Manual Toothbrushes Are Making a Comeback. Here’s Why…

We’re living in the age of the electric toothbrush. From fancy sonic models to AI-powered brushes that critique your technique, it seems like everyone’s convinced that manual brushing is about as outdated as dial-up internet. But did you know there’s a growing crowd of people who are quietly sticking with their trusty manual toothbrush? And they’ve got some pretty compelling reasons...

This isn’t just about nostalgia or being stubborn about change. According to the UK Manual Toothbrush Market Size & Outlook report for 2021-2030, the UK manual toothbrush market is actually experiencing steady growth, with revenue estimated at USD 255.8 million in 2021 and projected to reach USD 447.2 million by 2030. That’s a compound annual growth rate of about 6.4%.

So what’s driving this comeback? It turns out that for many people, the best toothbrush isn’t necessarily the most high-tech one. Instead, it’s about finding something that fits your lifestyle and values while meeting your oral health needs. 

From environmental benefits to superior control, below we consider why manual toothbrushes are winning back converts from the electric revolution. Plus, we suggest the best manual toothbrushes that are kinder to the planet. 

A Brief History of Toothbrushing: From Twigs to Nylon

Before we look at why manual toothbrushes are having their moment, let’s take a quick trip back in time. Humans have been prioritising oral hygiene for millennia. In fact, toothbrushing dates back to 3500-3000 BC in Egypt and Babylon, where people used frayed twig ends to clean their teeth.

The Chinese were particularly innovative, developing “chewing sticks” around 1600 BC and creating the first bristle toothbrushes in the 13th century using hog hair and bamboo. There’s even a record from 1223 of Japanese Zen Master Dogen Kigen observing monks using horsetail hair and ox bone brushes.

These designs eventually made their way to Europe and evolved into the mass-produced toothbrushes we recognise today. The modern manual toothbrush was patented in 1938, following the invention of nylon bristles. This isn’t exactly cutting-edge technology by today’s standards, but sometimes the classics stand the test of time for a reason.

Why Manual Toothbrushes Remain a Popular Choice

Affordability and Accessibility

Here’s something that never goes out of style: value for money. Manual toothbrushes typically cost between 80p and £3, making them a manageable expense for most people. Compare that to electric toothbrushes, which can set you back anywhere from £20 to £200, and you can see why your wallet might prefer the manual option.

But it’s not just about the initial cost. This affordability makes it much easier to follow dental recommendations and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You can pick up a manual toothbrush at virtually any supermarket, pharmacy, or high street store, which means you’re never stuck without one when it’s time for a replacement.

Simplicity and Control

There’s something refreshing about the straightforward nature of a manual toothbrush. No charging cables, no multiple settings to figure out, no wondering if the battery will die mid-brush. Just you, the brush and complete control over your brushing technique.

This control is particularly valuable if you have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums. With a manual brush, you can adjust the pressure and speed exactly to your comfort level, which is especially important for people who need a gentler touch. Plus, manual brushes are generally more flexible and easier to manoeuvre around your mouth than their electric counterparts, which often have more compact bristles.

Some people also prefer the tactile feedback you get from a manual toothbrush over the buzzing sensation of electric models. It’s all about personal preference.

Portability and Convenience

If you’re someone who travels frequently or likes to keep a spare toothbrush in your gym bag or desk drawer, manual toothbrushes are unbeatable for convenience. They’re lightweight, compact and require absolutely no batteries or charging.

There’s something to be said for the reliability factor, too. No worries about finding the right power outlet abroad, no concerns about electronic malfunctions and no need to pack extra chargers. Your manual toothbrush will work just as well whether you’re at home in Hampstead or camping in the Scottish Highlands.

The Eco-Friendly Appeal

Now, this is where things get really interesting. The environmental benefits of manual toothbrushes − particularly those made from sustainable materials − are becoming a major draw for environmentally conscious consumers.

Manual toothbrushes generate significantly less electronic waste than their powered counterparts and consume no electricity, which reduces your carbon footprint. This trend is particularly strong among Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are actively seeking biodegradable and plastic-free oral care products.

In fact, eco-friendly manual toothbrush sales in the UK are growing faster than traditional plastic options, now making up around 18% of the market share, according to the report cited earlier. Major retailers are increasing shelf space for sustainable toothbrush brands, driven by consumer demand and policy measures on curbing single-use plastics.

Manual vs. Electric: A Deeper Dive into Cleaning Performance and Sustainability

Clinical Effectiveness

Right, let’s address the elephant in the room – which type of toothbrush actually cleans your teeth better? The answer might surprise you.

According to a UCL/Trinity College report referenced in the GOV.UK evidence-based oral health toolkit, while powered toothbrushes may reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushes, the clinical relevance is unclear, and there is no evidence that any toothbrush type is superior for preventing cavities and tooth decay.

However, electric brushes do have a slight edge when it comes to removing plaque.

A 2014 study by the Cochrane Oral Health Group found that powered toothbrushes can reduce plaque by 11% in the short-term and 21% in the long-term compared to manual brushes. They also reduce gingivitis by 6% short-term and 11% long-term. An 11-year study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in 2019 even showed that electric toothbrush users experienced 19.5% less tooth loss due to reduced gum disease progression.

The mechanical advantage is also clear: electric toothbrushes can deliver up to 48,000 movements per minute compared to a manual brush’s 300-600. They often feature smaller heads for hard-to-reach areas and built-in timers to ensure you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.

That said, good oral hygiene ultimately depends on brushing technique, motivation and consistency. A properly used manual toothbrush can be just as effective at maintaining oral health, and it has the added benefit of easily cleaning your tongue and the inside of your cheeks for complete mouth hygiene.

Environmental Impact: Beyond the Brush Head

The environmental story gets quite complex when you dig into the details. A life-cycle assessment published in the British Dental Journal found that an electric toothbrush has an environmental impact 11 times greater than a bamboo toothbrush, with transport being a significant contributor due to weight.

The real villain here is plastic. Fossil fuel-derived polypropylene, used in plastic brushes, has the largest environmental impact. According to the BBC, of the 380 million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually, 43 million comes from consumer products, with 14 million tonnes being polypropylene.

Recycling plastic toothbrushes is problematic because their small size and composition of various co-moulded polymers make them unsuitable for standard recycling streams. Even when recycling is possible, it’s often uneconomical for cheap materials like the HDPE used in toothbrush handles. Brett Duane, associate professor in Public Dental Health at Trinity College, has also pointed out that even recycled plastic can result in 13% ending up as microplastics in wastewater.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainability:

1. Replaceable heads: Plastic manual toothbrushes with replaceable heads were rated highly for sustainability in a UCL and Trinity College study. The TePe Choice manual brush, with its reusable wooden handle and plant-based replaceable heads made from castor oil, offers 80% less plastic waste.
2. Plant-based alternatives: Brands like The Natural Family Co. are producing cornstarch toothbrushes that are compostable once you remove the nylon bristles.
3. Hybrid innovation: The Suri electric toothbrush represents a step in the right direction with its aluminium handle, cornstarch brush heads and castor oil bristles, plus a send-back recycling scheme.

While bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, their sustainability depends on responsible farming practices. Companies like The Humble Co. are committed to sustainable sourcing, but it’s worth noting that large-scale bamboo farming could potentially impact biodiversity if not managed properly.

Choosing the Right Manual Toothbrush for You

Key Features to Look For

Bristle type: Most dentist recommendations favor soft bristles for optimal dental care, offering effective plaque removal without damaging your teeth and gums. While hard and medium bristles have historically dominated the market, soft-bristled toothbrushes are gaining popularity due to dentist-approved guidance and increased awareness of gum health.

Toothbrush head size: Choose a small to medium-sized head that comfortably fits in your mouth and can easily reach all areas, including your back teeth. If you’re struggling to get to those hard-to-reach spots, a smaller head might be the answer.

Handle design: Look for a handle that provides a good grip and feels comfortable in your hand. Ergonomic designs can make a real difference, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that affect dexterity.

Top Eco-Friendly Manual Toothbrush Brands in the UK

1. The Humble Co. Bamboo Toothbrush: It comes with vegan bristles and eco-certified packaging and is widely available across the UK.
2. TePe Choice: It features a reusable wooden handle with replaceable plant-based heads made from castor oil, offering 80% less plastic waste and ranking highly in sustainability studies.
3. WooBamboo: A well-known UK brand producing biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes with soft, BPA-free nylon bristles.
4. Hydrophil Bamboo Toothbrush: Made from sustainably sourced bamboo with biodegradable packaging, plus they contribute to clean-water projects.
5. Colgate: Even traditional brands are getting on board with their Bamboo Charcoal series and Colgate Keep reusable aluminium handles.

Mastering Your Manual Brushing Technique

Proper technique is absolutely vital for effective dental hygiene with a manual toothbrush. Here’s how to use a manual toothbrush effectively:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Positioning: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
2. Strokes: Use gentle, short strokes, focusing on one or two teeth at a time.
3. Coverage: Cover all areas – the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
4. Gumline care: Brush gently along the gumline to remove plaque and prevent gum disease, but avoid too much pressure.
5. Tongue cleaning: Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh – this is actually a key advantage of manual brushes.
6. Timing: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn-out toothbrush won’t clean effectively, regardless of your technique. For comprehensive cleaning, consider pairing your manual brush with interdental brushes or floss for spaces between teeth.

The Future of Manual Toothbrushes: Innovation and Sustainability

The manual toothbrush market isn’t standing still. Companies are continuously innovating with new bristle designs and eco-friendly materials that push the boundaries of what a “simple” toothbrush can achieve.

We’re seeing exciting developments in new materials. Companies like GSK Consumer Healthcare introduced the Dr.BEST GreenClean toothbrush in 2021, featuring a handle made from renewable cellulose and wood-based bioplastic, with bristles made of 100% renewable castor oil and plastic-free packaging.

The shift towards circular design - creating toothbrushes that fit into a sustainable lifecycle - is particularly promising. There’s more emphasis on reusable handles, recyclable components and even using waste streams to create new materials. Overall, it’s an exciting time to be in the manual toothbrush game.

Wrap Up

Manual toothbrushes are proving that sometimes the classic choice is still the smart choice. Whether you’re drawn to their affordability, simplicity, environmental benefits, or just prefer the control they give you over your oral care routine, there are plenty of compelling reasons to stick with manual.

The best toothbrush is ultimately the one you’ll use effectively and consistently, whether that’s a high-tech electric model or a trusty manual brush. What matters most is maintaining good oral hygiene habits and finding an approach that works for your lifestyle and needs.

If you’re curious about which option might work best for your individual situation, we’d love to help you explore your choices. Get in touch with Hampstead Orthodontic Practice for personalised advice on creating the perfect oral hygiene routine for you.