Can’t Beat The Basics – Using a Manual Toothbrush

A large portion of the population still uses a manual toothbrush.  These old-fashioned yet effective brushes do not require batteries or cords.  You don't have to worry about them breaking.  They will serve you well for upwards of 100 days or longer.  Here is an in-depth look at manual toothbrushes to help you determine if this style of brush is ideal for your mouth.

Is a manual toothbrush the right toothbrush for you?

Manual Toothbrushes Clean Teeth Just as Well as Electric Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes clean teeth just as well as the electric variety, when the individual uses them properly. While the manual variety forces an individual to do some extra work, he or she can clean the teeth just as well with this affordable toothbrush. So do not assume the individual has to shell out upwards of a hundred dollars simply because a high-tech electric model is available. The manual toothbrush is likely doing a fantastic job of cleaning the teeth.

Variety of Manual Toothbrushes

Part of the appeal of manual toothbrushes is the wide variety of styles, colors, heads, bristles, handles and so on. People can choose hard, soft or medium bristles. People can choose a small, large or medium size head based on the nuances of their unique mouth.  Some manual toothbrushes even have special designs to appeal to children.

Mobility

Another advantage of manual toothbrushes is that people can travel without having to worry about packing a charger, batteries and all the other stuff required of the electric variety.  Just throw a plastic protective cap on the manual toothbrush, put it in a sundries bag with some travel size toothpaste.

Manual Toothbrushes put Minimal Pressure on the Teeth and Gums

People can feel exactly how much pressure is applied to the teeth when one is doing the brushing. This way, one will not put too much pressure on the teeth. The same feel is not provided by electric toothbrushes. This means that people are less likely to cause damage to the tooth enamel, endure pain and/or sensitivity when using a manual toothbrush.

Manual Toothbrushes are Affordable

Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive compared to the electric variety. In fact, people might get one for free from the dentist.  Though the manual variety is cheap, it should still be replaced every two to three months to ensure the brush heads actually perform a deep clean of the mouth.

Are There any Flaws With Manual Toothbrushes?

This type of toothbrush forces one to do the cleaning rather than relying on the battery-powered head of an electric toothbrush to do the job. If one does not mind moving the toothbrush around the teeth in circles, then it is best to stick with the manual toothbrush.  Some people complain that manual toothbrushes lead to elongated or abbreviated brushing sessions as there is no timer built in like there is with most electric toothbrushes.

How to Select the Best Manual Toothbrush for Your Mouth

Pinpointing the perfect manual toothbrush for your unique mouth is easier said than done.  Above all, the toothbrush should have a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and soft bristles that do not damage your teeth or gums.  Be sure to discuss the many different toothbrush options with your dentist to determine which type is ideal for your idiosyncratic oral health needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with us, call (505) 634-5029. Our dental office is located in Albuquerque. Call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC today.