Best Electric Toothbrushes & Flossers

Electric toothbrushes

Are electric toothbrushes worth buying?

The answer to that question depends entirely on your preferences. Are they essential to maintaining healthy oral hygiene? No.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) claim both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in cleaning teeth as long as you follow the correct technique. This includes brushing at a 45 degree angle in a back and forth motion for 2-minutes, twice daily, taking care not to apply too much pressure.

That being said, can electric toothbrushes make the process a lot simpler and more efficient? Absolutely. Dentists often recommend using electric toothbrushes since it takes the labour out of brushing and gives everyone access to a professional, dentist-level clean feeling right at home.

Pros and cons of electric toothbrushes

Depending on how often you travel, your budget and your dexterity, an electric toothbrush could be a good choice for you:

Are electric toothbrushes safe to use?

Yes, electric toothbrushes are very safe to use and have been declared effective at removing plaque and decreasing gingivitis - an inflammation of the gums. People with reduced dexterity such as children, the elderly, those with disabilities or those who use appliances such as braces could benefit from using an electric toothbrush which can be easier to handle than a manual toothbrush.

Age to start using an electric toothbrush

Children above the age of 3 have been deemed safe to start using electric toothbrushes. There are many electric toothbrushes designed with kids in mind that are smaller and have softer vibrations and bristles than adult toothbrushes.

Additional electronic features such as music, lights and colourful designs may be more entertaining for a young child. An inbuilt timer can also be a very important feature to make sure a child is brushing for long enough. Toothbrushes with a smart app feature have games and rewards for brushing every day - something that motivates kids to maintain good oral hygiene.

If your child prefers a manual toothbrush, they can just as effectively clean their teeth without the frills using the proper 45-degree angle and brushing motions.

How much should I spend on an electric toothbrush?

There are a wide variety of electric toothbrushes on the market currently at different price points. The first choice you should make is between the battery types: replaceable battery brushes can range from $7-15, whereas those with a rechargeable internal battery range from $40-399.

Brushes in the higher price range host fancier features such as an accompanying smartphone app to analyse your brushing patterns and suavely designed travel cases. More affordable toothbrushes are just as effective in cleaning your teeth, however, you won't get the convenience of rechargeable batteries or a variety of speed options - things you may feel you could do without.

Electric toothbrushes have a lifespan of anywhere between 3-5 years, but keep in mind that brush heads will incur an additional cost and should be replaced every 2 months or so. Brush head prices can vary depending on the brand, with Oral-B brush heads being generally cheaper than Philips brush heads. You can find more information between the two brands in the comparison chart down below.

Is it worth spending more on an electric toothbrush?

There are a variety of features in the newest editions of electric toothbrushes that can aid your brushing process or spruce up your bathroom dresser décor. These include:

• The style & design: Those in the higher range come in sleek pink, purple, black, white and blue colour options and modern designs that look great in any bathroom. Some, such as the Philips DiamondClean, offer a charger in the form of a glass cup for the bathroom.

• A snazzy travel case: For jet setters, this could be a very useful feature since it provides compact and portable USB charging options.

• Brush speed: Those with sensitive teeth may benefit from having a variety of speed options to choose from. This feature allows for a personalised brushing experience.

• Brush heads: Specialist brush heads offer another chance to personalise your brushing experience based on your needs. There are a variety in the market from multiple brands that focus on precision, polishing or a flossing action. Typically, Oral-B sells circular brush heads whereas Philips' brush heads are more similar to manual toothbrushes.

• Charging time: One of the biggest drawbacks of electric toothbrushes is the fact that they need to be charged. For products on the lower-range of the price scale, these can take a day or more to fully charge. If this is a point of concern for you, considering dishing out more for this convenience.

• Battery capacity: Similar to the point above, battery capacity is important to consider if you'd prefer to use the product for longer between charges.

• Chargers: There are a few charger models you might want to pay more for - a glass cup which looks natural in the bathroom, USB chargers that can be done from your laptop or replaceable batteries instead of chargers for when you're on the go.

• Battery indicator: Battery indicators let you know what percentage battery you have left and give a warning when they are running low and need recharging - this could be a useful feature to have so you are not left with a non-functioning toothbrush when you need it.

• Pressure sensors: Gum recession can often occur due to harsh brushing which can be avoided by using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. The toothbrush will either give a warning buzz or stop moving if you press too hard.

• Timers: Dentists encourage people to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day as the most effective oral care routine. If you find yourself going over or under that recommendation often, it could be useful to use a toothbrush with an inbuilt timer. Some toothbrushes feature 30-second interval reminders to allow you to spend equal amounts of time in each corner of your mouth.

• Mobile app: The newest feature is the smart toothbrush - a toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity that links to an app to give you more insight into your brushing habits. These include details such as which side of the mouth you spend more time brushing, the time you spend brushing and the angles you brush at. These could be useful if you are having trouble with your dental hygiene and need data to pinpoint why.

For brushes that don't cost an arm (and a tooth), you can go for a product in a reputable brand's older range. And while they might not have all the extra funky features, they are just as effective at cleaning your teeth.

Oral-B Genius 9000 vs Philips Sonicare DiamondClean

If you've decided to invest big bucks into your luxury dental hygiene care, then you'll be asking the next big question: should I go for Oral-B or Philips?

Two of the biggest kingpins in the game currently are the Oral-B Genius 9000 and the Philips Sonicare Diamondclean which are the most advanced electric toothbrushes on the market. This chart highlights the key differences between the two to help you make your decision:

Comparison chart

Water flossers

How does a water flosser work?

A water flosser, water pick or oral pulsating irrigator all refer to the same thing - a device that pulses streams of water between your teeth to dislodge pieces of food. It's particularly useful for getting out particles stuck between or under the gum line, which is harder to do with string floss.

Pros and cons of water flossers

Water flosser vs string floss

Water flossing is a great addition to your dental routine but should be used in conjunction with string flossing as opposed to replacing it. A water pick may not be as effective at reducing plaque than manual flossing, however, it may be a more convenient option for those with mobility problems, braces or permanent fixed bridges. It is also less likely to cause bleeding than string floss.

Types of water flossers

• Countertop: Usually the bulkiest of the flosser types, they sit on a countertop and need access to an electrical outlet to work. They also use an irrigation tank which needs to be refilled with water.

• Cordless: These use AA batteries instead of wires and are ideal for bathrooms without an outlet or for travellers who need something compact. They may have less water pressure than one with a cord.

• Shower flosser: These are connected to your shower system and don't require batteries or water refills. They can only be used in the shower.

• Faucet flosser: They attach to your faucet manually and don't require power or refills. They have to be removed before you can use your sink for other purposes.

Price range of water flossers

Water flossers range between $55 - $300.

The products on the higher end include features which address the common drawbacks of water flossers by making them compact, portable and easy to handle. They also offer up to 10 different water pressure settings, timers, handle control, a variety of interchangeable tips and LED information display.

One of the best-known brands is Waterpik which offers a wide range of water flossers.

Conclusion

The best dental hygiene routine is one that is consistent and comfortable for you - many people love the control of manual brushing or flossing and others prefer the ease and deep-cleaning feel of an electric toothbrush or water flosser. You can read more reviews on our website to help you make up your mind today.