What To Look For
While style and brand may pique consumer interest, the purpose of an electric toothbrush is to clean your teeth and stimulate your gums, so bristle softness or hardness, rotation speed, power and size are all important considerations when purchasing an electric toothbrush. A sonic or oscillating/pulsating model provides a more comprehensive cleaning experience, while a simple rotating toothbrush may not access all crevices and gaps between the teeth and gums.
Common Pitfalls
Match your toothbrush to your particular teeth and gums. For example, a particularly powerful toothbrush can remove enamel from teeth or irritate sensitive gums. Also, see what is included in the original purchase package when you are considering the total cost of the toothbrush. For example, some sets include replacement heads, which you need to replace every few months.
Where To Buy
You can buy electric toothbrushes in major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target, and even in drugstores and some supermarkets. You also can buy online from dental retailers as well as general retailers such as Amazon. Online retailers often include user reviews to help you make a selection. You also can ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Cost
Electric toothbrushes vary in price from $20 to $200 or more, as of 2010. Less-expensive toothbrushes have a simple rotary action, and most run on batteries. Electric toothbrushes using sonic technology can range from $70 to $200. These high-end models also have added features such as variable timers, flossing implements, pressure sensors and extra brush heads.
