My dentist recently recommended I use a Water Pik and an electric toothbrush to get my gums in to better shape. I got a Water Pik and a Philips Sonicare toothbrush and while they seem to work fine I have questions.

Electric toothbrushes come in a bewildering array. Is the Sonicare a good choice? Is the $35 Sonicare good enough or should I have bought one of the more expensive ones? How long should I use it? It has a 2 minute timer but my Periodontist says he never has time for that and uses it for about half as long.

I think the Water Pik cost around $60, but Amazon has models that cost hundreds. Why the difference? If you use a Water Pik, do you put mouthwash in it? What kind? Toothpaste?

Yea, some of them have wifi or other carp that I just don't get.

(edit: I just reread your post and see that you already have purchased some equipment....)

There are two basic categories: the sonic (Sonicare) and the rotating brush (Oral B). From what I read, studies show they work equally well.

I went for an off brand of the sonic variety from a company called Burst; I used an Oral B for the last 20 years and thought I'd try a sonic type for a change. Burst has a network of dental hygienists who basically sell the product for them. You get a code from the hygienist to bring the cost of the toothbrush down to about $40. If you subscribe to the every three months brush replacement program ($6 a brush), your toothbrush is guaranteed for as long as you subscribe; otherwise it's a two year warranty. They have some type of charcoal in the brush that's supposed to be better.

I've been using mine for about six months and am now due for a cleaning. Don't know if it's better than the Oral B was or not. I always go the full two minutes.

If you go with the name brands like Sonicare or OralB, wait for a sale at Costco. I think it works out to be cheaper than buying the same brush through other outlets.

I also have a WaterPik that I bought at Costco. When I used it, I just put water in it. But to be honest, I got tired of the extended tooth ritual and it's in the cabinet gathering dust. Brushing and flossing, and I'm done....

I have the philips sonicare and love it. I almost never go the full 2 minutes. I’m a habitual flosser too.

I use floss, Proxabrushes, and a Sonicare that cost about $80.
The dental hygenist at my January cleaning said it looked like
I use those things and things looked great
I go for a cleaning at least twice a year.

Got bad gums from my father. He learned to floss and brush frequently.
after getting several implants.

I think Proxabrushes are essential. There are four sizes. One must find the sizes that work.
I use a green one and a red one.

quote:

Originally posted by jon-nyc:
I have the philips sonicare and love it. I almost never go the full 2 minutes. I’m a habitual flosser too.

Ditto, though I usually go the full two minutes before bed. Since I'm wearing Invisalign® I brush more often than most people, so I don't need the whole amount of time, all the time.

Bought a water pick with sidekick electric toothbrush. Loved both until the brush stopped charging. Internet research indicates this is a long-standing and ongoing problem. Still have the water pick and trying to decide what electric brush to get, but it won't be another waterpik brand.

jf

What do you think of the new electric toothbrush with the WaterPik built-in?

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Miller:
What do you think of the new electric toothbrush with the WaterPik built-in?

Might be an assault.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Miller:
What do you think of the new electric toothbrush with the WaterPik built-in?

Might be an assault.

And what do youall recommend for best water pic - well, for me? If quality is equal, I much prefer small. (Such limited bathroom shelf space. )

Water Pik makes a travel model that is very compact. Maybe look at one of those.

I have been using Sonicare for years...on my second unit. Also flossing. I do a peroxide-and-baking soda probe at the gum line and occasionally tiny brushes between teeth (I need to find a better brand). Oh, and rinses with Listerine or equivalent.