Electric Toothbrush Buying Guide

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Electrically operated toothbrushes have been recommended by dentists for quite some time. They argue with a particularly thorough and gentle cleaning, even the not so easily accessible interdental spaces. However, the differences on the market are great, and there are no uniform standards or specifications. Studies and independent tests increasingly show that the performance figure alone is not a sufficient criterion when buying. Also, battery power and the two different systems of electric toothbrushes are becoming more important. The basics and most important features are explained in this article.

The basis: oscillating toothbrushes.

Electric toothbrushes are mostly rotary toothbrushes. The cleaning performance is to a small extent better than from normal toothbrushes. A classic electrically powered toothbrush goes at the plaque with at least 3,000 revolutions per minute. This allows surfaces and interdental spaces to be cleaned more thoroughly, more deeply and more evenly. Above all, incorrect brushing techniques are compensated for, provided the toothbrush is operated correctly. The sonic toothbrushes that have been available on the market for some time now actually offer a much higher power density of around 30,000 revolutions per minute. They differ not only in the way they move, but also in the way they handle and the differently designed brush heads. The so-called oscillating toothbrushes work with a smaller, round-shaped brush head. This rotates alternately in both directions and, due to its size, is particularly suitable for reaching hard-to-reach areas and cleaning them evenly. Higher-quality models combine the whole thing with a parallel, pulsating forward and backward movement. Each tooth must be treated individually, which means that the cleaning process takes longer overall. In addition, if used incorrectly, there is a risk of bleeding gums, which occurs primarily with poor oral hygiene. The technique of so-called contact pressure control, which is becoming more and more established, provides a remedy. On the basis of these and other factors, the experts from Elektrischezahnbrerste.com also examine the current model series of the brand manufacturers.

A maximum of efficiency: sonic toothbrushes

As a kind of further development of the oscillating toothbrush, the sonic toothbrushes are considered. They differ primarily in that cleaning is done entirely without any major pressure effect. They are operated either on the basis of a linear motor or by electromagnetic pulses. There is no other way to achieve the 30,000 revolutions per minute mentioned above. The extremely fast and coarse cleaning work means that the teeth are cared for more compactly. In practice, a kind of “humming” can be perceived, because the upward and downward movement and the parallel vibration create sound waves. One of the main arguments put forward by the manufacturers is the creation of fluid currents in the oral cavity. The toothpaste is thus distributed in small particles and reaches even hard-to-reach interdental spaces without the need for separate brushing. However, solid studies are still lacking to really verify the statement. The brush head of this type is elongated, similar to a normal manual toothbrush. This means that several teeth can be cleaned in parallel, while difficult areas are only tackled superficially. Unlike the oscillating toothbrush, the changeover is easier here, as the brushing techniques do not really differ. In individual cases, therefore, it should be weighed up which function the electrically operated toothbrush should really perform. In the case of a compact jaw structure, the sonic toothbrush certainly shows several advantages, whereas the oscillating toothbrush is associated with an increased expenditure of time and more own brushing performance, as this article elaborates.

About the accessories

Just as a regular manual toothbrush should be replaced about every three months, electric-powered toothbrushes need to be cared for and maintained. This primarily concerns the brush heads, because depending on their composition, they have a limited shelf life. The housing, i.e. the enclosing body and the module for attaching the brush head, are stable and durable. Not so the brush head itself, because signs of wear become visible over time.In the meantime, systems are on the market where the color gradient on the brush itself indicates that and whether replacement is necessary. In consultation with the dentist, it is advisable to determine the degree of hardness of the brush head. For similar to the classic variant, special systems are also available for damaged teeth or mouth areas with affected gums. In terms of price, such attachments are cheaper for the typical round-head brush than those for a sonic toothbrush. The use of compatible alternative attachments cannot be recommended. Their durability is far below those of the original manufacturer, also there may be problems regarding the fit and cleaning.

Other tips for choosing the right toothbrush

  • The main focus should be on the handling of the electrically operated toothbrush. Simple and intuitive control is important, because frequent switching and pausing is time-consuming. What speed levels are offered? Are there specific variants that can be selected?
  • Especially for beginners, models with integrated contact pressure control are recommended. It sounds an alarm as soon as too much pressure is applied to a certain area. In addition, such models are often combined with a gum massage function; so certain toothpaste can be distributed and applied more evenly.
  • For electrically operated toothbrushes specifically for children, a model with timer function is recommended. Here there are models that turn off after a certain time or those that start to jerk after the time has elapsed. Thus, each area of the jaw receives the same cleaning effort.
  • Especially with promotional goods or models from discount stores, it is difficult to get replacement brush heads in a hurry. A low entry price can thus pay off over time.