The Magazine Folder 60 Million consumers, signed Adelaide Robert, does not revive the debate between manual toothbrush and electric toothbrush. There is no such comparison. But three types of products were tested: the electric toothbrushes themselves, the brush heads and then the water flossers. “Far from being a gadget, the electric toothbrush contributes to oral health. Just like the water flosser. To find out to what extent, we tested eleven devices”, points out the magazine.
franceinfo: Toothbrushes, how did you test them?
Adelaide Robert: We asked 5 people, already users or not of electric toothbrushes, to test them twice a day for 5 days, and we compared the result of the dental plaque revealer, the first, and the last day . And each tester completed a detailed questionnaire, to report on different usage criteria.
It is not only the effectiveness of the cleaning that is tested, there are also technical criteria: autonomy in particular, are there products that emerge?
For performance in use, we actually have the two unfortunately most expensive products that are the most popular with testers (an Oral-B and Philips model) and for technical characteristics, namely battery life, the charging time, the quality of the brush heads, the leader is the most expensive model.
There are also comfort criteria: softness, noise and the presence of a timer!
All models have a timer that allows the user to know when to change sides, it may seem trivial, but it is one of the most appreciated features. There is another feature that is appreciated, it is the presence of a pressure sensor: it allows you to alert if you press too much (risking damaging the gums) or not enough.
Then there are the characteristics that can only be discovered in use, and more rarely on the product description: the noise and vibrations generated. Several models were displeased because of this, particularly the last one in the test, a Xiaomi model, as the microvibrations can be annoying, even painful. And then of course, there is the quality of the brush head.
Some brands advertise their mobile applications: but is it really gimmicky?
Yes, in any case, it does not justify paying the price. The Oral B application allows you to better visualize the brushing areas, to offer specific “paths”, but neither this application nor that of Xiaomi have convinced of their interest.
The price can vary enormously, and obviously when you pay a lot, you have the best quality?
Indeed, the price varies in our selection from 20 euros to 280 euros, and it is the two most expensive models that are the most efficient. But they are really very expensive. However, electric toothbrushes are not only expensive to buy: brush heads must be replaced regularly, and branded ones are also very expensive. It is an investment.
For brushes, do we have to take the brand corresponding to the electric toothbrush, or can we be satisfied with products compatible with all brands?
Yes, we compared brush heads from the Oral B brand, with brush heads that are sometimes called “universal” or Oral-B compatible, and we had some good surprises. There are some, at nearly 50 cents, which do the trick, when the oral B brand brush head costs 5 euros each. This lowers the rating considerably!
And water flossers, what are they?
These are devices that send a jet of water, under pressure, to flush food debris stuck in the interstices of the teeth and massage the gums. They make it possible to perfect the brushing in a way, without replacing it.
Main difference: the models in which the water tank is integrated into the handle, and those where the tank is on the base, connected by a hose. This may seem less practical, but in reality, is it to be preferred?
Yes, in reality what the testers tell us is that the built-in tank is not enough for use: you have to refill it on the way. It’s practical for the nomadic aspect, if you want to take it on a trip. But on a daily basis, the system with a tank on a base is more comfortable to use.
In addition, the model we tested was rated higher in terms of effectiveness for interdental cleaning and for comfort and ease of use.