Electric toothbrush reviews: FAQs
Why should I choose an electric toothbrush?
Many people prefer the feel, and reduced effort, of electric brushing. Some people like gadgets, and an electric toothbrush can encourage them to brush more.
Electric toothbrushes are good for encouraging children to brush, too, and offer a real advantage for people with arthritis or poor grip/control. They’re also easier to use for some disabled people, and for carers who brush other people’s teeth.
If you normally brush too hard or too softly, an electric toothbrush can help by guiding you to apply the right pressure. Likewise, if you don't brush for long enough, the timers on some electric brushes are a handy feature to ensure that you give your teeth the attention they deserve. See our features section for details of other useful features.
Manual toothbrushes are perfectly good for most people.
Which is better, a manual or an electric toothbrush?
Scientific opinion varies on which type cleans your teeth the best. But there are many other factors that we consider when deciding which toothbrushes are the best overall: battery life and ease of use are important too. So check out our Best Buy recommendations before deciding which is best for you.
What if I stick with a manual toothbrush?
You can clean your teeth perfectly well with a manual toothbrush. You don't need an electric toothbrush, especially if your dentist has never pointed out any problems with your cleaning technique.
Different designs aim to reach difficult areas, such as between teeth or down by the gum line, but no one manual toothbrush has been proven to be universally the most effective.
It’s best to choose a manual toothbrush with soft bristles – because toothbrushes with harsh bristles can damage soft oral tissues – and a comfortable handle.
Dual-cleaning head
What are different types of electric toothbrush heads for?
In general, most electric toothbrushes are supplied with a standard brush head for regular cleaning. Additional brush heads may claim to whiten or brighten teeth, clean between teeth, massage gums or clean your tongue.
However, there simply isn't any compelling evidence that any of these are necessary. Regular brushing and good-quality fluoride toothpaste are of the utmost importance – rather than the type of brush head.
How often and when should I clean my teeth with my electric toothbrush?
Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, you should brush twice daily – once last thing at night and on one other occasion – with fluoridated toothpaste. Try to brush for at least two minutes, and spend approximately equal amounts of time on both the upper and lower teeth.
No particular brushing technique has been shown to be better than another. Be methodical and ensure that you take the time to get into all the nooks and crannies between the teeth.
What type of toothpaste should I use with my electric toothbrush?
By far the most important aspect of caring for your teeth is regular use of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay for up to 12 hours after use during the night, and for one to four hours in the day.
Use fluoridated toothpaste with at least 1,350 ppm fluoride and simply spit it out after brushing rather than rinsing with water.
Better brushing could mean fewer dental visits
Any other tips for good dental health?
The biggest benefit of brushing your teeth is to prevent gum disease, and experts agree that regular flossing as well as brushing is beneficial for gums.
And the Department of Health suggests that healthy eating can also help to keep your teeth in tip top shape. Steer clear of sugary foods and drinks as much as possible and, if you do eat sugar, try to do so at mealtimes and not more than four times per day.
What do sonic and ultrasonic electric toothbrushes do?
These toothbrushes claim to emit sonic or ultrasonic vibrations to the teeth to break down plaque. Ultrasonic frequencies start at 20,000 oscillations per second but, despite manufacturer claims, no electric toothbrushes currently on the market are even remotely close to achieving this.
Sonic or ultrasonic electric toothbrushes tend to be very expensive, and dental experts are sceptical about whether they can transfer the vibrations to teeth. There is no proof that they remove plaque better than electric toothbrushes without sonic claims.
What are TePe brushes?
Interdental brushes, of which TePe is just one brand, are for cleaning between your teeth as an alternative to floss. They are made up of a plastic-covered metal wire – which looks like a pipe cleaner - attached to a plastic holder. You insert them into the spaces between your teeth to get them clean.
The limitation with an interdental brush is that they only work for people who have gaps between their teeth – which not everyone does. As such, they should be used on the recommendation of a dentist or hygienist.
Interdental brushes can make gums sore or even bleed if you force them into a gap where they won’t fit. A hygienist will recommend the right size for the gaps between your teeth and show you how to use them.