So you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in an electric toothbrush. You’ll be happy to know that there is a wide selection available to you, many at a relatively low cost! A recent perusal of the aisles at a local shop gave a range from $8 to $175. That’s a pretty big range!
Standing in the toothbrush aisle at the local pharmacy can be a little daunting with so MANY choices and options to choose from, at all different price points. Where do you begin?
Battery vs. Rechargeable
Start with deciding whether you want a battery operated toothbrush or one that is rechargeable. The former are much cheaper but not necessarily as well powered and have less options. The latter usually come with more options and they work in different ways. With a rechargeable, you keep the main part of the brush and simply replace the head every three months.
“ Battery power toothbrushes require you to provide all or most of the brushing action, moving the brush back and forth along all sides of your teeth and gums. In contrast, rechargeable electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action while you need only guide it along all surfaces.”
Brush Stroke Styles
There are different styles of brushing available. The brushes may rotate, pulsate, oscillate, counter-rotate or use sonic technology. What’s the difference? Here’s a breakdown:
- Rotating brushes: a group of bristles arranged in circles that rotate.
- Rotating-oscillating brushes have small round heads which rotate in opposite directions.
- Pulsing is an additional feature that helps push the head of the toothbrush against your teeth while it is spinning which in turn helps to remove plaque from your teeth.
- Counter-oscillating is when groups of bristles rotate at the same time in different directions.
- Sonic brushes break down plaque by vibrating at high frequencies and speeds.
Other Features
Typically, the cheaper the brush, the less features it will have. A simple battery operated brush might have one stroke style and one head style with no ability to change it. A higher end model might have different stroke options and interchangeable heads, depending on your needs. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, there will be a mode that will be more gentle that will keep your teeth happy!
A few more options to consider:
- Music or timers to remind you to keep brushing for a full two minutes!
- Timers to remind you to change quadrants, as you are brushing: upper / lower / front / back.
- Pressure sensors that beep to let you know if you are pressing too hard with the brush, onto your teeth and gums.
Who will Benefit Most from Using an Electric Brush?
Electric toothbrushes are ideal for kids who are still learning how to brush their teeth properly, the elderly who don’t have as much dexterity or strength in their hands, or people suffering from arthritis.
If you’re still unsure about what sort of brush would be best for you, talk to us about it on your next visit! Orion Dental has dental offices in both Milton and Scarborough, both with evening and weekend hours, so give us a call today at our Milton dentist office at (905) 636 – 9770 or at our Scarborough dentist office at (416) 291 – 0306!
