Still, I totally get why some folks stick with manual. There’s something comforting about the old routine, and honestly, if it keeps you brushing well, that’s what matters most.
I hear you, but I’ve actually found electric brushes helped me more as I got older. My hands aren’t as steady as they used to be, and with arthritis acting up, holding a manual brush for two minutes just isn’t easy anymore. That buzzing took a while to get used to (felt like a jackhammer at first), but now I barely notice it. The timer is a big help too—makes sure I don’t rush.
I do miss the quiet sometimes, and I still keep a manual brush for travel or quick touch-ups. But for deep cleaning, the electric one just does a better job for me these days. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but if grip strength or dexterity is an issue, it might be worth pushing through the adjustment period. Just my two cents.
Reading this makes me feel a bit better about trying an electric brush. I’ve always used manual, partly because I’m used to it and partly because the idea of that buzzing in my mouth just freaks me out a little. But honestly, my hands cramp up sometimes too, and I never really know if I’m brushing long enough. The timer thing sounds helpful—do you actually find it keeps you on track, or do you end up ignoring it after a while?
I get what you mean about missing the quiet. I like brushing before bed in peace, and the idea of a noisy brush is kind of off-putting. But if it really helps with grip and cleaning, maybe it’s worth pushing through the weirdness. Did you notice any difference with your gums or teeth after switching? I’m a bit anxious about making changes, but maybe I’m overthinking it...
The timer thing sounds helpful—do you actually find it keeps you on track, or do you end up ignoring it after a while?
I totally get the timer thing being a bit weird at first, but for me, it actually helped a lot. I used to rush through brushing and then feel guilty, but the timer kind of made me slow down and just let the brush do its thing. Sometimes I zone out and forget about it, but honestly, the vibration or beep at the end sort of snaps me back.
About the noise—yeah, it's not silent, but I got used to it quicker than I thought. It’s more like a low hum than a full-on buzz. I still miss the quiet sometimes, but my hands don’t ache as much, and I noticed my gums bleed less now. My dentist said my teeth looked cleaner too, which was a relief.
Switching felt like a big deal at first, but after a week or so, it was just normal. I think you’re not overthinking it—change is just awkward. But for me, it was worth it.
I hear you on the timer thing, but honestly, I ended up just ignoring it after a while. I know it’s supposed to help, but sometimes I’d get distracted or just want to be done. Plus, those electric ones can get pricey—not just for the brush itself, but the replacement heads add up. I actually switched back to a regular toothbrush because I felt like I had more control and it was way cheaper. If your hands don’t bother you too much, do you really notice a huge difference? Or is it more about the dentist being happy?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—those electric brushes can feel like overkill and the cost does add up. I used a manual for decades and never had major issues. Only reason I switched was after some gum trouble, my hygienist basically guilt-tripped me into trying an electric. I’ll admit, it did seem to make a difference with plaque, but it’s not night and day if you’re already brushing well. For me, it’s more about being thorough than what kind of brush you use. If your hands are steady and you’re not rushing, manual works just fine.
