What To Look For
It is important to keep bristle softness in mind when shopping for Oral B toothbrushes. Many people buy hard- or medium-bristled toothbrushes and some scrub too hard when brushing their teeth. Unless your dentist has instructed otherwise, look for bristles marked 'soft' on the product packaging. Look for toothbrushes that have attached tongue cleaners on the back or side. Toothbrushes usually should be replaced around once every three months.
Common Pitfalls
When buying an electric toothbrush many people spend big money on the base and don't factor in the cost of replacement heads. These can be as expensive or more than manual toothbrushes. You also need to consider the cost of batteries when purchasing electric toothbrushes that do not come with a recharging dock. Manual toothbrushes cost less, but overall are less effective at cleaning your teeth, and those with cheaper plastic handles may bend or snap with use.
Where To Buy
Oral B toothbrushes can be purchased from a variety of popular chain stores such as Target, Walmart, Kmart and Walgreens. The prices at these locations typically are within $1 of each other. Gas stations and truck stops also carry the occasional Oral B toothbrush, but at a higher price. You're likely to find the best deals by shopping online. TheEssentials.com carries most Oral B toothbrushes at a discount, and is recommended by the Oral B company website.
Cost
Manual toothbrushes cost between $2 and $6, depending on the type of brush and where you buy it. Oral B also manufactures several specialty 'toothbrushes' for gums, tongues, and between teeth for about the same price.
Electric toothbrushes cost from $16 for battery operated, low-end models, to more than $100 for more intricate rechargeable brushes.
Replacement heads generally come in packs of two to four, costing $15 to $25 per pack.
Comparison Shopping
Oral B has many competing brands for electric and manual toothbrushes. Dollar stores oftentimes will carry packs of up to six toothbrushes, providing extreme value for those on tight budgets, but sacrificing the quality of the toothbrushes.
High-end electric toothbrushes also are available for those with bigger pocketbooks. These can sell for as much as $500, and many feature additional items such as water picks or electric tongue scrubbers.
Accessories
Batteries will be the main accessory for those purchasing a non-rechargeable electric toothbrush. Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries and a charger when opting for this type of Oral B toothbrush. Both manual and electric toothbrush users will need a carrying case when traveling, easily purchased at any retail store for $1 to $5. Manual users can also purchase toothbrush holders to keep their toothbrush heads from becoming dirty during storage. These run about $1 to $3 for plastic holders and $10 to $25 for fancier ceramic ones.
Insider Tips
Make sure the toothbrush you buy has a row of colored nylon bristles. These bristles are made to fade in color as you use them, indicating it's time to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head when they turn white; a feature that goes overlooked by many buyers.
