The last dentist I visited told me that I should stop using a manual toothbrush and instead, purchase and use an electric one. He says with this, I will not brush my teeth too hard. What’s the difference between the two types of toothbrushes? I still brush my teeth (gently now) twice a day and floss after every meal. Is this just a gimmick to get me to spend more money?
R.R.P.

Dear R.R.P.,
a) Effective toothbrushing
For the average person, scientific research has shown that an oscillating rotary toothbrush (meaning the brush spins in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions) cleans the teeth significantly better than an ordinary manual toothbrush.
However, rotary and manual toothbrushes can be equally effective for a person with good toothbrushing techniques – a proper toothbrushing technique counts more than the type of toothbrush used (or the frequency of brushing, or the length of time spent brushing, or even the toothpaste used). For a person with an average or less than average toothbrushing technique, a rotary toothbrush will probably benefit them more.

b) Brushing too hard
Brushing too hard can happen with any type of toothbrush. However, the electric rotary toothbrush will whine louder when you apply too much pressure – a signal to indicate that you should ease up on the pressure.
For manual toothbrushes, use only ones with soft bristles. If your brush bristles become frayed in one to two months, chances are you are brushing too hard. Another method to help you brush more gently is to hold your toothbrush using the pen grip, as opposed to the tennis racket grip.