provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
HomeHealth ConditionsDental Care

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes: Which One Is Best for You?

Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDSKarla Robinson, MD
Published on February 14, 2023

Key takeaways:

  • There are many pros and cons of electric and manual toothbrushes. Picking the right one for you can lead to healthy teeth and gums.

  • Electric toothbrushes are much faster and more effective at plaque removal than manual toothbrushes. But manual toothbrushes can work well to prevent gum disease when used properly.

  • The electric toothbrush may be better for children, people with braces, and those at high risk of gum disease. The manual toothbrush may work best for those who travel or need a low-cost option.

Electronic and traditional toothbrushes are shown side by side on a pink and green background.
Firn/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Faster doesn’t always mean better. But in the case of toothbrushes, it may actually be true. There are advantages to the daily use of an electric toothbrush, but it also comes with some disadvantages.

There is no one-size-fits-all option in the toothbrush market. So when shopping for that perfect toothbrush, you need to know what to look for and which features are most important to you. 

What should you look for when picking a toothbrush? 

Whether shopping for an electric or a manual toothbrush, there are some common things you should look for:

  • Soft bristles:Medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes may cause your gums to be irritated and pull away from your teeth. 

  • The right size: If the head of your toothbrush is too bulky, you won’t be able to get to those hard-to-reach areas. This makes your toothbrush less effective.

Search and compare options

Search is powered by a third party. By clicking a topic in the advertisement above, you agree that you will visit a landing page with search results generated by a third party, and that your personal identifiers and engagement on this page and the landing page may be shared with such third party. GoodRx may receive compensation in relation to your search.

What are the differences between electric and manual toothbrushes?

The main differences between electric and manual toothbrushes are how they are powered and how much they cost. A manual toothbrush is powered by your hand, arm positioning, and movements. To remove the plaque from your teeth effectively, you must be able to move the toothbrush in a circular motion throughout the mouth. 

An electric toothbrush is powered by either a rechargeable battery or disposable batteries. When you position it gently against the teeth, the electric toothbrush does the cleaning for you. But they tend to be more expensive due to the technology and features available.

What are the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes?

There are many advantages to using an electric toothbrush. When compared to the manual toothbrush, they have faster-moving bristles and are better at reducing plaque and gingivitis. They also have a larger handle. This makes it easier to use and hold for people with conditions that may limit hand motion.

Other good reasons to consider electric toothbrushes include:

  • Pressure sensors: prevents gum irritation from brushing too hard

  • Timers: alerts you when you have brushed the recommended length of 2 minutes

  • Digital reminders: indicates when the brush head needs to be replaced

  • Bluetooth technology: helps keep track of brushing progress

But there are some disadvantages as well. Some cons to using an electric toothbrush are:

  • Higher cost 

  • Loud motor

  • Batteries that need to be recharged or replaced

  • Less convenient to travel with

What are the pros and cons of manual toothbrushes?

There are many pros to using the manual toothbrush. Advantages include:

  • Low cost

  • Easily available

  • Lightweight

  • No batteries needed

  • Convenient for traveling

The disadvantages of using a manual toothbrush are:

  • It’s less effective at removing plaque when compared to the electric toothbrush.

  • You can’t tell when you are brushing too hard.

  • It’s not ideal for patients with disabilities or who have trouble moving their hands.

Who are electric vs. manual toothbrushes best for?

Electric toothbrushes are best suited for those who find it difficult to brush for the recommended 2 minutes, like children. There are many added features, such as timers, that can motivate a child and make brushing more fun for them. 

Those who wear braces or are at high risk for gum disease may also benefit from an electric toothbrush. That’s because of the increased plaque removal that the powered toothbrush offers.

Electric toothbrushes tend to have larger handles. This feature benefits those who may have conditions that limit hand motion. This may be useful for people who may have:

  • Arthritis

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Limited movement from a previous stroke or injury

  • Advanced age

Manual toothbrushes have no power or moving parts. Therefore they are lightweight and quiet. They are great for those who travel often or are hypersensitive to sounds or vibrations. 

The bottom line

There are pros and cons to both electric and manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are faster and better at getting teeth clean. But they can be costly and inconvenient. When used properly, a manual toothbrush can be as effective as an electric toothbrush. But if you have trouble moving the toothbrush on your own, it won’t do the job as well. 

If you’re not sure which toothbrush is best for you, talk to your dental provider for guidance. 

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDS
Dr. Grigsby-Young is a general dentist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Karla Robinson, MD
Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

References

American Dental Association. (2022). Toothbrushes.

Yaacob, M., et al. (2014). Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

View All References (1)

Zanatta, F. B., et al. (2011). Biofilm removal and gingival abrasion with medium and soft toothbrushes. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Was this page helpful?

Get the facts on Dental Care.

Sign up for our newsletter to get expert tips on condition management and prescription savings.

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.