I get what you mean about the timer—mine buzzes like a tiny drill sergeant, and now I can’t seem to brush without waiting for the “all clear.” But honestly, I’m still on the fence about whether electric is that much better. My dentist keeps pushing it, but I’ve always been pretty obsessive with my manual brush (probably too much, given how many bristles I flatten). I did try an electric one for a while, but didn’t notice a huge difference in my gums or plaque. Maybe it’s just me? Or maybe my technique is just… aggressively thorough.
I will say, though, the bleeding gums thing is interesting. For me, switching to a softer manual brush and being less of a scrubber did more than any fancy gadget. Not saying electrics are bad—just not sure they’re a miracle for everyone. Still, if it helps you dodge the floss lecture, that’s a win in my book.
For me, switching to a softer manual brush and being less of a scrubber did more than any fancy gadget.
That’s actually a really common experience. Technique matters so much more than the brush itself for a lot of people. I’ve seen folks who flatten manual bristles just like you said—usually means they’re brushing too hard, which can actually make gums bleed more. Electric brushes can help with pressure control, but if you’re gentle with a soft manual and taking your time, you’re probably getting great results. The timer’s nice for consistency, but honestly, whatever helps you avoid that “floss lecture” is working.
