# Electric toothbrush. Do you use one? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 21, 2018, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560 "2018-05-21T15:12:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/21 "2018-05-22T18:14:23Z")
> [@4d3fect](#): > > I liked my Sonicare so much that when it died I bought a replacement. They’re down to $20 on amazon last I looked. Sonicares at Amazon go for $20-$200. A bit confusing. Are the $20 ones effective? ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/22 "2018-05-22T20:38:20Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I use an OralB; Costco sells them in a pack of 2 with half a dozen replacement heads. I’m still working my way through the replacement heads, and I figure I’ve got a spare if the first one dies on me; I’ve had it for two years now. Got just that as a Christmas present for my daughter and her husband. Costco also sells replacement heads by themselves - at least a dozen, I think. I’m a fan of OralB also. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/23 "2018-05-22T21:15:46Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > What’s the advantage of these expensive ones (sonicare and the like) over the cheap $7 disposable electric brushes? I’ve been using the cheap spin-brushes for years and they’re great. What’s better about the pricy ones? > > edit: this study seems to suggest the cheap oscillating ones are better? Or am I reading that wrong?[A 12-week clinical comparison of an oscillating-rotating power brush versus a marketed sonic brush with self-adjusting technology in reducing plaque and gingivitis - PubMed](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282870) The pricier brushes have a timer, usually - either for 30 seconds for each quadrant or the full 2 minutes minimum recommended brush time. They’re also much quieter, their brushing more smooth and may either have more bristles or more brushing movements (be they oscillations or whatnot) per second. Cost and features aside, the most important thing anyone should care about in a toothbrush is how much they like using it; if it’s unpleasant, one may brush less overall. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/24 "2018-05-22T22:49:43Z")
I think I paid nearly $300 for my Sonicare toothbrush and water pick set (Or my insurance paid nearly $300 anyway). I like the TB well enough, but the water pick I frick’n LOVE! I should have bought one of those years ago. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/25 "2018-05-22T22:49:55Z")
I began using sonicare three years ago. My semi-annual cleanings are much quicker and less painful. My hygenist often remarks that I have little plaque to remove. I had a lot of plaque build-up using a traditional toothbrush. I dreaded cleanings. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/26 "2018-05-22T23:25:22Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > One came with my Waterpik. Used it once. Hated it. > > The Waterpik itself, OTOH, is awesome. I use it every evening. More my thinking on this considering how few I have left. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/27 "2018-05-22T23:31:30Z")
I use an Oral B and really like it. The dental hygienist noted that I had a lot less tartar to clean off, the first cleaning after I got it. I think the best part is that it encourages me to brush the full 2 minutes (30 seconds per quadrant); as I understand it, it’s not necessarily better than manual brushing, technique-wise, if you go the full 2 minutes brushing manually. ---
**Author:** ![4d3fect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/4d3fect/32/9728_2.png) [@4d3fect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/4d3fect)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/28 "2018-05-23T00:49:05Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > Sonicares at Amazon go for $20-$200. A bit confusing. Are the $20 ones effective? Ah, yes, sorry, thought we were referring to the basic model, sonicare essence. > **[Amazon.com: Philips Sonicare HX5611/01 Essence Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush,...](https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Sonicare-Electric-Rechargeable-Toothbrush/dp/B00QZ67ODE)** > > Product Description Sonicare's unique dynamic cleaning action gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and along the gumline. Brand Story By Philips Very effective IME I don’t think (or I should say, my wallet doesn’t think) the more expensive models give you better results. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/29 "2018-05-23T01:03:41Z")
> [@4d3fect](#): > > I don’t think (or I should say, my wallet doesn’t think) the more expensive models give you better results. Yes, it is difficult to have cash, when you are traveling around the galaxy. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/30 "2018-05-23T01:31:50Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I had a SoniCare and it died. I also got a new dentist in that time (the dentist who sold me the SoniCare didn’t die, he just retired). The new dentist recommended OralB. She preferred the spinning head over the up-and-down of SonICare. Sonicare is ultrasonic. It doesn’t move up and down. I’ve used both and I prefer an ultrasonic toothbrush. They’re not restricted to Sonicare but that’s the brand I use. they’re easy on the gum line. what surprised my dentist was not the toothbrush used. she kept asking me if I flossed because my gums were in such good shape. I don’t. I use toothpicks. Lots and lots of toothpicks. Between the ultrasonic toothbrush and toothpicks I have greatly reduced the time spent during cleanings. ---
**Author:** ![4d3fect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/4d3fect/32/9728_2.png) [@4d3fect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/4d3fect)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/31 "2018-05-23T04:06:51Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > Sonicares at Amazon go for $20-$200. A bit confusing. Are the $20 ones effective? > [@harmonicamoon](#): > > Yes, it is difficult to have cash, when you are traveling around the galaxy. Toothbrush, towel, and a few leftover dollars, what more could a hoopy frood need? ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/32 "2018-05-23T05:18:42Z")
Sonicare. My first one lasted about 15 years and the current one is 5 years old. Cleanings go well and the gums are good. The only thing I do special is stock up on heads because as newer models/versions come out sometimes the older ones can be hard to find. ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/33 "2018-05-23T21:38:42Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > What’s the advantage of these expensive ones (sonicare and the like) over the cheap $7 disposable electric brushes? I’ve been using the cheap spin-brushes for years and they’re great. What’s better about the pricy ones? My own OralB has a sensor that determines when you’re pushing down too hard and a timer that interrupts brushing for the briefest of moments to let you know 30 seconds of brushing has passed. But nothing necessary I suppose. The first I had was connected to an LCD display that gave you a happy face when you were brushing well, definitely not necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/34 "2018-05-23T22:39:22Z")
Another Sonicare user. I’m very happy with it. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/35 "2018-05-24T01:02:37Z")
I’m another OralB user. I love it. StG ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2018, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/36 "2018-05-31T23:45:33Z")
Thanks everyone. It seems that users are very brand loyal. Here is the recap Sonicare users 11 Oral B 10 Others 2 Since using the manual brush, my teeth feel like they have sweaters. I don’t like it. Definitely electric is the way to go. As for me, I will be buying a Sonicare replacement. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560/37 "2018-06-01T00:03:28Z")
Sonicare. My first one lasted over ten years. I’ve had my second one at least four years. I am very satisfied. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-toothbrush-do-you-use-one/814560.md?page=1)