Many people buy manual toothbrushes without a second thought because they are affordable and easy to find. However, there are a few advantages that electric toothbrushes have that make them a good option to consider for anyone. Here are three benefits of using an electric toothbrush.

More Thorough Cleaning

No matter how quickly you brush, you can't match the speed of the bristles on an electric toothbrush. Brushing harder with a manual toothbrush doesn't make up the difference, either, and brushing too hard can actually damage your teeth and gums.

Electric toothbrushes quickly and effectively remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Because the handle of the brush doesn't have to be moved while you brush, electric toothbrushes are also better at cleaning teeth in the back of the mouth where space is more restricted.

The lack of movement required to brush with an electric toothbrush makes them an excellent option for people with arthritis and other conditions that make brushing difficult or painful. You can simply hold the brush in place over the teeth while the bristles do the work, allowing you to grip with less force.

Less Gum Sensitivity

Unlike electric toothbrushes, the movement of a manual toothbrush can potentially cause pain and irritation in the gums. For some people with sensitive gums, brushing with a manual toothbrush is a painful experience no matter how lightly they brush. If this describes you, an electric toothbrush could give you relief from gum pain without sacrificing the health of your teeth.

Brush Timer

Most people have heard that you should brush for at least two minutes, but few people actually time themselves while they brush. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer feature that will make sure you are brushing long enough. This will naturally improve the health of your teeth by removing much of the plaque that would otherwise be left behind if you didn't brush long enough.

A brush timer is an especially useful feature if you have young children. Children often get bored of brushing quickly, so they are likely not to brush as long as they should. A brush timer gives children a clear indicator of how long they have been brushing, motivating them to continue until the timer goes off.

Using an electric toothbrush is one of the easiest ways to improve your dental health. Talk to your dentist about upgrading to an electric toothbrush for a painless brushing experience that is more effective at removing plaque from your teeth.