If you are in the market for a new toothbrush, why not consider going electric? When your toothbrush is looking tattered or the bristles are bent it’s time to seek a replacement and all the evidence suggests that you’re better off having some power behind your brush. Electric toothbrushes have been around for years, but with advancing technology they are now better placed than ever to enable you to get a deeper, more thorough clean of your teeth, gums and tongue. 

Before you rush out to the shops or browse online for the best electric toothbrush for you or your family, here are a few top features to look out for: 

How they work 

There are lots of different electric toothbrushes available and they all work in slightly different ways. When comparing brushes it helps to know what these mean, for example: 

• Rotating – a rotating electric toothbrush features bristles that turn. They are usually arranged in a circle or a set of tufts and this type of brush tends to be the cheapest. 

• Oscillating – an oscillating toothbrush rotates in one direction and then the other, using a small round head.  

• Pulsing – in addition to rotating and/or oscillating, some electric toothbrushes also pulsate, which effectively means the toothbrush head moves back and forth against your teeth whilst rotating as this can be a very good way to remove plaque. 

• Side to side – rather than going round in one direction or both, a side to side toothbrush sweeps from side to side at high speeds to dislodge debris from the teeth. 

• Sonic/ultrasonic – these brushes vibrate at high speed to help remove plaque and debris. 

Price 

In general, the more of the features above that a toothbrush has the more expensive it will be. There are electric toothbrushes on the market for £20 or less and then there are some for £350. Whilst a higher price might guarantee you more features and better quality, it doesn’t always mean you’ll get a better clean as this also depends upon choosing the right toothbrush head for your mouth and brushing for the recommended time. 

Electric toothbrush heads 

In addition to the various electric toothbrush types there are also a variety of toothbrush heads to choose from, to help you get the most effective clean. These can include: 

• Round toothbrush heads – these are the standard brush type, often included when you purchase a new electric toothbrush. They feature one or more circles of bristles. 
• Dual clean – these toothbrush heads have two sections – a round part at the top which rotates and oscillates (depending on the brush) and a squarish part underneath that sweeps from side to side. 
• Flossing heads – these have rubber edged flossing strips interspersed between the normal bristles to help clean in between your teeth. Though they are not recommended as a replacement for flossing or interdental brushing. 
• Whitening toothbrush heads – these are roundish heads with bristles on the outside and a rubber cap at the centre which is designed to buff and polish the teeth.
• Toothbrush shaped heads – depending on the type of electric toothbrush you buy, you might find that the heads are shaped more like a regular toothbrush than the standard electric round ones. They are generally designed with bristles of different sizes to reach all the surfaces of the teeth and can come in standard or compact sizes. 

Battery life 

If you travel a lot or are going to be short of time, then the battery life of your electric toothbrush will be an important consideration. Some can hold a charge for a month or more whereas others can go flat within the week, so check on the packaging to see the estimated battery life before you make a purchase. 

Tips for choosing a kids electric toothbrush 

It is not just adults who can benefit from the superior cleaning power of an electric toothbrush. Kids will love to copy their parents with a ‘grown-up’ toothbrush and there are lots of designs and styles to choose from.  When searching for the best kids electric toothbrush you can follow these pointers: 

• Choose a toothbrush with a small compact head that is easy to fit into your child’s mouth and reach all of their teeth. 
• Choose a toothbrush with a handle that is small enough and comfortable enough to be easily gripped by them, as if they keep dropping it or it slips out of their hands when wet, they won’t be cleaning properly. 
• Find toothbrushes that feature their favourite characters as this will help motivate them to look after their teeth and make them look forward to brushing time. 
• Choose an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor as it will tell you (and your child) when they are brushing too hard as this could damage their teeth and gums. 
• Make sure the toothbrush has a built-in timer. This is as useful for adults too, as it ensures you keep brushing for the recommended 2 minutes. 

Hopefully this post has given you some useful information on what to look for when choosing the best electric toothbrush for you or your child. If you need more help on looking after your teeth and you’re based in London you can visit Riverside Dental Spa in Vauxhall for check ups, hygienist appointments and oral health care advice.