Smarter: Which Is Better, Electric or Manual Toothbrush?

Jul 25, 2023

This week I’m covering our recommendations on how to keep your teeth and your toothbrush clean. Also in this issue: How your car insurance might be affected by your credit score and zip code, and the best way to treat head lice.

THE BIG STORY

As a kid, my teeth were a wreck, which probably explains why as an adult, I’m a bit obsessive about keeping my teeth clean. I haven’t had a cavity in five years, and knock on wood, I hope to never have one ever again.

It’s important to take care of your teeth, and so I’ve rounded up our best advice on dental care.

Which is better, electric or manual toothbrush? Cleaning-wise, electric toothbrushes have a slight edge when it comes to removing plaque, according to a 2014 review of studies. They might also be a boon for certain groups, such as older adults with arthritis who don’t have the dexterity to use a regular toothbrush effectively.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t clean your teeth thoroughly with a manual toothbrush. If you’re brushing your teeth with the right technique and your dentist thinks you’re doing a good job, you don’t have to throw that regular toothbrush away.

What’s the right way to brush your teeth?First of all, make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, 2 minutes at a time. Be thorough and focus on brushing two teeth at a time. Your toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle so that you’re cleaning both your teeth and your gums.

And don’t apply too much force! Aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession and damaged tooth enamel.

How can you keep your toothbrush clean?Rinse your toothbrush with tap water until it’s clean, then store it in an upright position and let it air-dry. Make sure you don’t keep your moist toothbrush in a closed container, because that can encourage bacteria growth.

And if you’re thinking about sanitizing your toothbrush with mouthwash, maybe don’t. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says soaking toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash might actually spread germs under certain conditions.

Best electric toothbrushes of 2023.Prices for electric toothbrushes can vary widely, from less than $10 to more than $200 for models with rechargeable batteries, multiple brushing modes, smartphone integrations, and other features.

We tested electric toothbrushes for their cleaning performance, how easy they were to use, battery performance, and noise level. Here are the three top-rated models.

MUST-READS OF THE WEEK

🚗 How Credit Scores and ZIP Codes Can Make Car Insurance Much More ExpensiveIn New York, certain drivers with poor credit are quoted more than $1,300 extra on car insurance.

🫘 Are Beans Good for You?And which should you buy?

💩 Best Toilets for $200 or Less (Available to CR members)You don’t need to break the bank to get a toilet that will, you know, do what it’s supposed to do.

HERE'S OUR VERDICT

Photo: Sleep Number Photo: Sleep Number

Should you get an adjustable bed frame? This is what we say.

If you’re considering it for health reasons, such as managing the pain of a bad back, it’s best to keep your expectations tempered. It might provide some benefits, but an adjustable bed frame really isn’t a must-have item.

However, it can be helpful in making you feel more comfortable sleeping with your head raised, which can help reduce snoring and acid reflux.

And if you’re looking for a good mattress, here are the best ones according to our tests (available to CR members).

THE FINAL SAY

If you have head lice, wet combing is the way to go.

"This is why we can’t have lice things."

Pang-Chieh Ho

I'm a newsletter writer who likes looking into the different ways we can live smarter. The topics I cover typically explore unanswered questions we have about the products we use every day and bridge the gaps between what owners' manuals advise and what we actually do. In my spare time, I like to take photos, critique movies out loud while I watch (at home!), and take care of my ever-increasing plant "children."