toothbrush question

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Started 4 months ago by luxcat
Latest reply from pkilmain
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luxcat
Member

OK... before this sounds like it is way WAY off topic let me explain :)

I have an electric toothbrush, but over the last year I have pretty much stopped using it because a) I travel a lot with my normal toothbrush and b) the electric one is noisy and disturbs my partner who is often asleep near the bathroom where we brush our teeth

Given that this is a forum of many opinions and experiences I thought I would toss this question out there before I unclutter my electric toothbrush.

Which is best? Electric or manual?

Posted 4 months ago #
grey
Member

there are electrics that are better than manuals, but there are definitely some that are equal or less.

if you are happy with the manual brush and don't have dental problems that would benefit from the use of a quality electric toothbrush, i wouldn't hesitate to unclutter it.

Posted 4 months ago #
Ella
Member

I have two electric toothbrushes, but they're a nuisance to use. Why am I keeping them? Because they were expensive. Hmm, time to declutter them, I'd say.

I far prefer my manual brushes... I have four in different colors for the four times I brush each day. I used to think this was a tad OCD, but then learned that a friend of mine brushes five times a day. I also floss twice daily. When you don't have dental insurance, you can't be too careful.

Posted 4 months ago #
pkilmain
Member

I have a sonicare battery-operated version. My hygenist recommends it highly and I have had better checkups since using it. Since it doesn't need a charger, I travel with it as well. But the heads are expensive....

Posted 4 months ago #
lottielot
Member

I was getting sensitive teeth and my dentist recommended I switch to an electric one. It's easier to reach the teeth at the very back I find, and because it's got a timer I actually brush for the recommended time. Do you have another bathroom or sink where you could use the electric toothbrush so it won't disturb your partner? Also, electric toothbrushes usually stay charged for quite a long time and you could always take the charger with you if you're staying at hotels (they usually have those plugs). I usually take mine with me if we're going camping for less than a week, any longer and I take a manual one.

Posted 4 months ago #
lottielot
Member

I buy the heads on amazon btw, cheaper than the supermarket and more convenient!

Posted 4 months ago #
liag
Member

My dentist insisted, so I switched to electric. It makes me feel like a degenerate. However, my teeth and gums are better. It goes against my nature to use such a device. I am so lazy that I need an ELECTRIC toothbrush?! I use it to travel, too, avoiding the pain and shame on the dental chair. Moreover, it has lasted for 15 years and is still going strong.

Posted 4 months ago #
lucy1965
Member

before this sounds like it is way WAY off topic

Have you met us? We live for thread drift! *grin*

We bought a Sonicare at the recommendation of DH's periodontist: it's far cheaper than the weekly sessions in the chair, especially now that we don't have dental insurance. The heads are replaced every three months through an Amazon subscription service.

Posted 4 months ago #
ninakk
Member

if i had the monet i would get an electric one right now. much better wash result and often they come with timer too, like lottielot said.

Posted 4 months ago #
Conny
Member

I just bought an electric toothbrush that has a tiny charger part so that i can take it with me.
But AFAIK, there are those that are battery powered and use the same heads as the electric ones. Would that be an alternative?

Posted 4 months ago #
smallLife
Member

Manual, from an environmental stand point. Less waste, less plastic, and a few "green" friendly options such as wooden handles, and Preserve recycled products. Unless directed by a dentist, with no other alternatives, I don't see why an electric toothbrush is needed.

Posted 4 months ago #
luxcat
Member

Great feedback, thanks! It sounds like people are either firmly in one camp or the other, or right in the middle same as me.

I think I'll wait until I see the dentist on the 31st and I'll ask him. I'll let y'all know what he says!

Posted 4 months ago #
nws2002
Member

I love my Oral B electric, it makes my teeth feel so clean. The great results without having to think or try too hard is my favorite part. I thought it was dumb and lazy but was talked into the purchase by a dental assistant at my dentist's office. However, my dentist has always said you can get the same results from a manual brush if you use a proper technique and brush for the allotted amount of time.

Posted 4 months ago #
pkilmain
Member

Oh yes, the timer is a big part of the electric's success. Many people just don't brush long enough. THanks for the tip on the heads, I never thought to check Amazon, duh.

Posted 4 months ago #
s
Member

@liag mentioned using an electric toothbrush as feeling lazy. I use an electric because I had been brushing too hard/vigorously and it was causing my gums to begin to recede. The electric brush helps me to brush without pressing so hard. I think if you brush well, the toothbrush is less critical (but I've always heard to use a soft brush...so why do they even make brushes that aren't soft?). There are folks that even brush with twigs.

Posted 4 months ago #
TatiLie
Member

Hi! I'm a dentist, can I answer?

Using a manual toothbrush can be as good as a electrical one in most cases if you have a good dexterity.
For children I recommend that they do the brushing with a manual one (to develop their dexterity) and that once a day, before going to sleep, until the child is 9 years-old (when they reach their adult dexterity), to have their teeth brushed by mom/dad. This last one could be done with an electrical toothbrush to make mom/dad's work easier.
From all the electrical ones available, go for the ones that are rechargeable so that you won't run out of batteries. And ultrasonic because they are efficient in cleaning and gentle on the gums.

Posted 2 months ago #
Jackthetiger
Member

It is good to have the expert opinion TatLie.

Electric for me to get to the back easier.

Posted 2 months ago #
Another Deb
Member

I was also guided by the dental hygenist to get an electric. After going through descaling once, I don't want to use my time and money to do that again!

Posted 2 months ago #
Rosa
Member

s - yes, why do they even make hard brushes? I always use the extra-soft ones (which half the time I have to buy in child size) and if I use a soft or medium brush for a few weeks (like on a trip, if I forgot mine & someone gives me one) my gums recede pretty visibly.

Posted 2 months ago #
Astreja
Member

I recently picked up a battery-operated toothbrush on sale, on the recommendation of a friend who has a similar one. I think my gums are doing better, and the teeth are looking visibly cleaner, but it's too early to say if I'll stick with it. It's a nice change, but replacement brushes are a bit pricey.

If I decide to continue with electric, I may get a higher-end unit.

Posted 2 months ago #

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