How to choose a good electric toothbrush

Dentists strongly recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. It is not superfluous to carry out hygiene and after meals. For example, rice and meat dishes, as well as highly acidic products can cause damage to enamel. The longer their residues stay on the teeth, the faster the enamel is destroyed. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

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Benefits of electric toothbrushes

The brush works due to the motor, built into the handle of the body. Thanks to it, the brush head can make up to several thousand rotational and oscillating movements. This intensity allows you to quickly, thoroughly and efficiently remove all food debris from between the teeth and hard-to-reach places. All in all, cleaning takes no more than two minutes.

The use of electric brushes is suitable for sensitive teeth. It is enough to choose a delicate brushing mode, and the movements of the brush head will become softer and less intense. Some models are equipped with a timer that signals the time.

The electric toothbrush not only removes plaque, but also removes bacteria and microorganisms with its sweeping motion, and prevents tartar.

Another advantage is the economical use of toothpaste. The bristle brush head whips it into a foam, so a small volume is required.

Pay attention to the type of battery and charging time of the electric toothbrush. Some models run on regular batteries. Others run on rechargeable batteries that are charged through a base or station. The ease of charging and how long the brush can last can be important factors.

Types of electric toothbrushes

Rotary electric toothbrush

This is a standard electromechanical toothbrush. The model has a handle with a built-in battery and motor and a head for interchangeable brush heads. Two types of brush head movements are typically used for brushing: rotating and reciprocating, which resemble the brushing motion of a regular manual brush.

Ultrasonic electric toothbrush

This brush produces high frequency ultrasonic waves. They destroy the bacteria that make up plaque and can even remove the first signs of tartar on the enamel.

These devices also work on the gums. They have a massage effect and improve blood circulation. This is a good prevention against gum diseases, including periodontitis and gingivitis. However, ultrasonic brushes should be used very carefully by people with fillings, crowns and veneers. The vibrations can damage the structures.

Sonic electric toothbrush

Creates sound vibrations and makes several thousand movements per minute. Suitable for sensitive teeth and gums. Thoroughly cleans structures such as braces and crowns. Some sonic brush models have a titanium dioxide strip. When the device works, it begins to release negative ions that disinfect the oral cavity. Such devices are called ionic.

Cleaning modes

All devices have different modes of brushing teeth. They depend on the frequency and intensity of the pulsations and the direction of the movements.

Delicate brushing mode is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums.
The polishing mode takes a short time and can be used by people who do not have problems with their teeth and gums.
The whitening mode is used in conjunction with whitening attachments.
The massage mode improves the blood circulation of the mucous membranes.
The tongue care mode removes plaque and bacteria from the surface of the tongue.

If you have chronic gum disease (even in remission), it is better to use gentle modes.

What brush heads are available?

When choosing an electric brush, pay attention to whether the device has a function of interchangeable nozzles. It allows you to operate the gadget with the whole family.

The standard brush head has medium-hard bristles.
The children’s nozzle with soft bristles differs from the others in size. It is much smaller.
The whitening brush head contains special polishing pads. The best effect is achieved when using whitening paste.
The soft brush head with fine bristles is suitable for sensitive teeth.
The orthodontic brush head is suitable for cleaning interdental spaces when wearing braces, bridges and crowns.

Many brush heads have a wear indicator that allows you to evaluate the service life. A special tooth-friendly dye is applied to the lint. As you use them, they are wiped off. The nozzles should be replaced every two to three months.

Types of nozzle movements

There are several types of movement technology.

Rotation. Simple models of electric toothbrushes are equipped with only this mode. Rotating, the head removes food debris even from hard-to-reach places.
Rotating and oscillating movements. The movable brush head works in two directions.
Pulsation. The brush also pulsates as it rotates. Usually this mode is available in more expensive models.
Simultaneous oscillation. Such movements provide a more thorough cleaning, as the rows of bristles on the brush head simultaneously rotate in different directions.
Wiggling motion. The brush does not rotate, but wiggles in different directions, and cleaning occurs due to vibration.

Additional useful features

Some models have a number of functions that will greatly simplify the cleaning process.

Timer

Dentists recommend dividing the jaw into segments when cleaning. First the front part of the rows is cleaned, then – the back. Each segment takes about 30 seconds, and the total time will be two minutes. It is very convenient to set a timer to signal the end of cleaning one segment.

Pressure Sensor

Some models are equipped with a pressure sensor, which protects the mucosa and gums from excessive exposure and possible injury. The sensor is signaled by sound or light.

Anti-slip coating on the handle

This coating makes using the electric toothbrush safe and comfortable.

Contraindications for using electric toothbrushes

Some people who are definitely not suitable for an electric toothbrush are:

Children under the age of three;
people with severe tooth decay and maximum enamel damage;
with very thin dentin;
in the presence of a large number of filled teeth;
in case of recurrence of serious gum disease (especially in case of severe bleeding).

How to choose an electric toothbrush for children?

Pediatric dentists advise teaching your child oral hygiene from the moment the first teeth grow in. However, in this case, you can only use a regular manual children’s toothbrush with soft lint. Electric ones are allowed only from the age of three.

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the following factors.

Soft bristles. They should be gentle so as not to damage the gums and enamel of the child’s teeth. Soft bristles will also help remove plaque and plaque more effectively.
Rotating or oscillating head. There are two main types of electric toothbrush heads: rotating and oscillating. Both types are effective in removing plaque, but some children may prefer one type over the other. It is recommended that you let your child try both to determine which is most comfortable for them.
Timer and touch controls. Some electric toothbrushes for kids have a built-in timer to help your child keep track of brushing time. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of touch control, which helps the baby to control the force of pressure on the teeth and gums. Some models are equipped with songs, which are a kind of timer. Finished one melody and began another – it means that the measured time has expired.
Design and attractiveness. For children, it is important that the electric toothbrush is bright. Many manufacturers produce models with different designs and colors that can interest the child and make the process of brushing teeth more exciting. Let the child choose a brush with the image of his favorite cartoon characters.
Round brush head. This reduces the risk of damaging enamel and mucous membranes.
The right handle. The brush should lie comfortably in your hand and have an anti-slip coating.

It is also important to consult a dentist or pediatrician for additional recommendations and advice on choosing an electric toothbrush for your child.

Before using the brush for the first time, it should be treated and disinfected with an antiseptic. The brush heads should be replaced every couple of months. If your baby has a gum disease (e.g. stomatitis), the brush head should be changed. Otherwise, the bacteria left on the bristles will provoke a second infection.

How to choose an electric toothbrush: 5 criteria

When choosing an electric toothbrush, consider the following points:

the necessary softness of the bristles. It is better to buy additional heads for delicate cleaning and heads with a whitening effect. Pay attention to the material of the bristles. Usually it is a synthetic pile. For allergy sufferers there is also a natural pile, but it wears out very quickly;
handle material. It is desirable that there were rubberized surface or anti-slip coating;
number of modes;
availability of additional functions;
cost and your budget. The most expensive models, in addition to additional functionality, have fasteners for bathroom walls, a travel case for transportation and storage.

How do I store my electric toothbrush?

Rinse and dry the brush head after each treatment. Wipe the body and handle itself dry with a tissue. Once a week it is not unreasonable to disinfect with an antiseptic. Be sure to dry the brush after each use.
Store the brush in an upright position to allow air to circulate freely and dry naturally.
Avoid storing the appliance in a closed or damp place, as this can promote bacterial growth. If you have a combined bathroom, determine a place for the brush in the locker. Flushing the toilet can spread germs that risk settling on the brush.
Avoid contact with other brushes to prevent cross-contamination with bacteria.
Change brush heads regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is generally recommended to replace brush heads every two to three months or when they show visible signs of wear.
Avoid using a cover. It can create a moist environment and promote bacterial growth. However, if you are traveling, use the cover to protect the brush from dirt.
Keep the storage area clean. Regularly clean the rack or stand where the brush is stored. Make sure it is clean and dry before placing the appliance on it.

By following these tips, you will be able to store your electric toothbrush properly, keeping it safe and hygienic.

When choosing an electric toothbrush, it is recommended that you pay attention to the type of movement that the brush head performs. This is rotational and oscillating-pulsing. Both types are effective in removing plaque and performing deep cleaning of teeth. The choice between them depends on the preferences and needs of each person.

The bristles of an electric toothbrush should be soft and gentle so as not to damage the gums and enamel of the teeth. Hard bristle brush heads are used for whitening, which in turn is recommended no more than once a week.

The head of an electric toothbrush should be small enough and comfortable enough to reach all areas of the mouth. The optimal size depends on the individual and the size of the mouth.

Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to help control brushing time, and brush head wear indicators will notify you when the brush head needs to be replaced.

Choose an electric toothbrush from a reliable and reputable manufacturer. Reading reviews and ratings from other users can help you make a more informed choice.

It’s also important to contact your dentist or hygienist for additional guidance and advice on choosing an electric toothbrush – based on your individual needs and oral health.