HERE'S THE BUZZ
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picking an electric toothbrush
There was a time when your biggest decision in choosing a toothbrush was soft or firm bristles, and maybe the handle colour. Now consumers face many options, with dozens of electric-powered models with various features. They promise to whiten, remove plaque and combat gum disease — all while talking to your smartphone. Dental professionals agree 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? Answers came from three oralcare specialists: Adrienne Hedrick, a general practice dentist with 16 years of experience in Longmont, Colo.; Chicago-based dental hygienist Whitney Difoggio, who founded the Youtube channel Teeth Talk Girl; and Michael Israel, assistant clinical practice leader at Touro College of Dental Medicine in Hawthorne, N.Y.
Here are their tips:
DO BRAND AND COST MATTER?
“A lot of electric toothbrushes look appealing but don't have a lot of backing,” Hedrick says. “I like the major brands, such as Oral-b and Sonicare, because they have proven reliable, and you get a guarantee if something does go wrong.” But don't get caught up in the hype of a top-of-the-line model. The technology is similar across a brand's various options, from basic to high end. “Paying $250 for a toothbrush is insane,” she says. “The brush and how it works is the same, you just get more bells and whistles with more expensive versions.”
LOOK FOR A SEAL
The American Dental Association or Canadian Dental Association awards a seal to oral-care products that are safe and effective. There are several low-cost, “faux” battery-powered electric toothbrushes that are more esthetically pleasing than they are clinically effective.
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.
MUST-HAVE FEATURE NO. 1: A TIMER
Experts recommend people brush their teeth for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant) twice a day. Although almost all electric brushes have 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
“People think the harder they brush, the better. That's a mistake,” says Israel. The brush should skim tooth surfaces to get rid of debris. Excessive pressure can harm both teeth and gums. Look for a toothbrush that reduces the motor power, has a warning light or stops altogether if you apply too much pressure.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Israel says look for a model that has both of those “must-have” features. (Some won't have both.)
Round versus oval brush heads are a matter of personal preference, and it's OK 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,” he says. 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 gum line up to about four millimetres away from where the bristles touch your tooth.
A lot of electric toothbrushes look appealing but don't have a lot of backing. I like the major brands ... because they have proven reliable, and you get a guarantee if something does go wrong.
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 batteries.
A WATER FLOSSER IS NOT A TOOTHBRUSH
To supplement your oral-care routine, consider adding a water flosser, such as the popular Waterpik. These spray high-pressure water to remove food and debris between your teeth and around your gums. Although some combination brush/flossers have made their way to stores, flossing by hand remains the gold standard. Whichever method you choose, floss before brushing.