One of the most common questions I am faced with in the dental surgery is “Which is better? Electric or manual toothbrushes?” And so the answer to that often is a little like… “well it depends”.
The main 3 things that dentists look for in a toothbrush is 1/ a long handle for better reach ability, 2/ soft bristles to minimise any unnecessary excess trauma to the gums and 3/ a small tooth brush head to get into all those ‘hard to reach areas’.
Can a manual tooth brush tick all the above boxes? Yes! But I have yet to find one that is readily available at the supermarket (please prove me wrong colgate, oral-B)
Will an electric tooth brush tick all the above boxes? Yes! And adding to the 3 principles, a 4th. That is, the spinning action of the tooth electric tooth brush will further minimise any trauma to the gingival tissue (gums) had you used a course manual tooth brush in a backwards-and-forwards scrubbing motion.
I haven’t been paid by any tooth brush manufacturer to post this, but having tried the major brands of electric toothbrushes, I would recommend the Philips FlexCare+ as my number 1 pick. The difference between the Philips Sonicare range of brushes and other brands is their patented sonic technology. The sonic pulsation of the toothbrush physically breaks up plaque build up (like a jackhammer breaks up concrete). Research has been compiled http://www.usa.philips.com/c/about_sonicare/140698/cat/ if anyone is interested in the facts and figures.
According to their website, there’s a 28 day risk free trial of the tooth brush if anyone is interested in giving the toothbrush a go 
Now we know who the sensilbe one is here. Great post!
Do you have any recommendations for a manual toothbrush?
Hi Peter,
As discussed, the 3 main things to look out for are a small head, long handle and soft bristles. As long as something ticks those 3 boxes, you’ll be right!