Electric Toothbrushes
Although the jury is still out on whether electric toothbrushes categorically clean better than their hand-operated counterparts, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. Many of these brushes offer special features -- like a timer to remind you when to switch sides-- that may help you to brush your teeth more effectively. They're great for lazy brushers who often times don't get a thorough scrub with a manual brush, and for those who have dexterity problems or arthritis.
The Newest on the Block
Most recent additions to the major manufacturers' oral care line.
|
|
|
Braun Oral-B Vitality  - Two-minute timer encourages users to brush longer.
- Has a rubberized ergonomic grip.
- Rechargeable battery.
- Compatible with a wide variety of other Oral-B brushheads.
- Features a FlossAction brushhead for advanced cleaning.
|
Philips Sonicare Elite e9500 - Two-speed settings and two customized brush heads.
- Programmable Quadpacer -- a 30-second timer that reminds you when to move from one quadrant of your mouth to the next.
- Lighting system indicates battery level.
|
Philips Sonicare Extreme e3000 - With extra soft bristles, this brush is gentle on braces and brackets.
- Two-minute shut-off timer.
- Runs on two AA alkaline batteries.
- Available in two fun colors -- blue and orange.
|
Tried and True*
Electric (or power) toothbrushes tend to fall into two categories -- Expensive vs. Affordable. Typically, pricier models boast extra (often times fancier) features, many of which don't necessarily enhance the end result -- a clean set of chompers. Varying speed settings, LCD screens, multiple brush heads, and sensors are just a few of the added features the pricier models sport.
| Recommended Pricier Brushes |
|
|
|
Philips Sonicare Elite 7500 - Chosen as the best by more publications than any other brush.
- Features include comfort, ease of use, ultrasonic bristle movement, two speeds, and a rechargeable battery.
- In addition, beeps after 30 seconds to remind you to switch quadrants and shuts off automatically after two minutes.
- Costs about $115.
|
Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7000 series - Chosen as a good value at about $70.
- Features include cleaning by both pulsation and oscillation, pressure sensor (shuts off if you press too hard) and thirty second and two minute reminders (no automatic shutoff).
- Although the Sonicare is a little easier to use, the ProfessionalCare has many of the same features for less money.
|
Braun Oral-B Triumph ProfessionalCare 9400 - The smartest toothbrush on the market - it has four brushing modes, tells you when to change the head, has a detailed battery meter, and even smiles at you when you brush for the full two minutes of the timer.
- Does a $140 toothbrush clean better than a $3 manual? Not much better, no. But, if a computerized brush is what it takes to get you to brush for two minutes twice a day, it might be worth the money in the long run!
|
*From Consumersearch.com
Go Where No Toothbrush Has Gone Before
If you're shopping for an electric toothbrush you will see that they are categorized according to the motion they use: - side-to-side
- circular
- ultra-sonic vibration
- rotation-oscillation- using a circular head that spins back and forth in quick bursts
- counter oscillation- tufts of bristles rotate in different directions simultaneously
Keep in mind that depending on the model you choose, some come with standard AA batteries which will need to be purchased in addition to the toothbrush itself. Otherwise, the toothbrush will come with a recharging stand.
Is It Worth It?
Many people scoff at electric toothbrushes, saying that they are a waste of money. While dentists say that fluoride toothpaste combined with a minimum of two minutes of brushing twice a day - with any kind of toothbrush - is your best defense against cavities, these electric toothbrushes, primarily the rotation-oscillation brushes removed around 7% more plaque and led to 17% less gum disease than manual brushes.
Furthermore, anyone who has arthritis or dexterity difficulties may benefit greatly from an electric toothbrush.
If you are a coffee drinker, studies show that using an electric toothbrush can do more than just help reverse gingivitis and shrink periodontal pockets, but also significantly reduce coffee, tea, and tobacco stains.
Money Matters
If you don't want to spend a lot of money but you still want to reap the benefits of keeping your mouth really clean and healthy, opt for a model like the Waterpik Vibe Electric Toothbrush AT-200 which sells for only $10, or for a real steal at $3 there is the Braun Oral-B Electric Toothbrush.
Some inexpensive models that are fun for kids: this fun light up toothbrush by HoMedics that only costs $16, a Bugs Bunny toothbrush, or a Disney Princess model for $25. There are also toothbrushes for fans of Hello Kitty and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
If you don't mind spending a little more, there are myriad brands to choose from: Sonicare, Waterpik, Oral-B, Optiva, Braun, or Panasonic. For the top of the line brushes, you can expect to pay $70 or more.
Don't forget the "consumables" - toothbrush heads need to be replaced every three to four months. In addition, battery powered brushes will need a change of AAs every two months or possibly more frequently. A rechargeable brush may not be more expensive in the long run.
Bottom Line
In the end, what matters the most is that you brush your teeth for two minutes a day with a fluoride toothpaste. If a snazzy, fun-to-use electric toothbrush motivates you to do this more than your ordinary toothbrush, it is worth the investment. As my grandfather says, "Be true to your teeth or they will be false to you!"
Video Review
Related Products for Dental Hygiene
|
Shopping Directory
Philips Sonicare Elite e9500
