I get the appeal of sticking with manual, especially if you’ve had good checkups. But honestly, for older folks or anyone with arthritis, electric brushes are just easier on the joints and tend to be more consistent. I used to think my technique was solid, but my hygienist showed me spots I was missing—electric got those areas way cleaner. Not saying it’s magic, but for me, it took a lot of the guesswork out of brushing.
“electric brushes are just easier on the joints and tend to be more consistent”
That’s what my neighbor said too, but I keep hesitating because of the price. I know it’s a one-time thing (well, plus replacement heads), but every time I look at the electric ones at the store, I get sticker shock. I’m always worried I’ll spend the money and then not like it or it won’t make much of a difference for me.
I’ve had okay checkups with my manual brush, but my dentist keeps mentioning “trouble spots.” I try to be careful, but honestly, sometimes my hands get sore and I probably rush through brushing. Does anyone feel like the electric ones actually save you time or effort? Or is it mostly about getting a better clean? I’m a little anxious about switching and then regretting it—especially if my teeth don’t feel any different.
I get what you mean about the price—my dad had the same hesitation. He always used a manual brush and thought, “Why fix what isn’t broken?” But after a wrist injury, brushing got tough for him, so I convinced him to try a basic electric one (nothing fancy, just the cheapest model). He was surprised at how much less effort it took, especially on sore days. Honestly, he didn’t notice a huge difference in how his teeth felt at first, but at his next checkup, his hygienist said those “trouble spots” were looking better. I think it’s less about saving time and more about making the job easier on your hands and wrists, especially if you tend to rush or get tired. The heads do add up, but he’s stuck with it for a couple years now.
This really hits home. My kid’s dentist actually suggested an electric brush for my mom (she helps with the little one sometimes), and I was skeptical at first—she’s always been stubborn about her “old ways.” But seeing her struggle with arthritis made me rethink it. Once she tried the electric, she said it felt weird at first but now she won’t go back. I get the price thing, but honestly, if it saves her hands and keeps her teeth healthier, it’s worth it in the long run. Those replacement heads are annoying, though... I just buy them in bulk when they’re on sale.
Totally get where you’re coming from with the price tag and the hassle of tracking down those replacement heads. I was super hesitant to shell out for an electric brush, especially when you factor in the ongoing costs. But my dad’s hands started getting shaky, and manual brushing just wasn’t cutting it anymore—he kept missing spots, and then we’d end up at the dentist for “yet another” cleaning. It got old fast.
Ever notice how the “old ways” are only great until they start causing problems? My dad was stubborn too—he’d say, “I’ve had these teeth for 70 years, why change now?” But after a week or two with the electric one (on sale, thank goodness), he actually admitted it was easier on his wrists. Still grumbled about the buzzing noise, but hey, I’ll take small victories.
Do you find that buying heads in bulk really saves much? I’ve been trying to figure out if it’s actually cheaper or just feels like it because you’re not running to the store every month. And what about battery vs. rechargeable—have you noticed a difference? The battery ones seem cheaper up front but I swear we go through so many AAAs it starts to add up.
I’m with you though—if it keeps them brushing and saves a trip to the dentist, maybe it’s worth a little extra hassle (and a bit more cash). The only thing I can’t figure out is how my dad manages to lose the charger every other month. Maybe there should be a toothbrush that comes with GPS...
