Kimberly Harms, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association
Manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as powered toothbrushes, according to the American Dental Association. "What matters," says Harms, "is that you brush long enough to clean every surface [the ADA doesn't recommend a set time] and that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed." Frayed bristles may harm gums and don't clean as well. Toothbrushes with the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance must meet ADA standards for safety and effectiveness. Personally, Harms prefers a manual toothbrush, "just because I find it easier. I brush a lot during the day and it's convenient to have a toothbrush at home and one at the office." It's really a matter of preference. Her husband, a dentist in the same practice, uses a powered one.

Four super tooth picks:
1. Sonicare Elite 7500 ($139). Features two speeds and a two-minute timer.
2. Oral B Professional Care 8000 ($119) and Oral B Sonic Complete ($99). Both feature speed control and newly designed bristles for better cleaning.
3. Crest SpinBrush. The new Crest SpinBrush Pro Whitening is a bargain at only $7.99. In drugstores nationwide.
4. Radius Intelligent. A manual toothbrush with a timer and 5,000 bristles, as opposed to the 2,000 to 2,500 in the average toothbrush. Available at Whole Foods, Duane Reade and Wild Oats.