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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you use one and if not, can I ask why?

156 replies

oatmilkicedchai · 29/08/2022 00:30

I am interested in the rough proportion of people in the UK who use an electric toothbrush - no idea why - its just something I pondered upon whilst brushing my teeth. I use an electric, but haven't always - started around 3 years ago, and haven't looked back since. My teeth feel so much cleaner, and its easier too.

I cannot really see why someone wouldn't use one, outside from the expense, which I do understand would be prohibitive for many.

AIBU to ask: do you use an electric toothbrush, and if you don't then what is the reason for that?

OP posts:
SpinningFloppa · 29/08/2022 00:32

No because of the price

oviraptor21 · 29/08/2022 00:34

Yes. Recommended by dentist. Probably over 10 years now. Teeth feel much cleaner.

girlfriend44 · 29/08/2022 00:35

My dentist uses an ordinary one I asked her.

DinoDay · 29/08/2022 00:35

I got one a few years ago and couldn't get into the habit. Kept going back to old brush. Then would get paranoid electric brush head had gone manky. I have a real issue with germs. Why I don't have the same feeling about a normal brush I haven't used in a week I have no idea - I hate my brain.

It did not help that I got tonsillitis after going back to the electric the last time. Just can't bring myself to use it again.

And now I've lost the charger. Sometimes I find the charger, but can't find the brush. And sometimes I find both and not the brush heads. And then I find the brush heads but... you get the idea.

Basically I'm bloody useless

Fupoffyagrasshole · 29/08/2022 00:36

Because I use bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ! Is there any environmentally friendly electric heads that are compostable ???

goinggreatthanks · 29/08/2022 00:37

I just can’t get into the habit of keeping one charged.
I did resolve to start again with one fairly recently but then read on here that people had thought it made their receding gums worse so I decided against it.

Flatandhappy · 29/08/2022 00:37

No. I have bought them over the years for everyone in the house, nobody used them for long. Don’t really know why tbh.

Scurryfunge12 · 29/08/2022 00:39

I use one and my teeth feel so much cleaner now that I could never go back, and on the odd occasion I have used a manual if my battery dies when I’m traveling and I’ve forgot the charger, it feels weird! 😂

A lot of them aren’t very expensive now and although the cheaper ones might not be top of the range, they are far better than a manual. I have a Phillips sonicare at the moment which I think was about £40. It does a really good job.

knitnerd90 · 29/08/2022 00:40

Yes - dentist recommended it a long time ago and it really does a better job especially at the gum line. It is more expensive than a regular toothbrush but there are some cheaper options now; they're not as expensive as they used to be. Given that it can mean less money spent at the dentist, it's something I think is worth the expense if possible.

(Less essential, but very useful if you really despise flossing, is a water flosser.)

Scurryfunge12 · 29/08/2022 00:41

@Fupoffyagrasshole you can buy bamboo heads on Amazon

whatwouldAnnaDelveydo · 29/08/2022 00:43

It needs charging, or it needs a socket for each toothbrush, and then I need to buy the right replacement heads (instead of just buying new brushes of whatever type there is available). Too much hassle.

Aquamarine1029 · 29/08/2022 00:44

My husband and I have used electric ones for 20+ years.

HangOnToYourself · 29/08/2022 00:47

I started using one after the dentist told me I brush too hard and was wearing away my gums 😬 I wouldnt be without it now. Used a manual one on holiday last week and my gums are agony this week after I must have gone back to my heavy handed tactics!

Rainallnight · 29/08/2022 00:50

I don’t have one because my teeth are sensitive and every time I’ve tried one, it’s made them worse.

Whatup · 29/08/2022 00:50

I need a really stiff toothbrush for my teeth and tongue. People who dont brush their tongue properly are super rank or probably dont have a smelly gross furry one like mine. If you have time use both and some decent mouthwash and a water pick.

MoistBandana · 29/08/2022 00:51

I use one that cost aroun £7 from Amazon.
Couple of rechargable batteries in it.
It.works.pretty good.

MessyBunPersonified · 29/08/2022 00:52

I don't have one, but I do have an oral irrigator that I adore.

Merryoldgoat · 29/08/2022 00:57

Yes. I have a duo charger on my bathroom wall so they’re always easy to reach and charged.

mikeyboo · 29/08/2022 00:57

I had one but I find the sensation of it vibrating really unpleasant so went back to a manual brush.

BadGranny · 29/08/2022 00:59

Electric toothbrush (30 years or more) and water pick. My dentist said I have ‘impeccable oral hygiene’ when I went for my regular check-up last week.

mamabear715 · 29/08/2022 00:59

Dentist recommended & I've used one for years now. Teeth & gums feel better & like a PP, I'm not as heavy handed with an electric brush. I leave the charger in the kitchen so I don't forget to charge it!

Thornethorn · 29/08/2022 01:02

They do work much better.

blueshoes · 29/08/2022 01:06

Yes. Electric toothbrush at night before bed and manual toothbrush when I wake up. I floss with tepes.

My hygienist has nothing to do when I see her. She says just keep doing what you are doing <preen>

ThirtyThreeTrees · 29/08/2022 01:08

I have one but charging it drives me insane. It doesn't give a warning that it's dying in the same way most other electrical items do.

If anyone can recommend me a good battery operated one, I would gladly buy it.

AuntTwacky · 29/08/2022 01:10

Don't like them