There’s a lot to love about electric toothbrushes. They’re easy to use and they’re widely regarded as effective at eliminating plaque. The only problem? There are so many options, choosing just one can feel overwhelming. You want one that’s reliable, durable, and ideal for your unique smile — and we’re here to help you find it.
Before you take on the cluttered walls of your pharmacy’s toothbrush aisle, read through this guide. It’s got everything you need to choose the best electric brush for you, including a few of our top recommendations.
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Are Electric Toothbrushes Better than Manual Ones?
Certain studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones at eliminating plaque and reducing gingivitis. But that doesn’t mean manual brushes are ineffective. As long as you use them the right way, keep them clean, and brush regularly, either type of toothbrush can help you achieve excellent oral hygiene.
If you want the easiest way to keep plaque off your teeth, we think electric toothbrushes are the way to go. However, if you don’t have room in your budget, a manual one will do just fine too.
How to Use an Electric Toothbrush
Of course, an electric brush’s power goes out the window without proper brushing technique. Fortunately, electric brushes do most of the work for you, so they make it a lot easier to brush perfectly than their manual counterparts.
They use a small motor to move the brush head in an oscillating-rotating or up-and-down (sonic) motion, depending on the model you choose. Most models are rechargeable and have replaceable brush heads. You don’t need to scrub with an electric toothbrush—just position the brush over each surface of each tooth. However, you should still brush twice per day for two minutes each time. Some electric brushes even have built-in timers.
When brushing, position the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and move it along the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, spending around 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Unlike manual brushes, you don’t need to scrub. Just put the brush head in the right spot and let it do the work for you.
After you’re done, rinse your brush head thoroughly, then store it upright out in the open so it can air dry. You’ll need to replace your brush head every 3–4 months, but the base can last five years or more.
The 5 Best Electric Toothbrushes — Our Top Picks
The best toothbrush for you depends on your particular circumstances and dental conditions. But we’ve researched a variety of brands and models and picked the ones we think would be great options for most readers.
#1: Best Overall Electric Toothbrush: Oral-B Pro 1000
The Oral-B Pro 1000 offers all the plaque-fighting power and essential features you’ll want for an exceptional clean, with a price that can fit a range of budgets.
It uses an oscillating-rotating head — which one study showed cleans better than sonic brushes — and has multiple intensity settings, a two-minute timer, and pressure sensors. All for $39.99, with replacement head for $5–10 per unit.
#2: Runner Up: Philips Sonicare 4100 Series
Much like the Oral-B Pro 1000, the Sonicare 4100 boasts essential features at an affordable price. For $49.96 (though you can often find it for $40), it provides the same brushing power as more expensive brushes, plus a timer and pressure sensors.
It only has two intensity settings — compared to the Pro 1000’s three — and fewer brush head options, but it’s quieter, the battery lasts slightly longer on a full charge, and it still delivers excellent results.
#3: Best Budget-Friendly Electric Toothbrush: Oral-B Pro 500
Consider this the Pro 1000’s little brother. The Oral-B Pro 500 has the same oscillating-rotating brush action, and cleaning power, but strips out the extra features.
It only has one brushing mode and no pressure sensors, but it still has a two-minute timer and a range of compatible brush heads. The best part is that at $24.99, it’s a highly affordable option.
#4: Best Luxury Option: Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900
If you want all the bells and whistles electric toothbrushes have to offer, the Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 is tough to beat. It has five different brushing modes with three intensity settings each, plus pressure sensors, a timer, plus real-time brushing feedback and customized brushing recommendations from the accompanying mobile app.
It can even adjust as you brush, based on how much pressure you use. From its specialized head to its magnetic charging base, it’s a top-of-the-line brush, and you’ll pay a premium for it: Around $300.
#5: Best for Sensitive Teeth and Gums: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 uses some of the same technology as Philips other Sonicare brushes, and it’s specifically designed to be gentle on teeth and gums, while still providing a deep clean.
The company says the $79.96 brush has been proven to improve gum health. It has three settings of various intensity, plus it has a pressure sensor that lets you know if you’re brushing too hard.
Best Electric Toothbrush/Water Flosser Combo: WaterPik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
For cleaning between the teeth, WaterPik is king. The company made its name on tools that replace floss with a jet of water, rinsing plaque from those hard-to-reach places. The WaterPik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 combines an electric toothbrush and water flosser in one device. It’s got three cleaning modes and ten different settings for its water pressure.
At $199, it’s more expensive than many other electric brushes, but if you struggle with flossing or want an easier flossing solution, that price might be worth it.
Which Should I Choose?
We think the Oral-B Pro 1000 or Sonicare 4100 Series are solid options for most readers, but they’re all great choices, and the best one for you really comes down to your teeth, priorities, and budget. Do you have a history of gum issues? Go with a gum-friendly model. A tight budget? Go with a more affordable one. As long as you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, you’ll keep your teeth clean and healthy.
If you’re unsure, you can always ask your dentist. They know your teeth better than anyone, so they can recommend a brush that fits your particular needs.
Other Important Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing might be the bedrock of your oral hygiene routine, but it shouldn’t be the only item on your list. Flossing is equally important, since it removes hard-to-reach plaque from between your teeth and near the gum line. Dentists recommend flossing once per day — typically before bedtime — or after each meal if you frequently get food stuck between your teeth.
Take 18–24 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers until you’ve got just 1.5–2 inches left. Pull it taut with your thumbs and index fingers. Then, once you’ve got the floss between two teeth, pull it into a C shape around one side and move it up and down. Repeat this move on the opposite side, being careful not to run it into your gums. When you’re done, move to the next gap, and so forth.
Floss picks work well too, but they’re considered slightly less effective, since they don’t let you form the same C shape around each tooth, and they can carry bacteria from one gap to another. Waterpiks could be a good alternative, but they’re much pricier than floss.
Mouthwash can also help clean bacteria from hard-to-reach places, fight bad breath, and keep your mouth feeling fresh. It’s not essential, but it can certainly help, especially if you like that fresh, minty feeling.
Lastly, don’t neglect your twice-yearly dental cleanings. You might have a solid routine at home, but a dental hygienist can still provide a much deeper clean. Plus, it gives your dentist a chance to assess your smile and treat any issues they find.
Final Thoughts
Electric toothbrushes are a great tool in the battle against plaque, cleaning your teeth effectively and thoroughly.
However, the most important thing you can do — no matter what kind of toothbrush you have — is have a consistent oral hygiene routine. That way, whether you’ve got an electric brush with tons of features or a simple manual one, you’ll have a healthy, happy mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric toothbrushes actually clean better?
Certain studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones at eliminating plaque and reducing gingivitis. But that doesn’t mean manual brushes are ineffective. As long as you use them the right way, keep them clean, and brush regularly, either type of toothbrush can help you achieve excellent oral hygiene.
How much do electric toothbrushes cost?
They go for anywhere between $15 and $300, depending on the brand, model, and features. But that doesn’t include the cost of the toothbrush head replacements, which you’ll need to change out every three months. They typically come in multi-packs, but usually cost around $2–$10 per head.
How long do electric toothbrushes last?
The replaceable heads last around three months—about as long as a manual toothbrush. The average lifespan of the base is 3–5 years, although they can sometimes last longer with proper care.
How do I choose an electric toothbrush?
Your budget is an important factor, since they can range from $20 to over $300. But you should also consider the size of the head and which brushing motion — oscillating-rotating or sonic — is more comfortable for you, as well as the features you want. Some have multiple brushing modes and some have a pressure sensor that warns you if you’re brushing too hard. If you’re struggling to decide, you can always ask your dentist or orthodontist for their recommendation.
How should I clean my toothbrush?
Rinsing it thoroughly with lukewarm water after each cleaning, then letting it air dry, can be effective for most people. But if you want to take it even further, you can use antiseptic mouthwash, denture cleaner, UV sanitizers, or a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Follow the directions carefully with any cleaner, and don’t soak it for longer than 15 minutes in mouthwash or the peroxide solution.
Is it better to have hard or soft bristles?
Dental professionals recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes for most people. Medium and hard bristles are great for removing plaque and food particles, but they can also harm the enamel or gums, especially if you brush too hard. Soft bristles still give you an excellent clean, without the added risk. Ask your dentist if you’re unsure which is the best option for you.
Can electric toothbrushes damage your teeth?
As long as you use it correctly, an electric toothbrush won’t damage your teeth. Just make sure you’re following the instructions carefully, brushing gently, and using the correct bristle firmness (soft for most people).
Are electric toothbrushes safe for children?
Yes, they’re typically considered safe for children ages three and up. You’ll just want a brush designed specifically for children to ensure that the head is the right size and shape for your child’s mouth.
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