THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
Good oral hygiene isn’t only necessary for good dental health. It can also affect your overall well-being. From a young age, we’re taught the value of brushing our teeth regularly to keep them and our gums healthy. When toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented in the 1930s, you didn’t have too many options. Now, the options can be overwhelming.
It’s generally accepted that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes, and many dental professionals recommend the former to help maximize their patients’ brushing effectiveness. If you’re contemplating buying an electric toothbrush, there are many different types available, with a variety of features and a wide range of prices.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
Not all electric toothbrushes are created equal, and the one you choose really comes down to your personal preferences and comfort levels. When choosing between different models, understanding the different kinds of electric toothbrushes and their technology may help inform your decision.
Rotating brush heads spin all the way around, while oscillating brush heads move from side to side. Some types of brushes may also pulsate to make the head move in and out against the teeth while they’re spinning to further help dislodge plaque. Oral-B combines all three technologies into their rotating/oscillating/pulsating technology, which helps remove up to 100% more plaque vs. a regular manual toothbrush.
You may also be able to choose a number of specialized brush heads, depending on your specific oral health needs. There are a wide range of brush heads to help personalize your brushing experience, each delivering a different type of benefit:
CrossAction, Oral-B’s most advanced brush head, to remove up to 100% more plaque* with its perfectly angled bristles
3D White to polish for whiter teeth starting from day 1. It whitens by removing surface stains thanks to its polishing cup
Sensitive Clean for a gentle superior clean* thanks to its extra soft bristles for people with sensitive gums
FlossAction provides a superior interdental clean* with its advanced MicroPulse bristles
*vs a regular manual toothbrush
THE RIGHT ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH FOR YOUu
Once you’ve decided what type of electric toothbrush you want, you should investigate the availability of different cleaning modes to adjust the setting, depending on your current needs. For most everyday plaque removal, you’ll use a daily clean mode. However, you may have sensitive gums and might benefit from a sensitive mode that caters to this particular need by producing less movements. You’ll also find the Pro-clean mode for longer brushing times to clean all the hard to reach areas; the gum care mode to stimulate gums; the whitening mode to help whiten teeth; and the tongue cleaner mode to help address bad breath issues.
A VARIETY OF USEFUL FEATURES
Besides all the various types of electric toothbrushes, you’ll also find many handy features in different models. One common feature is a brushing timer to help you know how long you should brush each area of your mouth. Another convenient feature, especially if you have sensitive gums, is a pressure sensor. Placing too much pressure on your teeth doesn’t help to remove any more plaque, and can actually be more harmful to your teeth and irritate your gums. These sensors let you know if you’re using too much force and will use a light, buzzer or beeper for indication. Oral-B’s best models will automatically slow down the rotating speed if you are brushing too hard to help protect your gums. Finally, They have position detection technology Oral-B iO Series 5 and above Electric Toothbrush offers a revolutionary benefit: it has a position detection technology that enables you to see which area of the mouth you have brushed and which you have not, so that you never miss a zone.
A SMART ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIVITY
On top of the many standard features you’ll find, the newest Oral-B models have added smart features via Bluetooth connectivity. The first of its kind, the electric brush connects with your smartphone via the Oral-B app to give you real-time feedback on your brushing habits and improve your brushing experience. How to choose an electric toothbrush really comes down to one factor: likability. The best toothbrush for you is the one you’re most likely to use. If you like your toothbrush, you’re more likely to brush for the full, recommended time of two minutes and clean all the tooth surfaces as dental professionals recommend. Although price is always a consideration, your oral health depends on it. Factor in your overall oral health, lifestyle and budget and if you’re still not sure, consult your dental professional for recommendations.