EmailOverall, reviewers say that a powered toothbrush cleans better than a manual brush, but experts differ as to why. Some studies show that electric toothbrushes really do remove more plaque, but others say that you're simply more likely to brush longer with an electric brush than with a manual toothbrush. One thing is certain -- it's definitely more expensive to use an electric toothbrush. Once you buy the brush itself, you'll need to replace the brush heads every month to two months at a cost of between $4 and $8 each.
If you're considering an electric toothbrush, here are some factors to consider:
- Since oral-health experts recommend brushing for two minutes, a timer that either signals or turns off the unit after the suggested two minutes is a plus. Some electric toothbrushes, such as Sonicare and Oral-B models, feature an audible signal that beeps every 30 seconds, indicating that it's time to switch to a different quadrant of the mouth.
- A built-in, rechargeable battery is convenient and eliminates the cost of frequent battery changes. A brush should deliver enough power for at least one week of brushing on a full charge. This means you won't have to take the charging base with you on weekend trips or short vacations.
- Brush heads should be replaced every three months (on average). One handle can be used by the whole family, as long as each person uses his or her own brush head. It's a good idea to make sure you can easily find replacement heads in your local store.
- The size of the brush head is important. For most people, a smaller brush head allows greater access to hard-to-reach tooth surfaces, but it's a matter of personal preference.