually use!
And just a reminder: Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, we want you to floss daily as well.