/Dental health - rechargeable toothbrushes

[ChloeHandbag]

I rather fancy getting a rechargeable toothbrush, in fact asked dh for one for christmas (he refused, said it was too boring). So now Boots have some in the sale and I am a little confused by the different types and prices and wondered if anyone has a recommendation?

We have all have quite yellow teeth, even the dc's and I'd like to do anything I can to minimise this.

My dentist recommended an electric toothbrush for me about 4 years ago.
My teeth are a lot cleaner and my gums are healthier... don't bleed etc
It hasn't made my teeth whiter..... but it has been better for my 'oral health'.

You have to get a sonic one.... philips are good. When they are on offer, they are a good buy. You need replacement heads every few months and these can be fairly expensive.

They are great! I have an oral b one that is now about 5 years old and is still working well. Mine has a 2 minute timer that buzzes every 30 seconds so I can move onto the next section. The heads cost about £7 for 4 from Amazon.

I have had a Philips Sonicare for about two years and it is excellent.

Philips sonicare all the way!!!

Thanks everyone, I got the all singing all dancing Oral B one from Boots, reduced from £160 (honestly who would paid that) to £70 something.

Have spent new years eve so far cleaning my teeth, which is strangely satisfying.

I like the two minute timer thingy - especially for the dc's.

dh got me a Oral B Sonic one and it is great - much better than my previous Oral B rechargeable.

My last dentist gave me a Phillips Sonicare after loads of treatment. My current dentist recommends only the Braun, so I gave in and bought one. Between the two, I prefer the Braun, and have some extra attachments for it.

I couldn't imagine using a manual toothbrush now (only do so when on holiday).

If you have yellow teeth, I highly recommend a fairly basic Braun/Oral B rechargeable toothbrush with the brush attachments with the little yellow rubber centres, combined with Elgydium toothpaste (the normal or the whitening version).

I can't use one as I have too many fillings and it dislodges them! But have got one for the children - only problem is I haven't a clue how to charge it? It's been in the cupboard for about 4 years.

I mean I plugged the base into the shaver socket on the bathroom lamp, and left it there for days, but nothing happened.

Do you need to have the light on??

[sadly confused]

As a dentist I would definately recommend a good quality powered tooth brush. I always advise patients to get the best possible one - looking at all the offers in Boots etc- with a 2 minute timer. As the brush makes all the cleaning movements, it is improtant not to scrub with it, instead, just hold it on each tooth surface for a few seconds and it will work its magic. As far as Braun Oral B/Philips Sonicare, it all comes down to personal preference, though the sonicare replacement heads are alot more expensive. Also, sonicare can be a bit of a 'marmite' product.
Flightattandant - I would seggest sseing your dentist for a check up as sound healthy fillings will not be dislodged by an electric t brush. The light should be on during charging, but it sounds like after such a long stay in the cupboard, the rechargable battery has died.

fififolle - if you are around can I hijack slightly (apologies) and ask whether my nearly 11 yr old (still losing the odd baby molar) can use a powered brush?

Bellissima - my three dc's are all still losing baby teeth ages 7, 8 & 10. I asked for advice regarding which heads to buy for the dc's as there are lots of different types. Was advised to buy the sensitive heads.

So far the new toothbrush is a hit here, we're all talking about how lovely our teeth feel. Also there's the added bonus of hearing the toothbrush so when the dc's say they've brushed I can tell if they're telling the truth.

Many thanks for that! (She does need something that enables a bit of 'passive supervision' - not that I wasn't twice as bad at that age, plus penny chews = mouth of fillings)

Bellissima, I would say that it's a good idea for your 11 year old to use an electric toothbrush, you can buy children's heads for them.

Many thanks!