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A Comparison of Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are an alternative to manual toothbrushes. Typically, an electric toothbrush has two round side-by-side heads that circulate in opposite directions. Some studies claim that the electric toothbrush removes more plaque than a manual one, while others maintain that the only difference is that people who use electric toothbrushes are more likely to brush longer. Electric toothbrushes are significantly more expensive than manual toothbrushes.

  1. Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 4000

    • According to consumersearch.com, the Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 4000 is the highest-rated electric toothbrush. The price of this toothbrush (as of 2010) is $125, and it offers a variety of features, including a microchip in the brush that warns the user when the batteries are about to run out, congratulates him when he has completed the recommended two-minute brush time and alerts him when his brush heads are nearly ready to be replaced. It features an LCD screen, and is favored by reviewers for a long battery life and easy use.

    Sonicare FlexCare

    • The Sonicare Flexcare electric toothbrush costs $140 (as of 2010) and is highly rated for usability, its lightweight nature and an additional smaller head that allows users to brush hard to reach areas. It features a long battery life and fewer vibrations than other electric toothbrushes, but is equally as effective.

    Oral-B Vitality

    • The Oral-B Vitality is popular for its basic nature, ease of use and inexpensive price. At $18 (as of 2010), it is simpler than other electric toothbrushes but functionally adequate. The difference between this toothbrush and other, far more expensive ones is that it is a rechargeable version of a battery powered toothbrush, and its heads only move in a circular motion, as opposed to side to side. While some say the side-to-side motion is better for cleaning teeth, the Oral-B Vitality is touted to be a perfectly adequate brush that is far superior to a manual toothbrush.

    Arm and Hammer Spinbrush Pro

    • The Arm and Hammer Spinbrush Pro is a very basic version of the electric toothbrush. This brush is battery powered and can be purchased for only $9 (as of 2010). The brush requires AA batteries and is not rechargeable. Users say it is a perfectly adequate brush that is more comfortable to use than a manual toothbrush.

    Oral-B Pulsonic

    • The Oral-B Pulsonic Sonic Toothbrush is a mid-line electric toothbrush that is notable for its slim, lightweight nature. At $70 (as of 2010), it is relatively inexpensive, yet fully functional and popular among its users. One of the Oral-B Pulsonic's taglines is: "Two-Week White," claiming that the toothbrush can remove 94 percent of surface stains within two weeks. Touted as gentle on gums and quiet, the Pulsonic also offers a two-minute timer feature.

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