February 14, 2020
Properly brushing teeth twice daily helps you maintain a whiter, more attractive smile. More importantly, it helps protect against bigger problems like bad breath, gum disease, and dental decay. But which is better, manual toothbrushes or electric ones? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both can work just as well, as long as they are used properly. But more and more dentists recommend switching to an electric brush if you have a hard time maintaining proper brushing habits.
Many patients who use manual brushes do not give brushing the time and attention required to get the job done right. And manual brushes only clean as fast and as long as the hand moves. As a result, plaque often remains in the tight, hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line. Electric toothbrushes are designed to rotate and oscillate at incredible speed, much like the cleaning tools used in a dental office. They can clean teeth at different angles with more efficiency so you can thoroughly clean teeth for the recommended brushing time with very little effort.
How do you choose the best electric toothbrush? It depends on personal needs and preferences. These are the top ten products to consider:
1. Oral-B Pro 1000 Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush Powered by Braun
This electric toothbrush is easy to use and performs very well. It also has some additional features. This brush has a pressure sensor that will stop the brush from oscillating when you are brushing too hard. This helps protect the enamel and soft tissues of your mouth. It also has a built-in timer that lasts for the recommended two minutes and will pulse every thirty seconds to let you know how far along you are.
2. Fairywill Sonic Toothbrush
This powered toothbrush has three different settings and the two minute timer that shuts off the brush automatically. It also has a long lifespan, lasting up to a month’s worth of daily use with just one hour charge time. It is also completely waterproof. The one downside is the toothbrush only works with these brand heads, and because it is a smaller company they are not as accessible.
3. Waterpik Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser Combo
Waterpik is a well-known company with great products. And with the combo, you can get both a great toothbrush and water flosser for the price of one. The kit comes with two brush heads and five water floss tips. There are also three brush modes and ten pressure settings. This combo is especially useful for people who struggle with flossing or have braces.
4. Shyn Electric Toothbrush
Pronounced “shine,” this electronic toothbrush has some of the best add-ons and subscription options. You can just get the brush to try out, or sign on to have refills sent ever two or three months. There are brush heads for teeth whitening, gum care, and anti-plaque. There is also the option for floss picks, whitening strips, and toothpaste to add on to your subscription.
5. Quip Electric Toothbrush
This is a compact, battery-operated toothbrush that is powered by a single AAA battery. The brush itself is slim, stylish, and convenient. There is also no charging dock or cord taking up valuable counter space. This powered toothbrush is easy to pack and carry on the go, making it great for taking along in a handbag or backpack. And for a small fee, the company will send you a new battery and replacement head every three months in the mail so you don’t have to worry about remembering.
6. Burst Electric Toothbrush
This rechargeable brush has a tapered handle and narrow brush head that are comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. The bristles vibrate back and forth tens of thousands of times per minute, but the action is actually very gentle, attacking plaque and not your teeth. The brush has charcoal infused bristles, designed for additional whitening capabilities. And the charge should last for a few weeks of normal use before you need to plug it in. This company will also send you a new head every 90 days for a small fee.
7. Gleem Electric Toothbrush
If you are new to electric toothbrushes and want to try one out without a huge financial commitment, you might consider Gleem. These brushes have a slim design similar to manual brushes. They have soft bristles and a timer to keep your brushing on track.
8. Smile Direct Club Electric Toothbrush
This is another affordable option and good for someone looking to try an electric toothbrush for the first time. It has a two-minute timer with quadrant timing, so you can brush each area for the right amount of time. It also has a roll-resistant design. This means the toothbrush will stay put so you can clean more effectively.
9. Foreo ISSA 2 Electric Toothbrush
Looking for a long-lasting powered toothbrush. The Issa 2 can last an entire year on a single charge. And unlike standard rotating brushes, this brush head has silicone bristles that only need to be replaced every six months. They come in a better range of colors in case you need toothbrushes for multiple family members.
10. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
The price point on this toothbrush is extremely high. But it comes with five cleaning modes, four different brush heads, and Bluetooth connectivity to an app that helps track your brushing habits and how much of your teeth and gums you are cleaning. It also has a unique charging system that utilizes a glass cup instead of a stand. It works a lot like the charging pads for newer cellphones. Simply place the toothbrush inside the cup to charge.