🪥 Electric toothbrushes and oral care

What to look for in an electric toothbrush

• A 2-minute timer with 30-second prompts. Dentists commonly recommend two minutes of brushing; a timer that nudges you to switch areas every 30 seconds makes it easy to cover the whole mouth evenly.
• Brush head design. Standard heads clean one side of the tooth at a time. Multi-sided heads, like Triple Bristle's 3-sided head, reach the front, back and top of the teeth at once, which some people find quicker and easier.
• Cleaning modes. A sensitive or gentle mode helps if you're new to electric brushes or have sensitive gums. Massage modes are a bonus, not a must.
• Gentle on dental work. If you have braces, crowns, veneers or implants, look for a brush the maker says is suitable for them.
• The cost of replacement heads. Heads usually need replacing about every three months. Check the price of a multi-pack before you buy the handle, since that's the ongoing cost.
• Charging and travel. A charging base is standard. If you travel, a travel case keeps the head clean in your bag.

Switching from a manual brush can feel strange at first. Starting on the gentlest mode for the first couple of weeks helps. For advice about your own teeth and gums, ask your dentist.

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