Anyone shopping for a new toothbrush today can quickly feel overwhelmed. The range extends from a one-euro manual brush to high-tech devices that connect to your smartphone via an app. As dentists, we are asked this question almost daily: “So which one is actually better?”
The honest answer is: the best toothbrush is the one you enjoy using regularly. That said, from a medical perspective there are clear differences in efficiency and handling. Let us bring some order to the jungle of terms so you can make the right decision for your oral health.
1. The Manual Toothbrush: The classic for skilled users
Many patients swear by manual brushing – and that is perfectly fine, provided the technique is correct.
- The challenge: To achieve results comparable to an electric toothbrush, a manual brush requires precise motor skills and proper technique (such as the Bass technique). Simply “scrubbing” can damage the gums (abrasive brushing defects) while still leaving plaque behind in hard-to-reach areas.
- Our recommendation: If you brush manually, do it systematically. Use soft to medium bristles and avoid excessive pressure.
2. Oscillating-Rotating Brushes (The “Round” ones)
These are the classic electric toothbrushes with a small, round head that rapidly rotates back and forth, often combined with pulsating movements.
- How they work: The small brush head surrounds each tooth individually. Instead of brushing movements, you simply guide the brush slowly from tooth to tooth.
- The advantage: With a high frequency (around 8,800 rotations per minute), plaque is broken up very effectively. The compact head is ideal for patients with a strong gag reflex or limited jaw space, as it allows easy access to the back molars.
3. Sonic Toothbrushes (The “Vibrating” ones)
Often confused with ultrasonic brushes, sonic toothbrushes work differently. They usually have an elongated brush head similar to a manual toothbrush and are driven by a sonic transducer rather than a rotating motor.
- How they work: With 30,000 to 60,000 vibrations per minute, sonic brushes combine mechanical plaque removal with a hydrodynamic effect. This means the mixture of saliva and toothpaste is accelerated in such a way that it reaches into interdental spaces—areas the bristles cannot physically touch.
- The advantage: They clean gently over a wide surface area. For patients with sensitive gums or fixed orthodontic appliances, this is often the most comfortable option.
4. True Ultrasonic Toothbrushes (A niche solution)
This is where confusion is most common. A true ultrasonic toothbrush (not sonic) operates at up to 1.6 million vibrations per second (megahertz range). You cannot hear or really feel it.
- How they work: A special toothpaste is required that forms microbubbles. The ultrasonic waves cause these bubbles to implode, disrupting bacterial cell walls. There is virtually no mechanical friction—sometimes referred to as “contact-free brushing.”
- The advantage: This is a specialised solution for people who cannot or should not brush mechanically – for example, immediately after jaw surgery or in cases of extremely exposed, painful tooth necks. For everyday use, however, it can feel unfamiliar and is less widely used.
Our Conclusion – and the most important tip
Whether “round” or “sonic,” studies consistently show that electric toothbrushes are superior to manual brushes in plaque removal, mainly because they compensate for common brushing errors.
One crucial feature you should always look for when purchasing an electric toothbrush is pressure control. Modern devices warn you with a light signal or automatically slow down if you press too hard. This feature is your best protection against gum recession.
Not sure which system suits your teeth best? Simply bring your current toothbrush to your next professional cleaning appointment—we’ll be happy to check it with you.