Choosing a Battery-Powered Toothbrush

With so many electric toothbrush types available on the market, it's often difficult to select the right toothbrush for your own needs. First, let's distinguish between electric toothbrushes and battery-powered toothbrushes.

Battery-Powered Toothbrush

Those who want a dose of power but are weary of electric toothbrushes may like a battery-powered toothbrush (also known as a "battery power toothbrush" or a "battery-operated toothbrush"). Like electric toothbrushes, battery-powered toothbrushes are sometimes simply called "power toothbrushes" due to their use of a AA battery. While similar in design and cost to regular manual toothbrushes, battery power toothbrushes have just enough vibration to add some extra cleaning action.

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

A rechargeable electric toothbrush, also known as a "power toothbrush" is the kind you plug into the wall to recharge, keeping the handle and replacing the brush head every three months or so. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes differ among the kind of cleaning technology they use, such as oscillating-rotating (3D Cleaning Action) or sonic technology.

Once you decide whether you want a rechargeable electric or battery-powered toothbrush, your next decision will likely be based upon the features of each type of brush.

Battery-Powered Toothbrush Features

While similar in features to regular manual toothbrushes, these kinds of toothbrushes also vibrate to provide additional cleaning action. In addition to those of manual toothbrushes, features include:

• Built-in AA battery that can be replaced in some models
• “On/Off” or “+/-“ button located on the handle
• Bristles or split brush heads specially designed to pulsate along with the vibrations

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush Features

Generally rich in technology and features, electric toothbrushes provide many oral health benefits. Some can even enable you to improve your brushing habits. Hi-tech features include:

• Numerous brushing modes specialized for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits or gum-massaging action
• Pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard
• Timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth
• Digital reminders to replace your brush head
• Oscillating-rotating or sonic technology
• Multiple brush head compatibility so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer

Most electric toothbrushes also come with features for added convenience, like a brush head or toothbrush holder, bathroom-counter storage units and travel toothbrush chargers.