There was a time when your biggest decision in choosing a toothbrush was soft or firm bristles … and maybe the handle color. These days, consumers face seemingly endless options in the oral-care aisle, with dozens of electric-powered models, each boasting an array of features. They promise to whiten, remove plaque and combat gum disease — all while talking to your smartphone. Dental professionals agree that the stroke efficiency of an electric toothbrush — which essentially does the work for you — beats a manual model, hands down, but a decent one can cost anywhere from $40 to $300 or more.
Do you really need to break the bank to keep your teeth healthy? For some answers, I went to three oral-care specialists。Here are their tips on what to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush.
Avoid user error. Technique is more important than the tool. “People assume they know how to use a toothbrush, but you need to read the directions on how to effectively use the specific model you choose,” Hedrick says. One may advise you to slowly pass the brush over your teeth, while another may instruct you to pause over each individual tooth. Following the instructions allows the brush to do the work for you.
Must-have feature No. 1: a timer. The ADA and the experts we spoke with all recommend that people brush their teeth for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant) twice a day. Although almost all electric brushes come equipped with a two-minute timer, look for those that signal you — usually by a change in vibration — each 30 seconds, so you know to move to another part of your mouth
Must-have feature No. 2: a pressure sensor. The brush should skim tooth surfaces to get rid of debris; excessive pressure can harm both your teeth and gums.
How to choose. The best way to narrow down your choices is to look for a model that has both of those “must-have” features. (Many of the less effective toothbrushes won’t have both.) Round vs. oval brush heads are a matter of personal preference, and it’s okay to try a variety of heads to determine which best fits your needs. All electric toothbrushes come with a standard head and will offer a complete and thorough cleaning.
As for whether to go with a spinning head or one that vibrates, it also comes down to personal preference, Israel says. You can get a satisfying cleaning with either. An oscillating toothbrush spins as the circular head cups each tooth it passes over. Sonic brushes resemble a manual oval toothbrush and use sonic waves (vibrations) to break off food or plaque at the gumline up to about four millimeters away from where the bristles touch your tooth.
Consider handle size. Hedrick says if you are older or have grip issues, certain electric toothbrushes may be challenging to hold, because the handle is thicker to accommodate internal batteries. It may pay to check out a display at your local retailer to find one that feels comfortable in your hand.
Seek advice from an expert. Instead of plowing through online reviews or standing helplessly in front of an expansive toothbrush display, talk to your dentist or hygienist. They stay up-to-date on what’s out there, they know you and your issues, and they’re happy to make recommendations.
Post time: Jan-02-2023
