Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Better?

Manual Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Better?

When it comes to maintaining a happy and healthy smile, brushing twice a day is absolutely essential. But, there’s a lot of options out there and it’s hard to know what’s best for you. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Both have their merits—the right choice comes down to your personal preferences and needs to maintain overall oral health. Let’s break down the pros and cons and see what’s right for you.


Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are a classic! Straightforward, affordable, and accessible to all. They offer a lot of control, allowing you to focus on each tooth and reach specific spots as needed. People love manual toothbrushes primarily because they’re:

  • cost-effective: Manual toothbrushes are more affordable and widely available, making them a budget-friendly option for daily care.

  • precise: You have complete control over pressure and technique, which can be a benefit if you're focused on specific areas that need attention.

  • portable: They're lightweight, require no charging or batteries, and can be taken anywhere—making them a super travel-friendly option.


Cocobrush is beloved for a reason—it's packed with super-soft bristles and made of earth-friendly materials that prioritize the planet’s health
and your oral health.


If you’re confident in your manual brushing technique and that you can maintain consistent pressure and reach all the areas of your mouth properly, then a manual brush could be right for you. 



Electric Toothbrushes


Electric toothbrushes have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. While they’re a little costlier, the technology offers a ton of unique advantages:

  • efficiency: Automated brushing action acts like thousands of brush strokes per minute, making it easier to get a thorough clean. This could be especially helpful for folks who struggle with brushing for the full recommended two minutes.

  • consistency: Many electric toothbrushes have built-in timers, so you don’t have to worry about brushing for too short or too long. They also often have pressure sensors to help avoid brushing too hard, which can cause gum damage.

  • reach: Some electric toothbrushes have specialized heads designed to help clean areas that are hard to reach, such as the back molars or along the gum line.


Exercising caution around electric toothbrushes is important too. Since they’re so powerful, it’s easy to overbrush (instead of letting the vibrations do the work) and increase your chances of gum recession. If you go electric, be mindful of how you brush too.


Of course, going electric requires charging or battery replacements too. Traveling with them also adds a bit of bulk, although they often can come in convenient cases. You can also save by investing in brush head refills— like our Electric Brush Refills that are 60% more effective at cleaning compared to a standard electric toothbrush replacement head.


If you’re searching for a more consistent clean, extra support in brushing for the proper amount of time and with the proper technique, and feel comfortable spending a bit more, then an electric toothbrush could be right for you. 


Ultimately, the decision between a manual and electric toothbrush comes down to what you need and what you’re willing to prioritize. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, portable option and don’t mind taking a little extra time to perfect your technique, a manual toothbrush like Cocobrush is perfect. On the other hand, if you want a more hands-off approach with extra features to help improve your brushing, an electric toothbrush could be a great investment. Electric Brush Refills are there for you too.

No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to keep brushing twice a day to maintain your smile and overall oral wellness. If you’re unsure, you can always talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about your brushing habits for some guidance. Happy brushing!