Electric vs. Manual Toothbrush: Which One Is in Your Bathroom?

Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes offer superior benefits in removing plaque, preventing cavities, and reducing gum disease.

Less Plaque with Electric Brushes

The main cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of dental plaque. Therefore, thoroughly removing tartar, smoothing root surfaces, and eliminating inflammation-causing bacteria are essential to treatment. Using the correct brushing technique can help prevent periodontal problems.

A Japanese study showed that electric toothbrushes reduce more plaque and gum bleeding than manual brushes. After three months of using an electric toothbrush, plaque was reduced by 21% and gingivitis by 11%. In contrast, using a traditional toothbrush for the same period reduced plaque by only 11.69% and gingivitis by 6.51%.

According to AC Nielsen data from 2015, the adoption rate of electric toothbrushes reached 52% in Japan, followed by the US at 42%, and over 30% in European countries such as Germany and the UK. Over the past half-century, most people have benefited from electric toothbrushes, enjoying improved oral health and prevention of various dental diseases.

Half of Americans and Europeans Use Electric Toothbrushes

Japan: 52% Adoption Rate

The Japanese Clinical Periodontal Society reports that 80% of adults over age 30 have periodontal disease. According to the society’s director, Yasuhiro Takai, periodontal disease is the leading reason for tooth extraction. It not only affects oral health but is also closely linked to overall wellness, including conditions like diabetes and myocardial infarction.

An online survey in Japan showed that about 60% of the population uses an electric toothbrush. Broken down by age and gender, the highest usage is among men in their 50s (29%), followed by men in their 60s (27.1%).

United States: 42% Adoption Rate

In the U.S., teeth are considered a person’s “second face”—playing a vital role in daily life and even job applications. Americans believe that good teeth are not only essential for health but also a social necessity. In fact, 73% of Americans agree that bad teeth can ruin even the most charming smile.

According to a survey by the American Dental Association, only 8.52% of adults under 64 have periodontal disease. Among seniors 65 and older, that number is 17.20%.

Since the first ultrasonic toothbrush was introduced in the U.S. in 1992, electric brush usage has continued to rise. Based on U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey, an estimated 110 million Americans used electric toothbrushes in 2020—a number expected to rise to 130 million by 2024. The same study showed that 4.61 million Americans use their electric toothbrush more than five times a day, and 26% replace their brush or brush head every six months.

Germany: Over 30% Adoption Rate

After decades of research and public education, most dentists in Germany agree that electric toothbrushes are highly effective. Market research shows that 61% of German dentists believe electric brushes clean better than manual ones.

As electric toothbrushes gained popularity, the oral health of Germans steadily improved. In 2016, the German Dental Association published its fifth national oral health report, which showed that adults and seniors had more healthy teeth than in previous years. Cases of severe periodontitis dropped from 17.4% to 8.2% among adults and from 44.1% to 19.8% among seniors aged 65–74.

The German Dental Association credits this improvement to increased public attention to oral hygiene and the growing use of electric toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash.

United Kingdom: Over 30% Adoption Rate

In the UK, electric toothbrushes have also contributed positively to national oral health. For the first time, in 2020, the Oral Health Foundation reported that more UK adults used electric toothbrushes than manual ones.

Today, around 67% of UK adults use an electric toothbrush. Clinical research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology showed that over an 11-year period, electric brush users experienced 22% less gum recession and 18% fewer cavities.

Electric toothbrushes offer benefits for all ages:

Seniors, especially those with arthritis or who struggle with manual brushing, will find electric brushes easier to grip and more effective at cleaning.

People with braces can clean more easily around brackets and wires.

Children can use fun, interactive brushes that play music or connect to timer apps, encouraging them to brush longer and better.