Maybe I haven’t been diligent enough about oral hygiene. I brush my teeth twice a day with a manual toothbrush and occasionally use mouthwash. (Usually when I travel just because, well, hotel bathrooms provide them.) When the subject came up in conversation and I told my friends this, they were aghast. They implored me to give electric toothbrushes a try. They said it would be “life-changing”.
the case for electric
I felt they were being a tad dramatic. Firstly, I’ve never had problems with my manual toothbrush. There’s no need to fix anything that’s not broken, right? And why would I want to fork out a small fortune on technology I’m unfamiliar with? They reminded me that I never batted an eyelid when dropping dosh on hyped-up youth serums. They promptly assured me an electric toothbrush is a worthy investment, and even promised it would leave my teeth feeling cleaner than ever with minimal effort. And who doesn’t want that?
Research, such as a 2017 study by the International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, shows that there was an “overall improvement in plaque and gingivitis scores with a powered toothbrush”. Separately, a 2013 study by Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dentistry found that while both manual and electric options reduce plaque buildup and gingivitis, powered toothbrushes delivered better results.
Convinced, I decided that perhaps it was time I upped my oral hygiene efforts. But where to begin?
About Zenyum Sonic
Enter Zenyum. The two-year-old local brand has been appearing on ads everywhere recently, offering various at-home dental accessories. I decided to try the Zenyum Sonic, a sonic-powered electronic toothbrush that promises to reduce disease-causing plaque effectively minus all the frills and gimmicks that most other veteran tech brands offer.
Each set comes with the waterproof Zenyum Sonic set (consisting of a body and detachable soft-bristled DuPont brushhead), a charging base, and a USB cable. The device offers three modes. “Clean” for an intense deep cleanse. “Gentle”, which provides mild vibrations suitable for sensitive teeth and gums. And “White” for those who want to remove stubborn surface stains gradually.
The Zenyum Sonic boasts its efficacy by vibrating at 30, 000 times a minute at a speed that’s 10 times faster than an average electric toothbrush, and prompts you every 30 seconds so you’ll complete your brushing routine in two minutes flat.
It doesn’t come with a Bluetooth connection to monitor your brushing techniques, charcoal-infused bristles to “absorb toxins”, and bacteria-busting LED light attachments. But the simplicity of the product makes it easy for first-timers like myself to get a grasp of this new experience.
my Experience
At first glance, there didn’t seem to be anything complicated – just a giant plus button (+) that both powers the device and alternates it into the three mentioned modes. In the hand, the device felt solid and sturdy, showing no sign of flimsiness. I also like that the matte rubber surface not only gave the product a sophisticated appearance but also provided a secure grip. And it’s true what my friends said: “all you need to do is glide the device across your teeth and let the device do all the work”.
As far as the three modes go, I liked the “Gentle” option best. It vibrated at a mild and comfortable speed, yet it effectively cleaned my teeth without leaving any residue. The “White” option was expectedly stronger. It pulsated rhythmically and steadily to dislodge any stubborn stains. I didn’t really have any to address, but it felt like a nice gum massage. It’s probably a good idea to use it after a pick-me-up of tea or coffee.
Despite it being made for everyday use, the “Clean” option took a bit of getting used to, especially for electric toothbrush virgins. It was superb at cleaning teeth for sure with its jet-strength vibrations. But perhaps I was simply not ready for something that powerful yet, as it left a lingering buzz in my head. It was a little uncomfortable, but maybe I’m just a bit sensitive. Having said that, I have decided to use this option as a weekly deep-cleansing treatment instead.
The battery lasted about a month before needing a recharge. I only had to make sure the charging dock is pre-charged and ready.
All in, the product is a breeze to use. The only complication, if I could even call it that, is having to download the app on our phones to register for the one-year warranty.
the Verdict
I realised I haven’t reached for my manual toothbrushes since using the Zenyum Sonic, so I guess this means that I’ve been converted. The device is straightforward, making it easy to get used to. And it leaves your mouth feeling fresh with minimal effort in a jiffy. It’s only a matter of getting the right strength, otherwise, this product gets our nod. Furthermore, the affordable price range (even with its refill plan) isn’t something to complain about. Until I’m ready for an upgrade, I’ll be sticking with this one for a while.
For more information on the Zenyum Sonic, and to own one, see here.
