What To Look For
A cordless rechargeable toothbrush is designed to remove excess plaque and debris through the use of constantly rotating bristles and vibration. According to a study published by Dr. Richard Niederman, a prominent doctor of medical dentistry, a regular toothbrush is only capable of removing as much plaque as the toothbrush user is physically capable of brushing away, whereas the electric toothbrush can effectively remove more plaque and lessen gingivitis and other periodontal diseases due to the vibrating mechanisms inside the brush. When looking for a good rechargeable toothbrush, search for one with a timer switch or noise feature that switches off after two minutes, since dentists recommend brushing a full two to four minutes to clear away excess plaque. Finding a rechargeable toothbrush that is already packaged with an extra brush head is advisable, since the brush heads must be exchanged out at least every other month.
Common Pitfalls
Cordless rechargeable toothbrushes are expensive and require constant brush purchases to receive a decent brushing experience. The batteries on the toothbrush will determine whether you will be allowed to brush at all. If no electricity is available to recharge and your brush only works with a certain battery or charger type, you may end up hunting for a specific charger or battery just to maintain your daily brushing routine. To avoid these dilemmas, look for rechargeable brushes that are less expensive and come pre-packaged with spare brush heads, a charging station that plugs into any electrical outlet or at least extra batteries that are easily purchased in bulk. Also, purchasing generic-brand electrical toothbrushes are easier to match with other spare brush heads than brand-name toothbrushes.
Where To Buy
Cordless toothbrushes are best purchased within any CVS or other drugstore that carries personal hygiene products. The toothbrushes are usually located in the dental care aisle and most likely are placed in shelves close to the floss, mouthwash and tooth pain area.
Cost
Most cordless, rechargeable toothbrushes can be bought for less than $20 to almost $140 for a one-brush package. The lesser-priced brushes, like the Oral B Vitality series toothbrush, do not have extra bells and whistles that convert most regular toothbrush users. However, the high-priced brushes, like the Sonic Flexcare, offer an automatic off switch, recharging base and water pick station (on certain models). Water picks are long plastic tubes attached to open-ended dental picks. These picks hook onto a base water holder and squirt water into the crevices of the teeth to remove lodged food debris. Water pick stations are usually purchased separately or in conjunction with certain brands of electrical toothbrushes, such as the Oral B brand. Always look for a toothbrush that fits your mouth size, bristle softness if you have sensitive gums and has an American Dental Association recommendation, when possible.
