If you have been considering getting an electric toothbrush, you aren’t alone. Many people prefer them because they think they clean more thoroughly, are faster, or are better at preventing cavities. Before you purchase an electric toothbrush, however, you should consider the pros and cons, as well as understand what your personal reasons are for wanting this style of brush. This will help you to choose the best toothbrush for your personal needs.
Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes can clean more thoroughly and can be easier to use for people with limited dexterity and mobility. They may be motivational and help people to brush for longer, more frequently, and more thoroughly. They may be especially motivational for children.
On the other hand, electric toothbrushes can be expensive, and not only do you have to purchase the initial machine but you will also have to purchase replacement heads. You may also need to buy batteries or you will need to get a toothbrush that is rechargeable and keep it plugged in. These toothbrushes can also be noisy, which may be a problem for people who need to use them while other members of the household are asleep, such as early in the morning.
Consider Your Budget
Electric toothbrushes come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase. Generally, you can expect more expensive toothbrushes to come with additional features or to be of higher quality than cheaper brands or models. In addition to the initial expense, make sure you also account for future expenses, including replacement heads, batteries, and potential maintenance. You may also want to make sure that replacement parts are easily available in your area or online.
Look for Features
Some electric toothbrushes come with features like multiple brushing modes, timers, pressure sensors, and connectivity. Consider which features are important to you and choose a brush that has them. If you aren’t sure what to look for, read reviews of different features to find out what is available. Also consider talking to other people who have used electric toothbrushes, as well as your dentist, to get an idea of what features will be the best for you.
Choose the Right Brush Head
Electric toothbrushes come with different types of brush heads, such as soft bristles for sensitive teeth or smaller heads for hard-to-reach areas. Choose a brush head that suits your individual needs. If you are not sure what the best head is for your needs, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. They can tell you what brush head is best for your teeth and gums, and they may also have insight and advice about the brands and features that they recommend.
Check Reviews
Read reviews from other users to see what they like and dislike about the toothbrush you’re considering. If the brands or models you are considering have overwhelmingly bad reviews, it might be better to look for other options. While it is true that people are more likely to leave bad reviews than good ones, if the brand has many bad reviews spread over many sites, it would be logical to beware. Also, watch out for reviews that seem to be faked. This is often the case with reviews that all have similar wording or when all the good reviews have the same grammatical errors.
Consider the Battery Life
If you travel frequently or don’t want to have to charge your toothbrush too often, look for a brush with long battery life. If you are planning to purchase a rechargeable toothbrush, make sure that you have an electrical plug that you can dedicate to charging your brush, and that there will be an area near the plug where you can store your brush while it’s charging. If you travel internationally, consider the possibility of purchasing a charger that is compatible with other countries’ electrical plugs. If not, you will need to consider the expense of an adapter while you are traveling.
If, on the other hand, you are considering a toothbrush that is not rechargeable, make sure you research battery life and replacement costs. Read reviews from other customers, both satisfied and unhappy, to find out how people feel about the battery life.
Look for Warranty and Customer Support
Look for a brand that offers a warranty and good customer support in case you encounter any issues with your toothbrush. A warranty can help you feel confident in your choice and will be important if you encounter any problems. Read online reviews to see if people have been satisfied with their warranty service. You can also consider purchasing additional product protection for your toothbrush if the warranty seems unreliable.
You should also make sure your brand has good customer service in case you run into problems using your toothbrush or you need to talk to the company for any reason. Again, online reviews and word-of-mouth are some of the best ways to find out more about a company’s customer service reputation.
Consult With Your Dentist
One of the best ways to find a reliable, trusted, and well-reviewed toothbrush is to ask your dentist or hygienist. Your dentist can recommend specific electric toothbrush models based on your individual dental needs and preferences. In some cases, you can purchase electric toothbrushes directly from your dentist’s office. While this is convenient and the brush will probably be high-quality, it’s a good idea to still consider other options and do price-checking to make sure you aren’t overpaying.
If you are unsure about the best way to use your toothbrush, your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate it. The technique for using an electric toothbrush can be different from the one you usually use, and it’s never a bad idea to have your toothbrush skills evaluated and corrected.
Conclusion
Remember, the most important factor is to use your electric toothbrush regularly as part of a good oral hygiene routine. No special toothbrush or gadget will make up for the lack of diligent, faithful oral hygiene. In addition, an electric toothbrush won’t replace the need for regular flossing and dental visits.