Everybody knows that the very best gifts are the kinds of gifts that the recipient gets some kind of practical use out of. A gift that keeps on giving, so to speak. Novelties are all well and good, but something of practical value that will become a part of their everyday life is even better.
Which is precisely why at this time of year, you might want to think about giving the gift of oral hygiene! If not for Christmas, then perhaps for any other special occasion where you find yourself short on inspiration.
On the surface, giving an electric toothbrush as a gift might seem a little unusual. After all, these are the kinds of things we normally buy for ourselves, if we want more. In this instance however, evidence would seem to suggest that despite on-going recommendations from dental professionals worldwide, far too many people seem far too reluctant to upgrade to electric. And in doing so, deny themselves all the unique benefits of a high-quality, dentist-recommended electric toothbrush.
Which once again represents all the justification you need for giving the gift of better oral hygiene this Christmas. And if the idea sounds good, here’s a quick rundown of just a few key pointers to help ensure you select the very best electric toothbrush for the recipient in question:
- Brand
First and foremost, it pays to stick with an internationally recognised and recommended brand you can trust. Take a look through our own listings of premium electric toothbrushes and you’ll no doubt immediately notice something of a theme. There are certain manufacturers that have earned a reputation that goes above and beyond the norm – stick with these and you’ll find it difficult to go wrong. If in any doubt, simply ask your dentist or pharmacist for their recommendations. - Battery vs Rechargeable
You’ll have the choice of going for a rechargeable brush, or a device powered by disposable batteries. Contrary to popular belief, there really is no such thing as a ‘better’ choice – it all depends on what you expect to get out of it. While it’s true to say that rechargeable electric toothbrushes tend to work out cheaper for the long-term, those powered by batteries can be great for individuals who spend a lot of time travelling or on-the-go in general. - Portability
Speaking of which, you might also want to take portability into account. Some electric toothbrushes are not only brilliantly compact, but come supplied with the kinds of carry cases and accessories that make them perfect for travelling. By contrast, others can be downright inconvenient to be tried and used anywhere but at home. So once again, it’s a case of taking into account the preferences of the recipient and making your decision accordingly. Don’t simply assume that all electric toothbrushes are as portable as each other – this really isn’t the case at all! - Grip
If looking to buy an electric toothbrush for an elderly recipient or a person with mobility issues, it’s important to select a brush that has a comfortable and convenient grip. The vast majority of electric toothbrushes are perfectly fine for most people to use on a daily basis. However, some models may not be as easy to grasp and use as others for those with restricted mobility or similar issues. On the whole, if looking to buy an electric toothbrush for someone with specific needs of any kind, it may be a good idea to speak to your dentist beforehand for their own recommendations. - Brushing Modes
You might also want to take brushing modes into account – particularly when it comes to those who have specific needs or preferences. For most people, a basic electric toothbrush with just one standard everyday cleaning mode is fine. But at the same time, it can also be great to have the option of switching to additional modes for stain removal, intensive cleaning and so on. Likewise, if looking to buy an electric toothbrush for somebody with sensitive teeth, you may want to ensure that the brush you select has a sensitive setting. Or is perhaps designed specifically for those with sensitive teeth. Multiple brushing modes aren’t always mandatory, that can certainly be convenient and preferable. - Replacement Heads
The same also goes for replacement heads. While some electric toothbrushes are compatible with literally hundreds of different heads of all shapes and sizes, others are considerably more restrictive. What’s more, the replacement heads available for some electric toothbrushes are exponentially more expensive than those manufactured by competing brands. Once again, there is technically no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ electric toothbrush when it comes to replacement heads – it all comes down to the recipient and their own personal needs/preferences. - Bluetooth?
If buying for an individual who has a taste for all the latest gadgets and electronics, you might want to consider treating them to an electric toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity. While it’s true to say the Bluetooth doesn’t necessarily enhance the performance of the brush itself, it can nonetheless be a hugely entertaining and enjoyable additional feature. Not to mention, a great way of motivating better and more consistent oral health and hygiene habits. As the costs of high-end Bluetooth electric toothbrushes are coming down all the time, it’s definitely an option worth considering. - Ratings
Last but not least, before making your final decision as to which electric toothbrush to buy, it is definitely a good idea to see what everyone else has to say first. Check out as many reviews and ratings as necessary online, in order to find out whether the brush in question has a positive or negative reputation. It’s unlikely you’ll come across any brush that has never received even a single negative review, but going with the general consumer consensus should make it easier to make the right decision. And once again, if in any doubt whatsoever, ask your dentist for their own recommendations.
Just be sure to hang on to the receipt, in case you go and get it entirely wrong!
