The 8 Best Toothbrushes, Tested and Reviewed

best toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums
best toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums

Brushing your teeth is an important measure to control plaque, help with gum disease, prevent halitosis. and maintain tooth enamel. Importantly, not all toothbrushes are made the same, and factors like individual sensitivities and preferences will be the driving force in finding the best toothbrush for you and your needs. While two of the most glaringly different choices are between electric and manual toothbrushes, the customizability doesn’t end there, with different bristle lengths and firmnesses also serving a role in catering to individual demands such as tooth or gum sensitivity. Whichever option you choose, Cheryline Pezzullo, DDS, co-founder and co-faculty of NYU College of Dentistry Saturday Academy, explains that the key is using a toothbrush and a technique that is able to effectively clean the gum and tooth interface as this is where the most plaque is.

To find the best toothbrushes on the market for a wide range of needs, we tested over 60 electric and manual toothbrushes at home. We also had Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, and VP of Clinical Development at Tend, provide us with the testing guidance and criteria to follow. To narrow down our search, we evaluated the manual options based on comfort, ease of use, functionality, and value, while we focused on ease of use, design, functionality, quality, and value for the electric options.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Opt for soft bristles: Lauren Becker, DDS, PC, general and cosmetic dentist in New York City, explains that medium and hard bristles are more aggressive on the teeth and, as a result, are less flexible, which will lead to certain areas of the mouth being neglected. She recommends soft bristles which are more flexible and able to reach everywhere in your mouth while also being softer on your gums. Pezzullo echoes this sentiment, stating that most, if not all, people can benefit from soft bristles.
  • Look for varying bristle heights: According to Becker, toothbrushes that feature varying lengths of bristles are beneficial for cupping the teeth and reaching hard to target areas. When bristles are flat, she notes that this can lead to missing spots. A combination of bristle heights can potentially help to clean not only the surface of the tooth, but the areas that are more difficult to reach.
  • Get a comfortable grip: Pezzullo explains that ergonomic handles can promote a better grip and overall control for users during brushing. Additional features like rubber to prevent slipping can be useful for people who are seeking a better grip.
  • Electric may be the best option: Becker notes that electric toothbrushes clean stains and teeth more effectively than manual options. They will, however, be more expensive than their manual counterparts.