Sonic toothbrushes

Dental brushing tools have advanced rapidly in recent years. We all know the importance of brushing and maintaining dental hygiene to preserve and protect our teeth. Manual toothbrushes are now largely outnumbered by their electrical equivalents, and in recent times, the sonic toothbrush has increased significantly in popularity.

The latest sonic toothbrush models have been proven to significantly increase dental hygiene levels and help fight gum disease - a major problem resulting in dental issues, and quite often, unwelcome extractions. The sonic toothbrushes available today are greatly advanced – improvements have been made to the brushing action itself, the toothbrush head, and their overall effectiveness. There are a number of sonic toothbrushes available on the market – and the price to purchase one will differ depending on the manufacturer and the model specifications.

Advantages

• Very easy to use
• Increased dental hygiene
• Advanced technology
• Less likely to damage teeth
• Programmable brushing routines

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive to buy some models
• Will require regular re-charging
• Toothbrush heads will need changing on a regular basis

How sonic toothbrushes work

Sonic toothbrushes take a lot of the hard work out of brushing. Generally speaking, you simply have to move the brush around your teeth and gums, and the motorised bristle head will do most of the work for you, using sonic ‘waves’. This sonic process is proven to be gentler on teeth while ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness.

The majority of new sonic models have programmed brushing routines, so you don’t have to manual time your brushing cycle. Sonic toothbrushes also regulate the pressure applied to your teeth, using a sequence of brushing techniques to provide the best possible deep clean.

Sonic toothbrushes will need charging on a regular basis, especially if you are using them twice a day. The toothbrush ‘charge’ time will differ depending on the manufacturer and the model that you buy, and the majority will need a long charge before you start using them.

With sonic toothbrushes, the trick is to apply the correct amount of pressure, in order to achieve the best possible clean. If you apply excessive pressure, or use a sonic toothbrush for longer periods of time that recommended, you can actually cause damage to your gums, and may even negatively impact your tooth enamel.

When you have purchased a new sonic toothbrush, it’s very important to read the operating instructions provided with the model thoroughly, before you use it to ensure optimum cleaning performance. The process of brushing your teeth using an electric toothbrush is very different to that of a manual toothbrush. Even if you have used other versions of electric toothbrushes previously, it’s still wise to read the instructions, as slightly different brushing techniques may be required.

Additional features

If you are looking to purchase a sonic toothbrush, it’s a good idea to compare the features available with each model - here are a few things that you will need to consider;

Charging time

As with other electric toothbrushes, all sonic toothbrushes will need regular charging to ensure optimal performance. The model will be sold complete with a charging lead, which you plug into the mains socket for a recommended amount of time. Some models will include a charge indicator light – allowing you to charge the unit for the correct amount of time, and clearly see when the toothbrush is fully charged.

Timer

Most sonic toothbrushes will have a timer – allowing you to use a set brushing routine. The timer will generally turn off the appliance automatically when the set time has passed.

Programmes

Ideally, select a sonic toothbrush that has a range of in-built brushing programmes. Modern units allow you to alternate between programmes to ensure the best possible brushing techniques for different tooth areas and your gums. The programmes will regulate the toothbrush and the correct amount of pressure will be applied -this ensures that you don’t accidently damage your teeth during the cleaning process by applying too much pressure.

Adapter

Generally speaking, sonic toothbrushes will be sold with a charging lead. This lead will need fitting into a shaver-style adapter, then plugging into the mains. Some models will also include the adapter as standard. If you plan to use your toothbrush abroad, it’s worth checking that the adapter can be used in non-UK countries. If not, you may need to purchase a separate one.

Accessories

Sonic toothbrushes are generally supplied with a spare toothbrush head, and sometimes they include two – allowing different people to use the unit. You may also receive a carry case for use when travelling. You will be able to purchase separate brush heads, often in a number of styles.