Electric Toothbrush FAQ

Are electric toothbrushes really more effective than manual ones?

Usually, but not always.  A high quality electric toothbrush, when used correctly, will give anywhere from a mild to a moderate improvement in oral hygiene over a manual.  Afterall, most dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush for a reason.  Remember, though, that any toothbrush will only be effective if used correctly.  Make sure you brush for the dentist recommeneded time of two minutes at least twice a day, and always follow the directions that come with your toothbrush to optimize use.

If I use an electric toothbrush, do I still need to use other dental products?

Yes, if you want good dental health, it's still valuable to use dental floss and sometimes a mouth wash.  Also, make sure you still use a floride toothpaste with your brush, as some people mistakenly think this is unnessesarry.  Flossing once a day will do wonders in preventing gum disease, halitosis, and cavities.  You don't have to wait to floss until before bed or after a meal either; flossing is valuable at any time of the day.

What are the main differences between various electric toothbrush models?

The main difference in electric toothbrushes is how the brush heads are operated.  One type is called rotation-oscillation, where the circular head spins back and forth in quick bursts.  This is found in most Oral B models.  Another common type is ultra-sonic vibration, which has the added bonus of cleaning by causing vibrating saliva.  This style is popular among Sonicare models.  Both methods are proven to be effective.  Other styles of electric toothbrushes are side-to-side, circular, and counter oscillation, which is where bristles rotate in different directions simultaneously.

Are electric toothbrushes a new invention?

No, in fact they are surprisingly old.  The first electric toothbrushe was made around 1880, though there were not any reliable consumer models until around 1939, which first appeared in Sweden.  It wasn't until 1960 that the first American electric toothbrush models were produced.  The first American model was called the Broxodent, and was intended for users that suffered from limited motor skills.  However, it wasn't until the early 1980's that electric toothbrushes started to gain widespread popularity.

I've never owned an electric toothbrush.  Which should I buy first.?

You can start by reading our reviews and see if you can find one right for you.  If you're not 100% sure you need one, and want to try a cheap electric toothbrush, the Oral B Vitality is a good place to start.  If you don't care about price and just want the best electric toothbrush, it's hard to beat the Sonicare FlexCare.