According to the American Dental Association (ADA), regular oral cleaning is the foundation for health promotion and oral disease prevention; Manual, Electric and Miswak toothbrushes are all useful in removing dental plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Read more about the pros and cons of each method and choose the one you think will work best for you.

Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes

People are still using the manual toothbrushes for the following reasons: (1) Oral cavity can be easily cleaned thoroughly and (2) Does not require electrical outlets, charging, or batteries. And some prefer to use the electric toothbrushes powered by a rechargeable battery that allow vibration or micro-movements across the teeth. In addition, the electric toothbrush heads can be easily replaced if the bristles are frayed. It can also help anyone with limited disabilities such as carpal tunnel, arthritis and other development disabilities. Few studies show that after 3 months of using electric toothbrushes, plaque was reduced by 21 percent compared to the manual toothbrushes.

SEE ALSO: Do I Need to Invest in an Electric Toothbrush?

However, finding the electric toothbrush head for some brands may not always be easy and you’ll need to frequently replace the batteries. It’s also considered as an expensive alternative to the traditional way of cleaning.

Miswak Toothbrush

Miswak is the oldest natural toothbrush in history that was commonly used in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. In Islamic cultures, Miswak is considered to be “Sunnah” and was recommended by the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as a daily health regimen. It is made from the roots and branches of a tree called the Salvadora Persica, or Arak tree that carries natural remedies in its roots, leaves and branches. Compared to other toothbrushes, Miswak is more affordable and environmentally friendly that is good for your health, wallet and the environment.

Over the past few years, medical publications and dental researchers have examined the oral health benefits of Miswak. Several of these studies reveal that it has a positive impact on your oral hygiene when used correctly through:

• Plaque reduction
• Teeth whitening
• Fighting bad odor
• Killing bacteria
• Increasing salivation
• Helping with nicotine addiction

Make your decision

When deciding whether to use a manual, electric or miswak toothbrush, it’s really based on your preference and oral hygiene habits. While Miswak and electric toothbrushes are known to produce better results, that doesn’t mean you should stop using the manual toothbrushes but most importantly, choosing one that will actually be used. The same results can still be achieved with extra effort and discipline it’s also best to take into account professional recommendations from your dentist.