I've been wanting to try an electric toothbrush for a while, but they're expensive. Is it true that they clean better, or is that just marketing? And which one should I get - sonic or rotational?
An electric toothbrush really does clean better than a regular one - that's not marketing. It makes way more strokes per second than you can do by hand, plus the vibration helps it reach those hard-to-get spots between your teeth and under your gums. People who switch to electric notice results within a couple of weeks - teeth get whiter, gums healthier, plaque gets removed more effectively. Of course, if you brush carelessly with a regular toothbrush, no electric one will save you, but with proper technique an electric toothbrush gives you a real advantage.
As for the type, sonic and rotational ones work pretty much equally well - pick whichever feels better to you. Rotational brushes (the round heads that spin) handle plaque a bit better, but sonic ones are more comfortable for sensitive gums and feel gentler. I'd say don't chase expensive brands - even mid-range ones have good quality. The main thing is having a few intensity settings and a charge that lasts a long time.
If the price is holding you back, wait for a sale or start with a budget option - even a cheap electric toothbrush works better than an expensive regular one. Once you try it, you won't want to go back.
If your budget is tight, try saving up first and go for a sonic one - it's cheaper than a rotary, and the results are pretty much the same for most people. Here's the main tip: don't press the brush against your teeth, just hold it at a light 45-degree angle like you would with a regular toothbrush - the machine does the work itself, and pressing hard just wears out the brush head faster and can damage your gums. During the first week after switching, your gums might bleed - that's normal, they're just adjusting.
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