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# Electric or Manual Toothbrush?
- URL: https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/electric-toothbrush/
- Published: 2025-04-08T07:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:01:10.000Z
- Description: Sonic, rotating or classic: which toothbrush makes sense for whom, and the most common brushing mistakes.
- Author: Hassan Al-Johmani M.Sc.
- Tags: #t-prophylaxe-pflege-en, #lang-en, #ki-bild

The choice in the chemist’s is huge. The good news: you can brush well with any toothbrush – technique is what counts. Electric toothbrushes, however, make it easier for many people.

In short

Studies show that electric toothbrushes – especially oscillating-rotating ones – on average remove somewhat more plaque and reduce gum inflammation more than manual toothbrushes. But if you brush systematically and gently with a manual toothbrush, you can also achieve good results. What matters are soft bristles, two minutes of brushing and little pressure.

|                  | Manual toothbrush        | Electric (rotating/sonic)  |
| ---------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| Cleaning effect  | good with good technique | slightly better on average |
| Pressure control | no                       | often built in             |
| Timer            | no                       | yes                        |
| Cost             | low                      | higher, replacement heads  |

![Electric toothbrush and manual toothbrush side by side on a washbasin](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/content/images/size/w960/2026/10/rg-zahnbuerste-3.webp)![](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/assets/img/eu-ai/ai-generated-white.svg)

Both can clean well – technique makes the difference.

## The most common brushing mistakes

- too much pressure – damages the gums and tooth necks
- scrubbing horizontally across the teeth
- always starting in the same place and losing focus at the back
- forgetting the inner surfaces and the last molars
- brushing hard straight after acidic food

Read more
- [Cleaning between your teeth](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/cleaning-between-teeth/)
- [Receding gums](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/receding-gums/)
- [Prevention in Nuremberg](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/teeth-cleaning-nuremberg/)

Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via [online booking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/book-appointment/) or by phone on [0911 554181](tel:+49911554181). You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).

## Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the brush head?

About every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed.

Which toothpaste?

A fluoride toothpaste (for adults usually 1,450 ppm fluoride). There are special toothpastes for sensitive teeth.