Electric toothbrushes have revolutionized oral hygiene, offering superior plaque removal and advanced features like timers and pressure sensors. Dentists widely recommend them for their ability to clean hard-to-reach areas and reduce the risk of overbrushing.
Top Electric Toothbrush Recommendations
1. Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Our Lab pros gave this affordable toothbrush the highest overall scores and were impressed by its ease of use, rotating head for plaque removal and user satisfaction. The product analysts and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested over 15 toothbrushes in our Lab to find the best electric toothbrushes to evaluate factors like design, noise level, cleaning performance and durability. Good Housekeeping
Pros:
- Competitive price, cleaning power, brush timer, oscillating head, soft bristles and affordable replacement brush heads.
- ADA-accepted, meaning that the American Dental Association has deemed the brush safe and effective.
- At around $5 each when bought in bulk, Oral-B replacement brush heads cost less than those from Philips Sonicare and many other competitors.
Cons:
- Oral-B brushes like the Pro 1000 are louder, and more sonically grating, than comparable Philips Sonicare models.
- The battery-life indicator is vague. It only lets you know when the battery is full (a continuous green light for five seconds after you remove the brush from the charging base) and when it is “low” (a red flashing light after you turn the brush off).
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
2. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
I use the Philips Sonicare Protective Clean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush. Although every dentist I’ve talked to said that choosing an electric toothbrush is a personal preference, I’ve found that Sonicare toothbrushes thoroughly clean my mouth while protecting my sensitive teeth and gums. I also like that it has multiple cleaning modes, alerts me if I’m brushing too hard, and has a built-in timer. Health.com
Pros:
- Features sonic pulsating technology, which pulses water between the teeth to help break down plaque and reach hard-to-reach places in your mouth.
- Pressure sensors that let you know if you’re brushing your teeth too hard or too soft.
- One charge gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand.
Cons:
- Replacement brush heads are more expensive than Oral-B, averaging $9-$12 each.
- Lacks some of the advanced smart features found in higher-end models like the Sonicare 9900 Prestige.
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
3. Oral-B iO Series 10 Electric Toothbrush
The Oral-B iO Series 10 is the smartest, and best, toothbrush we’ve ever tried. It comes with comprehensive mouth-tracking software via the companion app, thoroughly cleaning each “zone”, a WiFi connected dock, and it’s quiet to boot. The in-built pressure sensor not only warns you if you’re pressing too hard but also if you’re not applying enough pressure to get a good clean, helping you achieve an optimum result. TechRadar
Pros:
- Features seven cleaning modes, real-time coverage, pressure monitoring, and a built-in timer right on the smart charger.
- The app gamified the experience, providing scores and tracking results.
- Very quiet compared to traditional oscillating brushes.
Cons:
- At full price, Oral-B’s range-topping iO10 costs £800, an insane amount of money for a toothbrush.
- The numerous features and beeps of the pre-charged device required a manual read and app download.
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
4. Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush
I expected a lot from this brand, which was founded by two cosmetic dentists and the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush more than delivered. I had never imagined that an electric toothbrush could be a stylish accessory, but this one has a smooth, ergonomic design that’s a minimalist’s dream. It uses Sonic technology that moves bristles side-to-side at a rate of up to 48,000 reps per minute. The Telegraph
Pros:
- Three brushing modes: ‘Sensitive,’ ‘Clean,’ and ‘White,’ which are sufficient and less confusing than brushes with more settings.
- Intuitive design coupled with deep-cleaning effects, the closest I’ve got to a hygienist-standard clean at home.
- Even though it cleans powerfully, it doesn’t feel too harsh on my gums.
Cons:
- Lacks a pressure sensor, which could be a drawback for those prone to brushing too hard.
- Less widely available than Oral-B or Philips Sonicare models.
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
5. Quip Electric Toothbrush
Quip is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) toothbrush brand that might not have the big brand-name cache of Oral-B and Philips, but it does have the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning dentists think it’s legit. Joy Vega also points out it’s a great brush for those dealing with sensitivity. “It’s simple and gets the job done,” she says. Women’s Health
Pros:
- The bristles and vibrations are very soft, ideal for sensitive teeth and gums.
- Connects via Bluetooth to Quip’s dedicated app to track your brushing habits and offer coaching tips.
- Budget-friendly and travel-friendly design.
Cons:
- Lacks a pressure sensor, which is a feature recommended by dentists.
- Less powerful cleaning compared to high-end sonic or oscillating brushes.
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Model | Price Range | ADA Seal | Timer | Pressure Sensor | Cleaning Modes | Battery Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B Pro 1000 | $40-$60 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 | 1 week | Budget-conscious users |
| Philips Sonicare 6100 | $100-$130 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3 | 2 weeks | Sensitive teeth/gums |
| Oral-B iO Series 10 | $300-$800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7 | 2 weeks | Tech enthusiasts |
| Spotlight Sonic | $100-$150 | No | Yes | No | 3 | 2 weeks | Style-conscious users |
| Quip | $30-$60 | Yes | Yes | No | 1 | 3 months (battery) | Travelers, sensitive teeth |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush
When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, pick one you will use, dentists told us. As long as it gets the job done, is comfortable for you to use twice a day and is paired with fluoride toothpaste, any electric toothbrush is a suitable option. Still with so many options on the market, experts recommend thinking about the below to narrow down your options.
- American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: Oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and kids electric toothbrushes can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
- Timer: The best electric toothbrushes will have a buzzing timer to help you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.
- Pressure Sensor: Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and gums. A pressure sensor helps prevent this. Consequently, it’s a key feature recommended by our in-house dentists.
- Brush Head Size and Bristle Type: The consensus is that the smaller the brush head the better. Chern says it’s a good pick “if your mouth is on the smaller side or you have gagging issues.”
- Battery Life and Portability: We also considered charger design and whether brushes came with travel cases or hygiene caps for easy transport.
In-Depth Analysis and Insights
There is a seemingly endless array of electric toothbrushes to pick from, but they generally fall into two categories: sonic and oscillating. A sonic toothbrush looks similar to a manual brush, with an oval brush head. It vibrates gently and quietly, using high-speed side-to-side bristle motion to break up plaque. Ada S. Cooper, a dentist and consumer adviser spokesperson for the American Dental Association, told me that both styles are effective in reducing plaque, according to recent studies. She notes that you should talk to a dentist about which one will work best for you, and she says to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Which is better? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 comparison studies published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found a “small but clinically relevant advantage” for oscillating brushes. But it added that it’s “unlikely that dental care professionals in routine examination would be able to detect [the] small differences” between the two, meaning that personal preference should ultimately rule supreme.
Electric toothbrushes can also be helpful tools for people with dexterity issues. “We do have a lot of people who transition from using a regular toothbrush to an electric toothbrush, just because it saves on the amount that they’re having to move,” says Erin Prentice, an occupational therapist with Shepherd Center, a hospital that specializes in treating people with spinal cord injuries and neuromuscular conditions.
Real-World Usage Experiences
I appeared to undergo a Damascene conversion to good oral hygiene. Photograph: Alan Martin · I doubt many people include the four minutes spent brushing their teeth as a highlight of even the most tedious day, so spare a thought for the months when it became my life’s obsessive focus. Fortunately, and purely by chance, this coincided with a dentist’s visit in which I appeared to have undergone a Damascene conversion to good oral hygiene, so it did have its upside.
The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush, with its compact design and travel-friendly features, is an excellent companion for on-the-go dental care. The toothbrush is beautiful visually, with a handle that’s just the right thickness, making it easy to travel with. While the spin speed was fast and caused a bit of a mess, maneuvering it in the mouth was simple.
One brushed silver button switches it off and on and toggles between three brushing modes: ‘Sensitive,’ ‘Clean,’ and ‘White.’ Other toothbrushes offer more speed settings, but I found this to be more than enough (and less confusing). It uses Sonic technology that moves bristles side-to-side at a rate of up to 48,000 reps per minute. The reason I love this toothbrush so much is the intuitive design coupled with the fact that I can feel the deep-cleaning effects, the closest I’ve got to a hygienist-standard clean at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
Many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes for their effectiveness in plaque removal and overall oral hygiene maintenance. “Electric toothbrushes with oscillating or sonic technology can reach areas that may be difficult to clean with a manual toothbrush, leading to improved gum health and reduced risk of cavities,” says cosmetic dentist Kevin B. Sands, DDS.
2. How often should I replace the brush head?
The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months. This is because the bristles on the toothbrush head wear out or break down through everyday use. Some people may need to replace their toothbrush head sooner if the bristles are beginning to fray.
3. What features are most important in an electric toothbrush?
The expert recommends a rechargeable electric toothbrush with a timer, medium-stiffness bristles and a small brush head. “Don’t let the cost of really expensive brushes put you off,” says Dr Praveen Sharma. “Even the most reasonably priced ones can have the features listed above.”
4. Can electric toothbrushes be used by people with sensitive teeth or gums?
Yes, electric toothbrushes can be great for sensitive teeth or gums, especially models with pressure sensors and gentle modes, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 or Quip. Joy Vega points out that Quip is a great brush for those dealing with sensitivity. “It’s simple and gets the job done,” she says.
5. Are smart toothbrushes worth the extra cost?
Smart toothbrushes generally aren’t worth it and add to the price tag. The Oral-B Smart 1500 and the Oral-B iO3 are what we regard as the best brushes for the majority of users. They’ve got the key features, but don’t inflate the price with unnecessary extras.
Conclusion
Choosing the best electric toothbrush depends on your budget, oral health needs, and preferences for features like timers, pressure sensors, or smart technology. The Oral-B Pro 1000 stands out as the best overall for its affordability and performance, while the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 excels for sensitive teeth. For those willing to splurge, the Oral-B iO Series 10 offers cutting-edge technology. Whichever model you choose, ensure it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance and fits your daily routine for optimal oral health.