Electric toothbrushes are the perfect gadgets for seniors who may not be able to brush with the dexterity and thoroughness that they used to. We all know how important dental care is, whether you have all your teeth, only a select few or are a full-time denture-wearer. This is why we’ve scoured your neighborhood retailers to bring you the best that the dental world has to offer.
With so many options on the market, however, it can be easy for buyers to get lost in the choices. After examining numerous models, ElderGadget has determined that there are a few key features you should keep in mind before purchasing a new electric toothbrush.
- Dual settings are perfect for seniors, especially those who are prone to teeth and gum sensitivity. This feature also allows people to ease into their new toothbrushes, as they can set it on sensitive and work their way up from there once the toothbrush has been broken in.
- A built-in battery allows users to re-charge the toothbrush whenever and wherever they please, and for no additional cost. This cuts down on the inconvenience of fumbling with small supermarket batteries, and ensures that the person will be able to use the toothbrush regardless of whether they have extra batteries on hand. Simply plug the toothbrush in and, viola, you’re charged!
- Another great built-in feature is a timer. People of all ages have trouble gauging how long they’re supposed to brush their teeth. While most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, who really times this ritual exactly? A built-in timer with a volume-adjustable alert allows seniors to brush for the appropriate amount of time.
- As with any other gadget, large buttons, well-lit displays and readable fonts are ideal for senior users.
5. Oral B Triumph 9900 Toothbrush with Smart Guide
Oral-B touts this toothbrush as being the company’s “most technologically advanced,” but don’t let this description scare you. The toothbrush’s SmartGuide monitor is wireless, large and extremely easy to read as it utilizes big, clear fonts and icons. While there are a few icons that are difficult to interpret, such as those that represent the polish or massage modes, the core icons are very obvious. These include a timer, a warning signal that tells the user they’re brushing too hard, a notification that it’s time to replace the brush head and a circle divided into quarters that shows the user which quadrants he’s already brushed and which he still needs to brush, which is perfect for the forgetful! The Triumph also comes with a large, easy to grip handle and a sizeable power button in a contrasting color. Price range: $105-$140.
4. Philips Sonicare Essence e5500 Power Toothbrush
Like the Triumph, the Essence 5500’s large ergonomic design makes brushing simple for those with less than perfect motor skills. The bristles are also elder-friendly, as they are specifically designed to take it easy on teeth. This cuts down on some of the side effects of hard brushing, including gum tears, cankersores and temperature sensitivity. The Essence 5500 also allows users to easily transition from a manual to an electronic toothbrush, something elderly users may be doing for the first time ever. For the first 14 uses, the toothbrush emits a slower, gentler pulsating action to prevent injury. Once this Easy-Start period is over, the brush will be on full power. The user can program it to remain on the Easy-Start setting, though Sonicare does not recommend this, so you should talk to your dentist before proceeding. This toothbrush also features an automatic shut-down system that will turn the toothbrush off after the person has successfully brushed for two minutes, eliminating the need for warning bells and whistles. Price range: $65-$85.
3. Philips Sonicare Elite e9500 Custom Care Power Toothbrush
The Elite e9500 is great for those who have extra-sensitive teeth. It contains two brush heads, one for everyday use and one for cleaning hard-to-reach places, and a range of speeds that go from maximum to gentle. In addition to the built-in two-minute timer, the Elite e9500 also contains a Quadpacer, which will beep when it’s time to move from one quadrant to another. This toothbrush is lightweight, and comes with a non-slip grip handle and a two-year limited warranty. The fonts can be difficult to read, but the Elite e9500’s lights and raised push buttons are easily mastered. The raised icons on the buttons allow the user to determine if his finger is on the power button or the speed gauge, while the lights will show him what brushing speed he’s on. Price range: $110-$150.
2. Interplak NT7CS Triple Action Power Plaque Remover
We like this toothbrush for its simplicity. If you’re merely looking for a motorized version of the good ole’ manual toothbrush then the Interplak is the one. It’s got a ribbed, non-slip handle and only two settings – on or off. This toothbrush is cordless and comes with a covered storage base that can hold an additional toothbrush head, making it perfect for travel. It’s also cheaper than the other electronic toothbrushes. Price range: $18-$20.
1. Oral-B ProfessionalCare 7400 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
The 3-D Excel made the list because its brushing technology is based on the instruments used in a dentist’s office, ensuring a deep clean every time. It utilizes pressure sensors, a three-bristle system and a round brush head to reach all the angles in a mouth. It also emits 40,000 pulsations per minute to loosen plaque, and 8,800 oscillations per minute to remove that plaque, two features that the Cochrane Oral Health Group believe are essential to effectively reducing plaque and staving off gingivitis. It’s got a setting for sensitive teeth, a no-slip handle and two heads, for both everyday and precision cleaning. Price range: $65-$90.
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