The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Electric Toothbrush

Your Guide to buying the best Electric toothbrushes

Overview

Electric toothbrushes are a powerful and convenient way to ensure your oral health is at its best. A good electric toothbrush can help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach places in the mouth, giving you a better clean than a manual toothbrush. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different features to consider when purchasing an electric toothbrush, as well as tips for finding the best model for your needs.

Key features

  • Power Source: The power source of the electric toothbrush should be considered as there are generally two types available: battery-operated or rechargeable. Battery-operated toothbrushes are more cost-effective but require frequent battery replacement and may lack additional features of rechargeable versions.
  • Brush Heads: Look for a electric toothbrush that offers a variety of brush heads with different sizes and shapes. This ensures a better cleaning experience and allows for better mouth access when cleaning difficult to reach areas.
  • Brushing Modes: Some electric toothbrushes come with multiple brushing modes such as timer settings, pressure sensors, and pulsing or oscillating movements. All of these features can help improve the overall brushing experience.
  • Noise Level: Check the noise level of the electric toothbrush before making a purchase as this can be a major factor in user satisfaction. Generally, quieter models are preferable as they are less disruptive during use.

See the most popular Electric toothbrushes on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Convenience: Electric toothbrushes are much easier to use than manual toothbrushes, as they offer a thorough clean with little effort from the user.
  • Customizable Settings: Some electric toothbrushes come with customizable settings, allowing users to adjust the brush strength and speed to their preference.
  • Timer: Electric toothbrushes often come with a timer setting that alerts users when they should switch to a different area of the mouth or when they’ve brushed for the recommended amount of time.
  • More Efficient: Electric toothbrushes are more efficient in cleaning teeth than manual toothbrushes because of the built-in oscillating movements that are designed to remove plaque.
  • Longer Lasting: Electric toothbrushes typically last longer than manual toothbrushes because they are made with durable materials and have replaceable heads, meaning they don’t need to be replaced as often.

Cons

  • Cost: Electric toothbrushes are often significantly more expensive than manual toothbrushes.
  • Battery Life: Electric toothbrushes require charging and should be checked from time to time to ensure they have enough battery life.
  • Care and Maintenance: Electric toothbrushes require more upkeep and care than their manual counterparts. This includes regular cleaning and maintenance of the bristles and brush head.
  • Noise: Electric toothbrushes can be loud and make a lot of noise when in use.
  • Durability: Electric toothbrushes are more delicate than manual toothbrushes, and can be prone to damage if handled incorrectly.

Best alternatives

  1. Manual Toothbrush - A traditional toothbrush with bristles that require user motion to clean teeth.
  2. Power Toothbrush - A motorized toothbrush with bristles that move or oscillate quickly to clean teeth.
  3. Water Flosser - A device that uses pressurized water to clean and remove debris from between teeth.
  4. Mouthwash - A product used to clean the mouth and reduce plaque and bacteria.
  5. Tongue Scraper - A device used to remove bacteria from the tongue.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Battery Powered Toothbrush - a type of electric toothbrush that is powered by a battery, usually one or more AA batteries or a rechargeable battery. Charging Stand - a device that is used to charge electric toothbrushes. It usually has a USB port for charging and a holder to keep the toothbrush safe and secure while charging. Replacement brush heads - replacement brush heads for electric toothbrushes, usually sold in packs of two or three. UV Sanitizing Case - a case that is used to sanitize electric toothbrushes. It uses UV light to kill bacteria and other germs on the toothbrush. Travel Case - a protective case for electric toothbrushes that makes it easy to take them with you while travelling. Pressure Sensors - sensors on electric toothbrushes that can detect when you are applying too much pressure to your teeth, which can cause damage. Timer/Interval Indicators - indicators on electric toothbrushes that remind you to brush for two minutes and to move to different quadrants of your mouth.

Common questions

  1. What are the features to look for when buying an electric toothbrush?
    Look for features such as a timer to help you brush for the recommended two minutes, a pressure sensor that alerts you when you brush too hard, adjustable speed settings, and various brushing modes. Additionally, look for a brush head that fits comfortably in your mouth, a long battery life, and a charging stand.
  2. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
    Electric toothbrushes are often more effective than manual toothbrushes because they use oscillating and rotating brush heads which can remove more plaque than manual brushing. Additionally, an electric toothbrush can help you brush for the full two minutes which can help further reduce plaque build-up.
  3. How do I choose the right electric toothbrush for me?
    When choosing an electric toothbrush, consider features such as the type of bristles (soft, medium, or hard), the size of the brush head, the number of brushing modes, and the battery life. Additionally, consider whether the toothbrush is waterproof, whether it has a built-in timer, and the cost.
  4. Are there any safety concerns with electric toothbrushes?
    Generally, electric toothbrushes are safe to use. However, you should take care to use the toothbrush properly, and avoid using it for more than the recommended brushing time. Consult your dentist if you have any concerns.

Trivia

In 2005, electric toothbrushes were used to power a video game. Two brothers, aged 14 and 11, wired together several electric toothbrushes and connected them to a circuit board. The brushes were used to control the game – when they were turned on, they allowed the brothers to move a character in the game. The brothers created the game as part of a science project, and it was later presented at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Source: https://www.oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/electric-toothbrush-history

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.