A: Overall, studies show that electric toothbrushes do a better job with cleaning. I tend to agree and have seen patients who have had difficulty with home care have an overall decrease in plaque, calculus and stain when using an electric toothbrush. I think it’s a combination of the brush being more effective and patients brushing for longer because of the two-minute timers that many of these brushes have.
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With that being said, you do not need to have an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth effectively. A manual brush will do a great job if used properly and for the two-minute recommended brushing time.
Always select a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles. A small head is also preferable to more easily reach behind the last molars.
— Dental hygienist Denise Stepka, RDH
