Brushing is an inevitable part of our daily lives if we must keep clean. What we call the toothbrush (usually associated with the manual toothbrush) today dates back as far as the 1930s and over the centuries there have been changes made to this fascinating invention of man.
Whether manual toothbrushes or electric (or powered) toothbrushes should be used isn’t really a contentious issue since both come with merits and demerits. A critical examination of the pros and cons of both types of brushes can, however, help in making a choice.
Comparison: Manual and Electric Toothbrushes
COST
Unarguably, an electric toothbrush would cost more than a manual one does. So, where the economy is an important factor for consideration, it will be wiser to settle for a manual toothbrush since a good and thorough cleaning can still be achieved.
HOW PORTABLE IS IT?
A manual toothbrush is very handy and easy to carry about. All you will need will be a toothbrush case and you’re good to go. The electric toothbrush, on the other hand, is bulky and comes with either batteries or a charging cable. These constitute extra baggage and might not be easy to package.
If you’re the non-travelling person, an electric toothbrush wouldn’t be a bad option, but if you are the traveling type, the manual toothbrush will more often be a better option to settle for.
Ease of Use
Talking now in terms of energy expended and work done, the electric toothbrush is far less energy-demanding than the manual toothbrush. In the case of the electric toothbrush, the bristles roll by themselves as power is supplied either by batteries or electricity. All you’ve got to do is place it in the correct position and let it do the cleaning.
The manual toothbrush, on the other hand, requires more effort from the user. So, for people with arthritis and frequent body pains, the electric toothbrush will be a better option.
HOW READILY AVAILABLE IS IT?
Another thing to consider is how readily available for use the toothbrush is at any instant.
For the manual toothbrush is always readily available for use. The electric toothbrush, on the other hand, is limited in availability for use as it is dependent on the state of the batteries or availability of electric power supply. You can imagine what a fix you’ll find yourself in if when you are ready to brush using the electric toothbrush, the power supply is suddenly cut off or you discover that the batteries are low and cannot power the brush.
So, when considering ready availability for use, the manual toothbrush is the better option of the two.
WHAT ABOUT DURABILITY?
The manual toothbrush can be said to be more durable than the electric toothbrush, though this depends to a large extent on carefulness of the user and ability to maintain things. If the manual toothbrush drops, it can be picked up and rinsed without fear of damage but if the electric toothbrush drops, it can be as good as damaged already.
So, if durability is a factor to be considered, I will choose the manual toothbrush over the electric toothbrush. If you’re the meticulous type, however, you can go for the electric toothbrush.
With the above and much more, making a choice between the manual and the electric toothbrush shouldn’t be a herculean task. However, whether the toothbrush is manual or electric, it will most definitely be useless if it cannot guarantee a good and hygienic oral condition.
