I use the cheap arm & hammer battery brush. I think it does a good job. I have the same problems you have and I asked the nurses at my dentist office what was the difference in these electric tooth brushs and she told me........."It's not the broom, its the sweeper" So, its how you brush, not what you use. I just got a water pic flosser. I hate flossing and this is great! They will suggest you have a deep cleaning, which is expensive. I had it done about a month ago. I will not do it again for a log time because of the cost. That is your next step, just keep flossing daily.

I'd put more weight on advice from your dentist than from the assistants working in the office. Ask her or him for guidance the next time you have an exam or procedure.

I suffered from periodontal disease and had to have gum surgery when I was younger (in my 20's which is very young for gum disease that severe). At the recommendation of my dentist, I started using an Oral-B electric toothbrush many, many years ago. I also have my teeth cleaned every six months (it was every three, but I've graduated to every six) and floss twice a day. My prognosis as the time was guarded, but I've gone from facing additional surgery to getting great check-ups.

Another thing my dentist had me doing for a long time was mixing baking soda and peroxide to use for brushing my teeth. It tastes salty and it really bubbles but it sure gets them clean! I no longer do that, but use Arm and Hammer baking soda/peroxide toothpaste instead.

I'm on my third Oral-B and they are kind of expensive, but between it, regular cleanings and faithful flossing, my teeth and gums have never been healthier. I don't think it really matters which brand of toothbrush you buy, but I think the electrics reach places a manual toothbrush doesn't as well as doing a more thorough job of scrubbing/brushing.

It's also important to brush for at least two minutes which seems like forever when one is brushing, but many of us give our teeth 30 seconds of attention and call it done. You might try timing yourself when you brush to see how long you are actually brushing.

Good luck - getting older ain't for sissies!

Good advice turning on/off, gyr. Been there, done that!

I'm not sure if it's made a difference, I've used one so many years I can't be sure what condition my mouth might have been in without it ;) My dentist recommends the Sonicare. I don't have periodontal issues and have never needed the deep cleaning. I do have one pocket at the site of a long time crown that they watch, but it's never become deeper. I use a manual brush occasionally, but floss and use the Sonicare each night no matter how tired. (I'm 67) Petra, I don't remember if this is my second or third base and charger in about 20 years - I think the third. They last a very long time, brush head replacements often the best price Costco or Amazon.

Joann, that makes sense. The best tool won't work if you don't use it properly. I had an ultrasonic deep cleaning today (agree, $$$), which is one of the reasons I decided to ask here if sonicare makes a positive difference.

Elmer, the dentist suggested a sonicare (and also mentioned I could purchase one at the front desk) when I had the pockets measured and we discussed treatment strategies, so the hygienist today verified what the dentist said. But I was hoping for input from those who have used them and don't sell them.

Dawn, that is indeed really young to have to have gum surgery, yikes. I am so glad to read you are back to normal. Thank you for the baking soda/peroxide tip, I've used the baking soda toothpaste before and it does seem to clean well.I do use a spin brush because I brush too hard when using a manual and this has worn away some gum tissue.

Gyr, which sonic model do you use? I guess it would make a major mess if you don't turn it off before removing? :) The hygienist said if I do decide to purchase one, wipe the toothpaste on my teeth instead of putting it on the sonic until I get the hang of it.

Morz, it sounds like it's made a major positive difference for you if you've never needed a deep cleaning at age 67. Husband had to have his deep cleaning in his 50's as well and the dentist talked gum surgery, but years later his gums and teeth are pretty healthy and he definitely does not need gum surgery any longer.

I have to go back for a regular cleaning and checkup in 4 months, and the pockets will be measured again at that time. Pretty much everyone I know who has dentures would do just about anything to have their teeth back, so I want to avoid going down that road.

Okay, that makes sense but raises another issue. I would find another dentist. His recommending something he sells would lead me to distrust any advice or treatment suggestions he may make in the future.

I've been using a Sonicare for years, too, with great results. I've always flossed at night and I get my teeth cleaned every 4 months. They hygienist says I have very little plaque and it doesn't take her long to clean my teeth.

Many dentists recomend the Sonicare unit because of the timed feature and the way the brush head moves. The company that makes them offers them to dentists at a reduced cost which is passed on to the patient. The patient gets the recomended unit immediately at a resonable cost and does not have to go in search of a store selling what they need. I worked in a few dental practices over 40 years. The dentists I worked for were not selling toothbrushes for profit.

i use it. the dentist said i had very little plaque. i am plagued by dental issues. i do feel like it was hard on the enamel but maybe that was just another problem.

I've had a sonic care electric toothbrush for six years and will never go back to any other toothbrush. My teeth feel so much cleaner when I use mine. I also go every 4 months for a teeth cleaning. I haven't had a new cavity in years. And I have terrible teeth!

Don't know what you are using now. I think the electric brushes are better than hand brushing. I've jumped between an Oral B and a Sonic Care. I think the Sonic Care is more gentle and a better choice if you are an aggressive brusher like I am. If you have a small mouth, look for the smaller size Sonic Care brush head.

Elmer, she is a really good dentist, albeit a bit expensive. Knows her stuff and stays up to date on latest treatments, etc. So the one recommendation (which wasn't pushy, basically just "I recommend this and we do sell it, but it doesn't matter where you get it from, it would benefit you regardless") doesn't make me want to flee. Although I do think it's always a good idea to question expensive treatments to make sure there isn't a more reasonably priced alternative.

Fun2B, that's how mine used to be without a sonicare. I only had annual dental cleanings and very little plaque. Wish that was still the case.

Marco, thank you for that information. That's good to know.

Annegriet, did it wear the enamel away? The hygienist did say to use a pro enamel toothpaste, she said those really help keep the enamel in good shape and there are quite a few manufacturers.

Debby, that is great, clean-feeling teeth between appointments. And seems like I am getting on the terrible teeth train now, so move on over. :)

Graywings, I am currently using a battery operated spin brush, I think it's oral B. I am definitely an aggressive brusher and I also have a small mouth, so thank you for mentioning that. Always have to have the kid's size x-ray film frames when having bitewing x rays done.

I've used several models over the years. My current is the FlexCare Whitening Edition from Costco. CostCo puts the 2-pack (with cases and -not really needed- brush head sanitizer) on sale roughly every 3-4 months (they are on sale now through the 27th, actually).

Edited to correct link/details.

I use the Sonicare and really like it. I have been seeing a periodontitist for 20 years now. Get the deep cleaning once a year, and regular cleaning twice a year. As for Sonicare, I bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon, then there was a $30 rebate! So I figure it cost me between $30-40 only!

Gyr, thank you, we might have to become CostCo members. :)

Kathy, that's a fantastic price. I'll continue to research and see what deals I can find.

Gum recession and tooth loss is greater if you become diabetic type 2. Greater than normal care is required.

Every dentist I have been to has recommended and sold products. I think it's great that they have them at a reduced price.

I use the oral B electric brush with a small round head. They do spray. I use mine in the shower whenever I shower. Still I have to clean the mirror lots...

I have full dental implants....the all on four....top and bottom...but I use a sonic care toothbrush. I also use a water pik. My dentist gave me two water piks when I had the implants done....the regular one and a portable one. I bought the sonic care which was recommended, although I didn't buy it from him.

Marilyn, you have implants for all your teeth? Wow, that must have been quite a procedure. Did you have posts healing up everywhere? And the cost, yikes. Do they feel like having your teeth back?

Yes, they function like your original teeth. There may be some differences...but not that you would notice. It is called "All on Four". Four implants are placed, top and bottom, and the arches attach directly to them. It is done in one day. so, I went in at 8:30 a.m. and had my teeth pulled and implants placed, and they finished at 6 pm and I went home with new teeth. You can eat anything, but no biting with your front teeth until they give you the go ahead. so anything that can be cut up, you can eat. Here is the best part....no pain. I didn't take as much as a tylenol afterwards. I could tell I had some work done but not enough discomfort to even take anything. It is expensive. Mine cost $50,000. I see the dentist that did mine is doing it cheaper now. I have had mine 3 1/2 years. Once they are healed, you can eat anything...apples, corn on the cob.... There is nothing that covers the roof of your mouth, like traditional dentures. There is no slippage. And there is no adjustment period. I knew I would probably hate trying to adjust to dentures. I know so many people who struggle with that. There is basically no adjustment period, except being a little careful of what you eat for the first few months.
This is my dentist.

Dr. Brueggan

That IS expensive! You probably have to have really healthy jaw bones as well, to anchor the implants? Agree re. dentures, I know quite a few people who have them and absolutely hate them. The option you chose sounds perfect for those who can't keep their natural teeth. But the cost, ouch.

petra, you may not need two of the brushes, and Costco only sells them in pairs. But, if you want to purchase something from Costco, but you are not a member, there is a way around to make purchases (not online though, that I am aware of). If a member can give you a Costco gift card with enough $$ to cover the purchase, you may use it in the store even though you are not a member. Kathy's deal was better though!

I am not afraid of much, but I had some horrible experiences with dentists and dental work. I saw Dr Brueggan on tv and he seemed so nice and down to earth. Really, that was the most important thing to me. I knew it would be about 45K or so, and so I started saving my money, but every time I'd get a little saved up, some emergency would come up and I'd have to spend it. Jody was working on a tow boat and fell and broke cartilage in both knees. He couldn't go back to work for several months. He got an insurance settlement and with some of that money he gave to me for my teeth. Otherwise, I'd probably be still trying to save the money. I saw where an 83 yr old woman got them, so you don't really have to have super great bones to do it. I do know you need to be careful of treatment for osteoporosis if you have had extensive dental work. some of the treatments can actually cause necrosis of the jaw bones. The one I use is Forteo. (That's expensive too). I am glad I was able to get them....had a million places we could have used that money....my teeth look great....just wish the rest of me looked as good as my teeth.

Someone was asking me about them and I told her and she said, "I was thinking about getting them, but I think I will get breast implants instead." I said, "well, I think dental implants would serve me better at this stage of my life." :)

Petra- When my mom started to develop the same issues you're describing, she turned her dental health around by switching to a Sonicare toothbrush and using Sensodyne toothpaste. Her dentist also told her to use one of those rubber-tipped gum massagers; a floss threader around bridgework; and those little brushes to get between wider spaces. She also has several dental implants and loves them. (They're literally like having regular teeth, except they're perfect!) My dad has a full upper plate and the problems that go along with it, so my mom tried to convince him to replace it with implants, but he doesn't want to. I think the experience of having all of his upper teeth removed in one day was so traumatic for him that he's simply afraid of more dental surgery.

Dad had horrible perio disease until he switch to the Oral-B brush. So I went to Costco and bought the dual pack. One is for daily use and the other is in my travel cosmetics bag. My dentist noticed right away that I had switched. Beware, the brush heads are not cheap so keep your eye on Groupon. Last year I bought a 24 pack for $15!

The clean is like just leaving the dentist. Get one ASAP to start your healing, no matter what brand.

gyr, I definitely want to buy 2 because husband has previously had gum issues as well. Kathy sure got a super deal!

Marilyn, your husband's injury sounds terrible, but at least something good came of it. And still laughing about the breast implants, ha.

Sammy, the dental hygienist actually gave me a sample tube of sensodyne after the cleaning. :) She said to use it exclusively. I'll ask her about the gum massager next time, I do use the little brush flossers as well as the regular. Glad to read all of that has worked so well for your mom, maybe it'll work for me as well. And maybe your dad will get tired of the denture and reconsider implants.

Pkramer, thank you for the brush head tip, I did notice they are very pricey. After reading all the positive feedback, I wish I had started using one of these years ago.

Petra, the broken knees were bad but not nearly as bad as Vibriosis, the flesh eating bacteria found in water...like in the bays and bayous...which he had a year ago in November. Now he is having problems with his lungs, which could be a repercussion from that. It often kills you or you lose a limb, so I guess he is fortunate in that respect that he got to the doctor in time.

Sammy, I researched the all on 4 procedure for 3 years before I had it done. I didn't have the money anyway and it kept me focused on trying to save it. The idea of pulling all your teeth at once is worse than the reality of it. If you read reviews of people who have had it done, they all say the same thing. No pain. I remember telling my neighbor about it, and that there was never any pain and he said "I don't believe you.". I had no reason to lie about it. There are many videos all over the internet. You are sedated but not completely out. I hope your dad will consider it.

Here's an article about electric toothbrushes written for dental professionals:

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-25/issue-10/feature/five-common-misconceptions-about-power-toothbrushes.html

The article is very much in favor of them, but it doesn't promote the most expensive models. In fact, it states that some $10 models can do as good or better a job.

Marilyn, sounds like your husband has been through the wringer! Fingers and toes crossed his lungs get back to normal soon and he stays healthy and injury-free.

Alisande, thank you so much for that. The hygienist said she has the most basic sonicare model and is very happy with it because "no one needs all the bells and whistles." :) I do use a spin brush (battery-operated) which was mentioned in the article as comparable to higher priced electric, and it does not seem to help at all. Hopefully an electric one will make a positive difference.

Petra, the same thing happened to me. I went to the dentist semiannually and all was well. I begin to "age" and suddenly it's gum problems!

Anyway, I chose an Oral B (I liked that the brush was "smaller") Professional 3000. I'm meticulous about brushing each tooth and crevice. When the timer goes off I'm not even halfway thru (not a problem, as the timer is just a "warning" and doesn't turn the brush off). I have four heads for my brush. I've distinguished them with fingernail polish "dots" and rotate using the so they have a chance to dry. I've had my current brush for 3 years; it replaced an older model. When this ones goes, it's highly likely I'll get another rotating model (probably Oral B, too).

I also have a Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (also 3 years old). This was my first water flosser and I love it. Besides doing my teeth, I also finish up like the dentist does...spraying between the lips and gums, and the top of the palate. It makes my mouth feel so clean.

I continue to manually floss too.

Finally, I rinse with a regular mouthwash, especially at night before I turn in.

I still go to the dentist every 4 months for a cleaning. I almost look forward to learning my latest pocket numbers, hoping for a move in the right direction. A few have improved and I'm holding on others.

June, I will check out the oral b as well, seems like Yeonassky is using the same thing as you. Do you have to clean mirrors a lot too? :) Kind of overwhelming how many different types of electric brushes and models there are. Your improvement and maintenance sounds great and hopeful, congrats on that. I was under the impression that receded gums would grow back, but the dentist said nooo. I guess that is what is meant by "long in the tooth". Oh joy.

We've been using electric toothbrushes since they've first been invented ;-). The current brand is Oral B, but our dental health has been much improved since we started using a WaterPik. You'd be surprised at how much more crud comes out after you brush when you use the waterPik. I also love the way my mouth feels so clean after use.

Never used an electric toothbrush and always get praised at the dentist for having such healthy gums and very little plaque. I also floss so maybe that's what made the difference?

Have been using a Sonicare for many years and like it so much I take it with when traveling.

Great prices on ebay for sealed "professional" boxes, sold to dentists at a discount. (Guess dentists are reselling them.)

Tip: the base seems to last longer if you unplug it between brush charges.

I've read that the Waterpik is very loud, can anyone verify or refute this based on their experience? Thanks so much.

It's not loud at all. I'm surprised anyone would think it is.

Kath, from what the dentist said, some people are just prone to the bacteria that causes plaque and perio disease, not much you can do about it. I do floss twice a day, but that doesn't help with plaque under the gum line above the teeth, only in between.

Mdln, thanks so much for that tip, I didn't even think to check on ebay!! And thanks for the unplugging tip, at those prices, the longer they last the better. :)

A Senior friend had a long process with bone grafts before having implants. Those were fine for a few years until he required chemo for a cancer. The implants failed. Now he's trying to adjust to dentures.

I don't know much about receding gums. I do know that the jaw begins to shrink as we age, and that means that dentures need to be remade periodically. Implants don't have a lot of 'history' yet. I don't know how well they hold up. Well, I hope!

I ordered a sonicare series 3 gum health and also bought a couple extra heads so hubby can try it out as well. If he likes it, we'll get a second brush. Fingers crossed it works as well for me as for you guys. :)