Families have debated the question of manual toothbrushing over electric for decades, so you may be excited to discover that a long-term study has settled the science. After 11 years of research, a study published in 2019 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Periodontology determined that people who use an electric toothbrush have fewer cavities and healthier gums. They also lost fewer teeth than people who brushed manually.

What makes electric toothbrushes so much more effective in fighting gum disease and tooth decay? The secret is the rotating head, which can remove more plaque than most people reach while brushing manually. Many electric toothbrushes have a brushing timer that can encourage users to brush longer, getting teeth and gums cleaner as well.

While an electric toothbrush is more expensive initially than a manual one, the difference in its effectiveness may save you money at the dentist’s office. Perfect checkups are good news for every patient—so brushing twice daily with an electric toothbrush can help you get there.