Does anyone here use a power toothbrush?

I've been having some problems with my gums receding plus plaque build-up on my teeth, and I'm wondering if I'm not brushing my teeth properly. I'm thinking about trying a power/battery-operated toothbrush to make sure that I'm brushing the right way. Has anyone here tried one and if so, did you think it was a good purchase? I'd welcome any recommendations

Thanks,

[DebbieJ]

If you're willing to spend, go with a Sonicare. It's what my dentist recommends and both my DH and I have seen our plaque build up diminish tremendously by using it.

~ deb
Mommy to my sweet boy
B born 12/03
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10023.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[kaitlinsmommy]

DH & I use a Sonicare Elite & really like it. DH now says he feels like only get clean with the Sonicare. I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond with a 20% off coupon.

[kijip]

I have been using a Sonicare for 4 years now and love it. Best $100 (they were more expensive then---now I see them for $60) I ever spent! The Sonicare can be bought and then shared with other family members (aka spouse) by using separate heads. The battery ones are not as nice. I suggest one with a plug in charger.

Regardless of the kind of brush you use, the very best thing you can do for your plaque issue is to floss carefully 1-2 per day. It is a pain, and few people do it but the floss will take care of alot of the plaque.

[deborah_r]

While not specific to the electric toothbrush part of the question, I had a dentist tell me once to always use soft bristles (never hard) and to brush your gums as well as your teeth, massage in little circles, but not with a lot of pressure.

I use an Oral-B electric and I like it. But I have heard great things about Sonicare as well.

I also use the Sonicare. I have the older model. I bought it at (where else?) Costco. It was cheaper there than anywhere else and I got an extra brush (base and all).
Teva
Mom to AJ born 1-8-03

[jd11365]

I stopped using my Sonicare because it was too harsh on my enamel. You're only supposed to lightly brush, and the Sonicare was causing more problems for me than before I used it. Check with your dentist. It was recommended by her first, but then after I was having enamel problems, it seems my pattern of brushing was too hard and now I use just the regular soft toothbrush.

Jamie
Mommy to Kayla
May '03
http://lilypie.com/baby2/030501/1/0/1/-5/.png

I was involved in a toothbrush study at the U of P some years ago. It compared brushing results between power and regular toothbrushes. The bottom line was that if you can get just as good results from a regular as a power toothbrush IF you are brushing properly.

One easy thing to do is to set a timer to make sure that you are brushing long enough - many people don't. If you would rather get a power brush you don't need to spend alot - DH uses a spin brush and has seen great improvement.

Also, for the PP's who said that they were seeing enamel wear, you can try brushing with your other hand - sometimes people just press too hard.

the Sonicare IntelliClean (it is the newest Sonicare to the market). I am lucky to have tried pretty much every power toothbrush out there because my dad gets them. I really love the Sonicare!

[Momof3Labs]

My dad is a dentist, too, and recommends the Crest Spin Brush as a good, inexpensive electric toothbrush.