When it comes to proper hygiene, oral care is up there on the list, and an electric toothbrush can make the difference between a cleaner, whiter smile and a less-than-fun visit to the dentist. Health-conscious individuals, parents, and anyone who wants to make sure they are brushing properly could benefit in upgrading from a manual to an electric toothbrush.
In this comprehensive electric toothbrush buying guide, we’ll help you understand the benefits of an electric toothbrush. We’ll also educate you on how they work, what types are available, and key considerations for choosing the right one to meet your needs.
Table of contents
- What is an electric toothbrush?
- Why switch to an electric toothbrush?
- Types of electric toothbrushes
- Key features to consider
- Price vs. value
- Users reviews and brand reputation
- Eco-friendly and sustainable options
What is an electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that has rechargeable or replaceable battery that powers the bristles. They oscillate for a better clean of your teeth as well as gums and around the gum line. After the bristles break up plaque, it rotates to further clear food particles and plaque build-up from your teeth.
They provide a deeper clean overall than manual brushing, reaching better into crevices between teeth and providing a more sufficient surface clean as well. Electric toothbrushes are growing in popularity thanks to recommendations from dentists and dental hygienists. Parents with kids who otherwise have trouble brushing properly find them helpful. But they’re also popular simply because of the rising interest in good oral care. There are many options on the market, from simple and affordable to high-tech models that work alongside smartphone apps.
Why switch to an electric toothbrush?
There are many reasons to switch to an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush provides many advantages over a manual one that you need to move back and forth and around in your mouth.
Better plaque removal – Because of the electric power that helps bristles move around your teeth and mouth, electric toothbrushes do a better job of removing plaque from your teeth. People who use manual toothbrushes tend to scrub too hard, which ends up missing crucial parts on your teeth where plaque can build up. Electric toothbrushes have also been said to help reduce gingivitis more effectively as well.
Ease of use – Since electric toothbrushes handle the power, many people find them easier to use. All you need to do is guide the toothbrush back and forth, up and down over each section of your teeth, from front to back, top to bottom, and the brush does the work for you. This is useful for everyone. But it’s especially helpful for people like the elderly, those who suffer from mobility conditions like arthritis, or kids still getting the hang of brushing on their own.
Built-in timers – The recommendation is that you brush for at least two minutes, spending at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. Most electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that buzz to notify you in 30-second or one-minute intervals, then once two minutes have elapsed. The timer feature is useful to ensure you don’t just brush well, but spend enough time doing so. This is especially useful for kids who need a guide to make sure they are brushing for long enough.
Potential improvements in oral hygiene – Many people who use electric toothbrushes report feeling that their teeth are cleaner. Some also note that they have gotten better feedback when visiting the dentist for their annual cleaning and/or check-up. It’s worth trying to see if you notice improved results.
Recommendations by dental professionals – Many dental professionals recommend that patients use electric toothbrushes because of the added power and assistance. This is especially the case for kids once they become of age to brush their teeth on their own. The oscillating bristles combined with features like timers and pressure sensors help ensure a better clean.
Types of electric toothbrushes
Not all electric toothbrushes are the same. They work in different ways with different benefits for each kind.
Oscillating-rotating – An oscillating toothbrush or rotating toothbrush has a round brush head that rotates back and forth or oscillates in a circular motion to clean your teeth. They can also pulsate or vibrate to help further remove plaque. Consider that a manual toothbrush rotates about 300 times per minute compared to 2,500 to 7,500 with an oscillating or rotating electric toothbrush. Available from brands like Braun and Oral-B, these are ideal for those who are new to using electric toothbrushes. It’s also a good option for those with sensitive teeth and/or gums who don’t want too much agitation.
Sonic – A sonic toothbrush looks and works much the same as oscillating or rotating electric toothbrushes. But they to move even faster, brushing at a rate of up to 30,000 brushes per minute; some even more. This, theoretically, should lead to more and faster plaque removal. Some models from brands like Braun and Philips Sonicare can also use a technique called fluid dynamics. It’s a secondary cleaning action that involves high frequency vibrations and agitations against water and other fluids in the mouth like toothpaste. This effectively reaches beyond the points of the brush itself to further clean your teeth and entire mouth. That means areas like under the gum line, between teeth, and within bridge work. The sensation is different and the brush more powerful. So these types are ideal for more advanced and experienced users. They are also more expensive.
Ultrasonic – Ultrasonic electric toothbrushes are a variant of sonic electric toothbrushes. There are only a few true ultrasonic toothbrushes on the market today and they tend to be quite expensive. The big difference is that ultrasonic electric toothbrushes do not require manual, physical motion at all. Rather, they use something called hydrodynamic force at up to 2,400,000 movements per minute. Ultrasound motions remove debris and bacteria from the mouth by simply holding the brush by the teeth. They are often silent in operation, hence the name.
You might find some sonic electric toothbrushes that claim to use ultrasonic effects as a secondary cleaning method. Nonetheless, those who have extra sensitive teeth might benefit from an ultrasonic electric toothbrush, or a sonic toothbrush with ultrasonic capabilities when used in a particular cleaning mode. Some truly ultrasonic toothbrushes include the Megasonex M8S and Emmi-dent Platinum. But you may only need these in special and rare cases.
Battery-operated vs. rechargeable – Naturally, the most affordable electric toothbrushes run on a replaceable battery. These don’t require cords or connections but have a limited life before you need to replace the battery. They are ideal as travel toothbrushes, or for college students who want the benefits of an electric toothbrush but use a shared bathroom where they can’t leave it plugged in. If you have limited bathroom space, you might prefer these. These are also good for young kids since they don’t have to worry about recharging.
By contrast, rechargeable electric toothbrushes tend to be more expensive. They come with a charging cord and base, so you can keep them plugged in and charged up 24/7. They are usually more powerful and include more advanced features, cleaning modes, and sometimes even app support. You can test the waters with a battery-operated electric toothbrush. But if you really want to get on board, opt for a rechargeable one.
Kids electric toothbrush – For young kids, look at electric toothbrushes that are specifically designed for kids. They should have an age recommendation on them and usually come in fun colours and designs. Some even include stickers kids can decorate them with. For older kids, you might be OK with one of the aforementioned models. But check to see what age is recommended for use.
Key features to consider
When it comes to how to choose an electric toothbrush, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. You’ll want to choose a model that meets your specific oral care needs. This comes down to the key electric toothbrush features you’ll find in certain models.
Brushing modes – Different electric toothbrushes have specific brushing modes. Some can have up to four, in fact, based on your priority. This might include deep cleaning, whitening, sensitivity, and tongue cleaning. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you’ll want a model with an option that caters to this. If you are focused on getting a whiter smile, an electric toothbrush with a whitening option will be on your radar. Other options you might see include models with gum massaging actions.
Battery life and charging options – While you’ll likely sit a rechargeable electric toothbrush on its charging base 24/7 and keep it plugged in, you’ll want to make sure the set-up is neat and tidy. Some come with AC adapters, some with USB, so you’ll need to have a charging port nearby. Some can run wirelessly, ideal if you have a small bathroom with limited counterspace. If you travel often, you’ll want one with extra-long battery life so you can leave the charger at home. Or you might want to consider one with a replaceable battery for travel purposes. Some even include a travel cases so you can continue your proper oral hygiene while away from home.
Smart features – The most high-tech electric toothbrushes work alongside smartphone apps, like the Oral-B iOS Series 10 we reviewed in late 2023. Once connected via Bluetooth, you can call up the app while brushing for guidance. This can include a timer and even a visual as you brush. It can show you which spots you might have missed thanks to sensors. Some tell you if you’re brushing too hard. The real-time feedback and coaching can help you improve brushing. It may also alert you to spots you frequently miss or bad habits, like not brushing long enough or scrubbing to vigorously. Some apps also provide additional resources, like how tos, toothbrush cleaning guides, brush head replacement reminders, and general cleaning tips and tricks. These might include everything from creating a good routine to how to angle the brush properly.
Pressure sensors – One of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth is pressing down too hard. The belief is that this results in a better clean. But as dental hygienists will note, it’s more important to make light, repeated, and angled passes along the teeth on all sides. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors notify through an app, vibration, or even a red colour ring, if you’re pressing too hard so you can correct the behaviour. This not only ensures a better clean but also helps protect sensitive gums from damage via excessive force.
Brush head compatibility – Before you choose a model, look into what brush heads are compatible with it and the cost. Every model is compatible with brush heads from the manufacturer itself. Some work with standard third-party brush heads as well. Naturally, you’ll get the best experience with branded brush heads. But you can save money using generic ones. Some manufacturers offer replacement brush head subscription services that equates to long-term discounts. This helps ensure you change the brush head as frequently as needed to maintain proper oral care. As noted, some models provide a digital reminder when it’s time to replace the brush head. As a rule of thumb, try to replace it every three-to-six months, or when the bristles look as though they are fraying.
Design and comfort – You’ll want something that’s comfortable to hold in the hand and navigate around your mouth. Things like grooves and textured grip handles can make a difference. Look for easy one-button operation to power on and off and switch among modes. It should be easy to change the brush head, and you should be able to find replacements easily or sign up for a subscription program. Finally, consider noise, especially if you brush your teeth early in the morning or late at night when the kids, your partner, or roommate is still/already in bed and you don’t want to disturb them.
Age rating – If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush for a child, make sure to check the age recommendations on the model you want to confirm it’s suitable for them. The good news is that there are plenty of kid-friendly electric toothbrushes from which to choose.
Accessories – Most electric toothbrushes come with useful accessories, like a charging cord and upright base. Some may come with a travel case, too, and maybe even specific brush heads. A few have tiny plastic caps for the brush heads, perfect for ensuring they are kept clean of splashes and debris while on the counter, or for travel.
Partner apps – Some of the most high-end electric toothbrushes come with companion apps. Connect the brush to the app and it will help guide you along as you brush. As noted, these apps can provide useful guidance along the way. The most sophisticated show a report with details on the brushing session. This might prompt you to go back and re-brush sections or teeth you might have missed. There are kids’ electric toothbrushes with apps that gameify the progress. They rewards kids for a job well done and make it fun to brush and get all the “sugar bugs” from their mouth. You might not love the idea of your child using technology before bed or in the morning. But it’s a useful way to encourage them to adopt healthy brushing habits.
Price vs. value
It’s tempting to opt for the most affordable electric toothbrush you can find. But keep in mind that price is often reflective of things like durability, longevity, and power. The most affordable options, as noted, are typically battery-operated electric toothbrushes. They are perfect entries into the space, or as secondary travel brushes. But you need to factor in the cost of replaceable batteries, which can add up over several years. They also aren’t as powerful. While extra accessories might add to the cost, in some cases, these come at a discount.
If you find a bundle that includes extra brush heads, for example, this can save you in the long run. Accessories like travel cases can come in handy as well if you travel often. Finally, you may find bundle options with multiple brushes, like a his and hers set, that is perfect for gifting. Look for sales, which happen frequently around holiday seasons and events, and you may be able to find sets and bundles at even more attractive prices.
User reviews and brand reputation
Brand is important when it comes to oral care, or any personal care item, for that matter. Brands like Philips Sonicare, Braun, and Oral-B have a long-respected reputation in the business. While the products might cost more than off-brand options, the results speak for themselves.
You can also rely on user reviews for assistance. Read as many as you can. If a brush has countless positive reviews with only a few negative ones, this may give you confidence. Note what people say in the reviews as well. While someone might review something negatively because they find it’s too powerful or the bristles too fast moving, it might just be that they purchased the wrong product to meet their needs.
Good customer support is important, too. Make sure the brand offers things like warranties, easy-to-find assistance for replacing parts or getting different brush heads, and troubleshooting tips should something go wrong.
Eco-friendly and sustainable options
As with every category of technology nowadays, many brands are considering the environment when developing their electric toothbrushes. There are models made from sustainable materials like bamboo, such as the Sustainable Tomorrow Eco electric toothbrush. These even come with compostable and biodegradeable replacement brush heads that can be tossed into compost to decompose. Some brands use recyclable heads as well. At the very least, you may find electric toothbrushes that come in recyclable packaging that helps reduce their (and your) carbon footprint.
Now that you know everything there is to know about electric toothbrushes, how they work, the types available, and what key features to consider, it’s time to take a step towards better oral health. With the best electric toothbrush, you’ll instantly feel that your teeth are cleaner. You might even find that brushing is a more enjoyable experience.
Yes, the price of entry is higher. You also have to factor in the cost of replacement heads. But when you consider the cost, time, and inconvenience of extra visits to the dentist, fillings, or expensive (and even possibly painful) dental work, this is a category that’s worth investing in. Plus, dental issues can spur so many other health problems.
Take the next step
Taking care of your teeth is an important part of your overall health care plan. With the right electric toothbrush, it will make a difference.
Check out a wide selection of electric toothbrushes at Best Buy Online.
