What To Look For
The best electric toothbrushes have an oscillating rotating action that facilitates better plaque removal than a manual brush. These brushes will also have a two minute timer, so that you don't accidentally cut your brushing session short. If you are buying an expensive toothbrush, you will also want to make sure that it includes a warranty.
Common Pitfalls
Electric toothbrushes that do not have an oscillating rotating action have not been proven to remove more plaque than their manual counterparts; therefore they are no better for your teeth than a manual toothbrush. If your aim is to get a brush that will help you take better care of your teeth, then get one with an oscillating rotating action.
Where To Buy
Both disposable and professional electric toothbrushes can be found at a local Wal-Mart or Target store, as well as their websites. You may find the best selection by purchasing your electric toothbrush online. This way you can get information and reviews for each product before you decide on the brand that you want. Once you have found your brand, you can shop around for the best price.
Cost
Electric toothbrushes come in a wide range of varieties to accommodate every budget. There are disposable electric toothbrushes that cost less than $10 and professional brushes that cost 10 times as much. Disposable electric toothbrushes ranged from $5 to $7 in 2010. Professional electric toothbrushes ranged from $70 to $150, depending on which features and how many attachments each product had. There were also middle-ground brushes that were not professional, but that were rechargeable for $20 to $40.
Accessories
A disposable electric toothbrush will not need any accessories. You simply toss it in the trash can after three months and buy a new one. If you use it longer than the three to four months recommended by the American Dental Association, then you may need to replace the batteries in it, as they are not rechargeable. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes will need replacement heads every few months. These heads may cost less if you buy several at a time; individually they are very pricey.
