Yes, there is. The purpose of brushing your teeth is to remove food and plaque. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that can infect your gums. Plaque that isn’t removed can harden and turn into tartar. When tarter develops above the gum line, gums can become irritated, swell and bleed. This condition is called gingivitis.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using either use a manual or powered toothbrush. Make sure the brush has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates the company has proven that the product is effective and safe. Specifically for toothbrushes, the seal means that:
All parts of the toothbrush are safe for brushing
Bristles have no sharp ends or points
The product is durable for normal use
Normal use won’t cause bristles to fall out
The brush provides s significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque
Your child might think an electric toothbrush is fun and that can encourage brushing. Adults and children should brush twice a day. You should also floss once a day, and it doesn’t matter whether you brush or floss first. Toothbrushes wear out every three to four months, and therefore lose their effectiveness, so you need to replace them. A systematic review of studies done in 2004 compared manual with electric powered toothbrushes and showed that rotating oscillating toothbrushes provided a more significant benefit than manual toothbrushes. They helped reduce cavities and periodontal disease.