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

[oatmilkicedchai]

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?

That’s one each, not the same one!

Yes, whole family have used them for years. I’ve always felt that prioritising looking after our teeth is worth the investment - to try and prevent costly dental treatment in the future.

Electric, can't remember the last time I used any other sort. Friends who are Dentists and Dental Nurses, always recomend them, especially for children, who don't brush properly. Oral B, not expensive, only my second one. Although I am big on recycling, (been doing it over 50 years) I do not worry about new toothbrush heads, because my teeth are not recyclable. Have had far less fillings since using them, and only seen a hygenist once in my 70 plus years. DH has a sonic, which he loves.

I tried but couldn't get on with it. Primarily the noise first thing in the morning and just don't like the feel.
I discovered Curaprox manual toothbrushes a good few years ago and they are amazing, wouldn't try an electric toothbrush again.
DH and one DC use electric ones and the other DC alternates between electric and manual.
I don't think they are that expensive, they seem to be on offer most of the time?

Yes. It wasn't expensive. I had battery one think it was about £15 for 2 in Costco. Changed about 18 months ago as was costing a fortune in batteries! Got a decent oral b one on offer for £18. The heads can be expensive but can get them on offer or u can buy non branded ones a lot cheaper.

I don't because it gives me a metallic taste in my mouth.

Always use one...have done for years. And a waterflosser

Anyone using the Foreo one? I can't get my head around how it works and if it actually cleans properly but am very curious about them just because they're different.

No i don't. For sustainability and waste management reasons.

Yes my teeth don’t feel clean with a manual

No, I kept forgetting to charge it and to be honest I just prefer using a manual one. I clean my teeth about 3 or 4 times a day though depending on what I’ve been eating or drinking. I can’t stand coffee breath! My friend and her husband are both dentists and use manual ones, I’ve asked her. My mum swears by her electric one though so I think it’s just whatever you prefer.

I used to but my dentist told me to change to manual (extra soft at that) because I was doing more damage than good. I'm in my 30s now and never even had a filling so I must be efficient enough 🤷‍♀️

I use an electric toothbrush and a water pick because my dentist told me too. I also go to the hygienist every 3 months. I'm 60 and I want to keep my own teeth.

I use an electric toothbrush and my teeth are in good shape.

I use electric tpothbrush 2 years ago never look back. Teeth cleaner. I use it even for my 6yo DC. For whole family

We all use use them. 2 adults and 3 children. They clean better.
I get the heads from places like b&m. We tend to only need one charging at a time. Much prefer them. Manuals just don't clean as well.

I have sensitive gums and I found an electric hurt them so I stopped.

I’ve read that bamboo items have had so much manufacturing production done to them, they may as well be plastic.
I read it after I’d spent a lot of money on some bamboo clothing, the article said it was the equivalent of nylon, after all the processing.

Flossing is way more important than what brush you use. My dentist always asks if I floss but bas never asked what toothbrush I use.

I’m a hygienist so maybe have an insight here
going by my patients it’s probably 80%+ use an electric brush

reasons for not using one

1. too noisy ( yes really. That comes up a lot!)
2. don’t like the vibration
3. doesn’t get teeth clean enough
4. no razor plug in the bathroom so have to charge elsewhere
5. don’t want to/ never considered
6. too expensive
7. too much plastic waste
8. makes teeth sensitive
9. interferes with neurological conditions
10. habit - have always used manual brush

@Branster i use foreo.
A little bit pricey, but judging by how often everyone is charging, I’ve probably saved more in electricity by never needing to charge it!
I do love it though, and it’s so hygienic, no chance of it getting all disgusting!
I’ve decided that all 3 of my dc will be getting one for Xmas!

My kids each have e toothbrushes but I don't.

Yes. I’ve used a sonicare for over a decade now, as recommended by my dentist. Much prefer the sensation and my teeth are cleaner.

They are a luxury item though and I can see why people don’t use them. They are obviously much more expensive in terms of initial outlay and running costs. Even though the electricity usage is low in reality as it holds charge for a good 4-6 weeks and recharges quickly; you (obviously) don’t charge a normal toothbrush at all, so there are no electricity usage costs incurred there. Plus, the proper heads are expensive to buy, more expensive than a multi pack of decent quality branded toothbrushes. I don’t like the cheap heads, I’ve tried a lot of them over the years and the bristles are never ‘right’.

I have one and prefer it for removing stains. But I find it a hassle. Nowhere to charge it in convenient reach and cleaning it is a faff. I don't always use the same bathroom in the morning in my house and often stay with DP at his and I'm not carting it about with me. So 80% of the time I use a manual one. I'm in my 50s, healthy gums, all my teeth intact, and have never had so much as a filling, so I'm not too worried. I think a lot of the quality of your teeth is down to genetics, diet and fluoride in water rather than the ever increasing number of gadgets we're sold.

Yes I've used one for ages. I really like it, my teeth feel much cleaner and it feels gentler than a manual toothbrush.