Brushing your teeth regularly and thoroughly is necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, nearly half of all people fail to brush their teeth at least twice a day or for the recommended amount of time.

A poor choice of toothbrushes (with bristles that are too hard) or poor brushing habits (brushing too hard or too fast, or neglecting all of the nooks and crannies) can also contribute to diminishing the benefits of proper brushing.

Electric toothbrushes have proven to be more effective than regular toothbrushes when it comes to maximizing the effects of brushing. Since there are a number of different versions on the market, to help you make the right choice, here are a few factors you should consider.

How to choose an electric toothbrush

Just as there are different types of conventional toothbrushes, there are also different types of electric toothbrushes. The toothbrush that works best for you will depend on your personal preferences, the desired level of comfort and the technological features each model offers.

Each of the electric toothbrushes on the market employs its own unique method. However, there are two primary types: rotating brushes that spin around and oscillating brushes that move from side to side. There are also brushes that emit pulsations to move the brush back and forth with the goal of helping to dislodge dental plaque. You can benefit from the best of all worlds by opting for a toothbrush that combines all three movements (rotation, oscillation and pulsation), thus eliminating up to 100 percent more plaque than a regular toothbrush.

Are you looking for a toothbrush to meet a specific oral hygiene need? If so, you can opt for a specialized electric toothbrush.

Here are some examples of the specialized toothbrushes currently available on the market:

  • 3D White: this brush polishes and whitens the teeth from the very first day, thanks to the ActionCup® polishing head, which eliminates stains.
  • CrossAction: this is the most advanced brush from Oral-B. It eliminates up to 100 percent more plaque than a regular toothbrush, as the orientation of the bristles is at an optimal angle.
  • FlossAction: this brush does a superior job of cleaning the spaces between the teeth, thanks to its MicroPulse bristles.
  • Sensitive Clean: this brush provides gentle cleaning, thanks to extra-soft bristles, making it perfect for those with sensitive gums.

No matter which model of toothbrush you choose, you mustn’t forget that the performance of the brush alone won’t do the trick. When it comes to maintaining good oral health, the way you brush your teeth counts for a lot. Experts recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. If possible, it’s ideal if you brush after each meal and at night before going to bed. You should finish by using dental floss and mouthwash to kill the bacteria that form plaque, which can lead to gum infections.

How much does an electric toothbrush cost?

Are you convinced of the value of an electric toothbrush in terms of improving your oral health? If so, you may be wondering how much you’ll have to pay for one… Are they expensive?

The truth is that the range of prices is as vast as the choices in electric toothbrushes. Here again, the key is to determine your needs and your budget. Although an electric toothbrush is obviously more expensive to purchase than a regular toothbrush, several models are still quite affordable and will offer you excellent value for your money.

The additional features that come with the toothbrush will have a direct influence on the price. The more sophisticated the brushing modes are, the more expensive the toothbrush will be.

Electric toothbrushes: with or without extras?

With different types of toothbrushes come different brushing modes and possibilities for personalized settings. For example, for regular everyday plaque removal, there’s a Daily Clean mode. For people with particularly sensitive gums, the Sensitive mode is ideal, as it produces less movement. On the other hand, if you want to stimulate your gums, a Gum Care mode is also available.

Electric toothbrush cleaning modes:

  • Pro-Clean: this mode offers a longer brushing cycle, making it possible to access hard-to-reach places.
  • Whitening: this mode helps whiten the teeth by removing surface stains.
  • Tongue Clean: this mode helps treat problems at the root of bad breath.
  • Gum Care: this mode stimulates the gums, thereby improving their health.
  • Daily Clean: this mode efficiently cleans the teeth, preventing the buildup of plaque.
  • Sensitive: this mode, intended for people with sensitive teeth and gums, moves the brush more gently for added comfort, but without sacrificing cleaning efficiency.

Pressure sensor and timer

In addition to the numerous personalized features offered with the different brushing modes, there are other options that may prove useful for certain people. These include a pressure sensor, which interrupts the movement of the brush when the pressure exerted on the teeth is too great. After all, brushing too hard can cause premature wear on the enamel.

The timer option is also very practical, as it lets you know how long you should brush each quadrant of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left). Furthermore, if you forget a quadrant, a position sensor will enable you to ascertain which zone you neglected!

Finally, whether your electric toothbrush costs $30 or $300, when purchasing it, pay particular attention to the size and weight of the brush and the shape of the brush head. It’s very important that you feel at ease holding the toothbrush in your hand. Brushing your teeth should be easy and comfortable.

Do electric toothbrushes come with a warranty?

The warranty offered with disposable electric toothbrushes is generally very limited. However, this isn’t the case with rechargeable toothbrushes, which often come with attractive warranties, given the fact that these brushes represent a more substantial investment. Therefore, the warranty is an important factor to consider when choosing your new electric toothbrush.

Are electric toothbrushes suitable for children?

Your children can most certainly use an electric toothbrush, as long as you consider certain factors. Children under the age of five can even use the same toothbrush as their parents by utilizing a replacement head specially designed for them. For older children, there are numerous models of electric toothbrushes with disposable batteries. These brushes feature the likenesses of princesses and superheroes!

However, you should note that this last type of brush will go through a great number of batteries, and its durability leaves much to be desired. If you’re looking for a high-quality electric toothbrush model designed for children, the brushes from Oral-B and Philips Sonicare are well worth considering.

Do you need help choosing an electric toothbrush?

The team at Clinique Dentaire Charles Trottier would be more than happy to offer you personalized advice to help you maintain optimal oral health. Contact us for more information!

 

References :
ORAL B. Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Toothbrush.
PROTÉGEZ-VOUS. Comment choisir une brosse à dents électrique?  [How to choose an electric toothbrush]