Sparkling smile and not a dentist in sight! (Braun Oral-B Professional Care 5000 Rechargeable)

Member Name: Sci_aj

Product:	Braun Oral-B Professional Care 5000 Rechargeable
Date:	29/04/06 (762 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superbly effective - produces that "denist clean feeling"

Disadvantages: Cost of new brush heads

Being someone who is petrified of dentists I will do almost anything to avoid going - or to make the trip as painless as possible. So, last time I was frogmarched there I decided to ask the dentist what I could do to make future visits a less scary prospect for myself. The simple answer get a good electric toothbrush! The recommended product was the Oral B (Braun) 5000 professional care brush. (Braun manufacturers Oral B)

I have a slightly smaller jaw than average for my age and gender so brushing at the back has always been an issue, and I have paid for it with fillings ;o( It's not that I don't brush my teeth I do, I see the hygienist but… you never get that "Dentist scale and polish feeling" at home until now.

I have been converted by the Oral B PC 5000, never have my teeth felt sooooo clean! It is so good that I have recommended it to anyone who cares to listen! (I think they are getting bored of it now…)

Ok so down to the brush…

***Design***
It is a very simple yet ergonomically suitable design. The 2 pin plug flex runs from the back of the charging unit and can be plugged into a shaver socket. The lead is long enough that the brush can sit on the sink and the plug comfortably reaches the light/shaver socket above. The brush then fits onto a finger shaped socket at the front of the unit for storage or charging.

***Charging***
I normally charge my unit once a week overnight - you can tell when it is running low on charge as the brush doesn't rotate quite as fast. The charge will last for over 10 days I just prefer to keep mine topped up. When the unit is being charged a little orange light appears which is handy in case you forget you have plugged it in!

***Brush heads***
The brush heads again are a clever design with bristles that indicate when it is time to change them. The coloured bristles begin to fade when their time is up - simply click off the old head and replace with a new one. The brush heads also have coloured bands around their base, so if the main unit is being used by more than one family member you can have colour coded heads.

There is a new brush head that has recently been released that in conjunction with a special whitening toothpaste allows you to whiten and polish your teeth. I got the brush head free with my last replacement set but not the polish… which is a tad expensive.

***Using the brush***
Again simplicity!

Before you fist use the brush an overnight charge is recommended. After this you just need top-ups (as above.) Remove the brush from the holder, add a pea sized lump of toothpaste rinse under the tap and you are off.

I would recommend having the brush against your teeth before turning on, otherwise with the revolution speed the toothpaste has a habit of going flying.

As I was instructed by my dentist/hygienist I brush one tooth at a time, pointing the brush slightly towards the gums. This type of electric toothbrush is not meant to be used in the same way as a manual one - if you do you won't get the best performance.

The brush has an inbuilt pressure sensor which reduces the in-out pulsation if you push the brush too firmly against your teeth/gums. After 2 minutes of brushing the brush head will turn very slowly to let you know your 2 minutes are up and you should have finished brushing by now… sometimes I have and sometimes I haven't!

Don't be surprised if the first few times you use this brush your gums bleed… they will… they are not used to being brushed. This will reduce over time and is helping to reduce and prevent gingivitis (gum disease.)

Once brushing is complete rinse the brush, with it turned on and then off and return to the stand. Voila! Brushing complete…


***Conclusion***
I can't recommend this brush highly enough…
My teeth feel cleaner and are whiter than before - I am confident with my smile and talking to people up close. My gums no longer bleed when brushing and my dentist has told me that the improvement is amazing… almost to the point of reducing my dental insurance premium (if it weren't for the fillings!)…. And all from a toothbrush!

***Features***
Unique 3D pulsating (20,000 per minute) and oscillating (7,600 per minute) brushing action
Built-in Pressure Sensor
Stop'n'Go Timer
Rechargeable - via shaver 2 pin socket
A fully charged handle lasts 12 days between charges
Anti-slip grip
Water-resistant handle
Flexi-soft bristles - bristles soften and bend on contact with water
Bristles fade halfway when its time to replace
Includes one brush head

Guarantee: 2 years. 1 year option to return to Braun if not satisfied

***Manufacturer's claims***
Clinically Proven Benefits:
Removes significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush
Gently removes stains and plaque build up to naturally whiten teeth
Improves health of gums by reversing gum disease
Helps prevent gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss
Gentle for teeth and gums

Summary: Simple, effective, dentist clean without a dentist!

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