Manual or electric toothbrush?

I did an experiement several years ago where I locked up my Sonicare and brushed manually for 6 months as instructed. My next exam was noticeably worse. Back to the Sonic care, only now it’s an Oral-B round brush.

What really helped me was the water flosser device. My pockets are noticeably reduce in size and I am finally back to 6 month visits from 4 months visits that were needed to control the pockets.
 
RetiredAndLovingIt said:
I've used brand for many years. it's corded and hooks up to the showerhead. Far less messy and frankly more fun to floss in the shower and you can adjust the intensity of the water jet. Does a really great job and my gums are a lot healthier now.

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That's an interesting approach I'd never seen, I wonder if the pressure is comparable to a standalone unit? I have a standard Waterpik corded unit that I love, and it's not messy with my head over the sink, though some of my golf buddies swear by rechargeable cordless units they use in the shower.
 
Switched from manual to Oral B a year or two ago on the recommendation from the local university dental school student dentist and supervising faculty dentist. The heavens didn't open and no trumpets sounded, but it does seem to do a better job. The brush has a timer to let one know when the recommended 2-minute brushing time has been accomplished.

No surprise, when they move into the clinic the student dentists get free products from both Sonicare and Oral B. Some end up deciding that they like one or the other, but there is no overwhelming preference.
 
I grew up with bad teeth despite regular dental visits- I ALWAYS had more cavities than my siblings despite having the same parents and same diet. My mouth is an expensive mix of crowns and implants so I do everything I can to prevent further issues. I've used a Sonicare for years. Not thrilled about the cost of replacing the heads, even at Costco prices, and the plastic that ends up in landfills, but I think it helps. Bonus: someone here suggested standing on one foot while brushing to practice balance. I now do that for a minute on each foot. Sometimes I stumble but the counter is right there.

At one point the hygienist suggested a WaterPik. I use that every night. When I was out of the country for 3+ weeks and had a dental visit soon after they found all kinds of enlarged pockets. I'd taken the Sonicare but not the WaterPik, which was too bulky. Went back to my regular routine with the WaterPik and the pockets had gone back to their pre-trip size on my next visit.
 
Midpack said:
That's an interesting approach I'd never seen, I wonder if the pressure is comparable to a standalone unit? I have a standard Waterpik corded unit that I love, and it's not messy with my head over the sink, though some of my golf buddies swear by rechargeable cordless units they use in the shower
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I've only ever used these but I can tell you the jet of water that shoots out is super strong and can be adjusted on the handle. In the beginning it's recommended to use a gentle stream but I prefer the stronger jet. I also use it to blast the soup scum that collects on the soap shelf in the shower. Check out the 2 videos on the Amazon product link that shows the product in use.
 
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My 6 year old Sonicare kind of lost its way and I didn't notice. Bought a new one and it is night and day.

My point is: no matter the brand, replace the electric every 5 years. I think the Sonicare just got sloppy in the bearings. It wasn't applying pressure as it was flaying about when the bearings wore out. It seemed to be working, but it wasn't. I could not believe how good the new one worked compared to the old (I could notice the difference of plaque on the teeth.)
 
I started with a Sonicare a couple of decades ago but switched at some point to an Oral B because the Oral B head was smaller and easier to get at my wisdom teeth. I love the 2 minute timer with the quadrant approach. Last year I replaced my old Oral B with a new one since the old NiMH battery in the old one was getting weak. The new one has a lithium battery which lasts for well over a week of brushing. More importantly, I believe, is the new one has a sensor for when you are pressing too hard. I love it!
 
Ian S said:
I started with a Sonicare a couple of decades ago but switched at some point to an Oral B because the Oral B head was smaller and easier to get at my wisdom teeth. I love the 2 minute timer with the quadrant approach. Last year I replaced my old Oral B with a new one since the old NiMH battery in the old one was getting weak. The new one has a lithium battery which lasts for well over a week of brushing. More importantly, I believe, is the new one has a sensor for when you are pressing too hard. I love it!
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I got my no name brand over 2 years ago and the battery still lasts over a couple of months. I also picked another one on Temu last year and it lasts at least 30 days. That one only cost $5 and it works surprisingly well for the price.
 
Ian S said:
I started with a Sonicare a couple of decades ago but switched at some point to an Oral B because the Oral B head was smaller and easier to get at my wisdom teeth. I love the 2 minute timer with the quadrant approach. Last year I replaced my old Oral B with a new one since the old NiMH battery in the old one was getting weak. The new one has a lithium battery which lasts for well over a week of brushing. More importantly, I believe, is the new one has a sensor for when you are pressing too hard. I love it!
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I'm not married to a brand. I just want to mention the newest entry level versions of the Sonicare also have the 2 minute quadrant timer and also the pressure sensor.

Not sure when the patents expired, but it looks like they all are similar. Choose your favorite brand.

I get more than 2 weeks with the new entry level Sonicare using 1x per week with the 2 minute, 4 quadrant timer. In addition, I use it briefly every morning.
 
I thought I'd mention that the latest Oral B we bought (A two pack of the entry model for ~ $60 on sale at Costco) is annoyingly bright when it's charging. The flashing green indicator lights up the bathroom and is so bright you can see the flash under the door in our bedroom... I now charge it away from our master suite. Not a big deal, but may be a deal breaker for some.
 
We had a sonicare for years, until it wouldn't charge anymore. Used manual, then bought another electric generic one at Walmart and used it until it stopped, it definitely didn't last very long. I tried manual again and realized how much better my teeth felt with electric, so bought another generic one off Amazon. So far, it is working great, teeth feel nice and smooth. Floss frequently.
 
Our dentist when we lived in Conroe recommended a Sonic Care which we bought and used. I stopped using it and there was a noticeable increase in plaque buildup when I went for cleanings. Then when we retired the dentist “gave” us both Oral B electrics as part of our first visit. Wife didn’t like it went back to Sonic Care I continued using it and we both seem to do well with minimal cleaning on our exams. Use the electric once in the morning and manual once in the afternoon and always before bed. Sometimes more frequent with manual.
 
Morning: manual toothbrush (soft bristles)
Before bed: Floss, then electric toothbrush for the full 2 minutes (soft bristle brush head), and I don't rinse with water afterwards. I have read that rinsing after brushing is less protective because it washes away the fluoride.
I also make sure not to brush within half hour after eating. Avoiding brushing right after eating helps protect the enamel.

I change brushes every 3 months. I grind my teeth and have a bite guard that I wear every night. My new year's resolution is to start using a waterpik regularly too, although I haven't gotten around to it yet. Not sure where that would fit in - before flossing, between flossing & brushing, or after?

Edited to add: to the OP's question, using the Oral B electric toothbrush is a night & day difference over manual brushing. When I travel overseas and don't bring the electric toothbrush, I don't feel like I'm doing as good a job with the manual and it kind of irritates my gums (prob down to technique). I always feel glad to come back to the electric one.
 
I have a problem with calculus build up that is related to my body chemistry. The hygienist recommended an electric toothbrush to help control it. The vibration of the brush head disrupts the calculus and is good for your gums. I usually put the toothpaste on and take the brush into the shower with me. Great way to get your teeth brush while the shower head is massaging your back.
 
latexman said:
I tried electric a time or two in my life. I didn’t stick with them so I must not have liked them, so I’ve been brushing and flossing manually all my life. No cavities in over 40 years. I still have every tooth, except my wisdom teeth. I don’t see any need to try anything new. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
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Some people are blessed with great teeth (and great mouth chemistry) such that routine oral care is all they need.
 
Electric for the past 15 years or so. Happy with it.
 
Hygienist noticed when I switched from just an electric spin brush to Sonicare.

Wish I had bought the latter right when they came out.
 
What? No survey?
'lectric at home, manual at camp.
 
Decided if it ain't broke no need to fix. . . yet anyway. . . they haven't brought up any issues besides the teeth grinding stuff.
 
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