Manual toothbrushes are still used more often to brush teeth than electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrush use is gaining, however, with nearly 41 percent of adults responding to a consumer marketing analysis by Mintel, saying they have used an electric toothbrush in the past six months.1
That’s good news for holiday gift givers, as about 60 percent of adults could benefit from receiving an electric toothbrush as a holiday gift. Also good news is that one of the most comprehensive analyses of powered versus manual toothbrushes, done by the Cochrane Collaboration, concluded that powered toothbrushes have a slight edge at cleaning away plaque.2
Electric toothbrushes can also be kind (or unkind) to your gift-giving budget.
Walmart is currently selling a Colgate 360 Power Whitening Battery Operated Toothbrush for $6.97, making it a unique stocking stuffer.3 If you want to really impress, on the other end of the spending spectrum is the Reinast Titanium Toothbrush which sells for around $4,200.4 Yes, it is really made of titanium.
Features Equal Cost
Realistically, electric toothbrushes usually cost between $30 and $300 depending on the features and options.5 Buying an electric toothbrush is similar to buying a color printer for your computer. It pays to not only factor in the cost of the unit, but also the cost of replacement parts, like ink for the printer and brush heads for a toothbrush. Electric toothbrush replacement heads can cost anywhere from $14 to $32.6
There are several things to consider when buying an electric toothbrush. First, however, it is important to note that any electric toothbrush that is comfortable to use twice a day and is paired with fluoride toothpaste is a good choice. Adding the bells and whistles takes the toothbrush to another level, usually in effectiveness and/or efficiency.
Features for Optimal Results
Bells and whistles include timers that let the operator know when they have brushed for a total of two-minutes, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Some models will buzz at 30-second intervals so you know when to move from the top outside of your teeth, to the top inside of your teeth, to the bottom outside of your teeth and the bottom inside of your teeth for a thorough cleaning.
Some models also have pressure sensors that warn the operator if they are pushing the brush head too hard against the teeth. This can help maintain tooth enamel and gum health. A brush head replacement indicator is also a useful addition which lets you know when it is time to replace your brush head.
It doesn’t matter how the electric toothbrush moves. Whether oscillating and pulsating or vibrating, the electric toothbrush will still be effective. Some units are powered with disposable batteries and some are rechargeable. An advanced feature is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to view your brushing quality and quantity in real time.7
The Gift of Improved Dental Health
It is reported that the average American adult without dental insurance and with good overall dental health, which is defined as having only a few small problems such as cavities, spends $1,000 a year on dental care.8 Helping your loved ones achieve good overall dental health by buying them an electric toothbrush may be the best holiday gift you can give them.
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1, 2 Should You Use an Electric Toothbrush or a Manual Toothbrush? by Sally Wadyka, 9/6/2022
Link: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/toothbrushes/electric-toothbrush-or-manual-a3193343159/
3 Colgate Battery Operated Toothbrush; Walmart website
4 The Five Most Expensive Toothbrushes in the World by Garrett Parker, 4/26/2023
Link: https://moneyinc.com/the-five-most-expensive-toothbrushes-in-the-world/
5, 6 How Much Do Electric Toothbrushes Cost? 9/20/2022
Link: https://rechargeablegadgets.com/how-much-do-electric-toothbrushes-cost/
7 The Best Electric Toothbrushes for a Cleaner Smile, According to Experts, by Zoe Malin, 6/5/2020
Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-electric-toothbrushes-ncna1193846
8 Dental Statistics 2022 USA