The Electric Toothbrush, A Cheat?

Does anybody else think electric toothbrush companies are squeezing the pennies out of our pockets? I do admit that using an electric toothbrush gives a dentist clean feel, but I still get the same results if I brush harder with a regular toothbrush and floss. Not to mention, I find it very odd that none of their rechargeable battery operated units are replaceable. You have to buy a brand new $100+ electric toothbrush every time it dies (mind you, that doesn't include the 10$+ replacement heads). I've personally gone through 3 electric toothbrush units. My digital camera, PDA, Digital Audio Player, and several other electronic devices are all replaceable "rechargeable lithium ion battery" operated equipments. I don't see why an electric toothbrush shouldn't also do the same. Could you imagine throwing out your Digital Camera every time the rechargeable battery died? It's ridiculous. Does anybody know of an electronic rechargeable toothbrush unit that also sells replacement batteries?

Perhaps you won麓t mind me sharing some related info although it is not a direct answer to your question.
I used to have terrible teeth, inherited from my grandmother who lost all hers before reaching adulthood. The things that helped me to having a healthy smile were 1) braces - straightened teeth are easier to keep clean, 2) dental floss after every snack, 3) an electric dental irrigator that cleans the interdental area with water.

Of course getting teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist and rinsing them with a warm hydrogen peroxide and salt water mixture or with commercial products such as Plax also helped.

So back to your question: I have never tried an electric toothbrush. Maybe you could save money and frustration by trying some of the methods that worked for me instead. Good luck!

There are quite a few to choose from in the UK but not with replacement batteries. These brushes are much better for your teeth and gums than the elbow grease method and well worth the extra expense. I use a sonic brush which is fantastic. Why don't you give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

I have had my Sonicare for years without a battery problem... unlike my Ipod. I think the price is shocking, but inevitably worth it... my teeth are much whiter and cleaner now.

Sonic toothbrushes to give some benefit - but one unofficial study showed that if you brush for at least 2 minutes with a regular brush you are in good shape (and floss!, wow!!)

I just use a regular brush. What most important is to brush regular. Heck, this one Dentist told me just keep a Stubby Brush in a pocket and when away from the house just go in the Bathroom and Brush quick after eating, just water!!!!
Then when I come home, I can use toothpaste. For the money I really not see the need, though, it a personal choice. I do feel, brushing after eating the most important. Toothpaste or no toothpaste, anything better than nothing.

Try the Crest Spin-brush. It has replaceable but non-rechargeable batteries. Or if you want the rechargeable kind, buy it on eBay for half of what you would pay for it in the store.

I totally agree with you. they should come up with a rechargeable electric toothbrush. My dentist is very happy since I started using one, so the results are wonderful but like you said it gets to be very expensive. I like many others will bite the bullet on this because the results are so worth it but someday I might have to switch back. By the way the dentist told me that brushing harder with a regular toothbrush is not good for the enamel on your teeth. Also if you brush to hard you can push the gum away to where you have to much bone showing and the gums can never drop back down so be careful if you choose to give up that electric brush

No, but with a little skill, you can replace the cell yourself.

You're right though, what a scam. Just like triple-ply toilet paper. You wipe your butt 5 times and your roll is gone. Best buy Scott single ply.