The Best Electric Toothbrushes, Tested and Approved

u phylian sonic electric toothbrush
u phylian sonic electric toothbrush

Swapping out your old manual toothbrush for an electric toothbrush might seem trivial, but it can actually be one of the most effective ways to improve dental health. An electric toothbrush can not only clean your teeth more thoroughly but can even break up plaque more easily. Built-up plaque can cause problems, from minor cavities to severe gum disease, so it is best to find an electric toothbrush that can help stop the issue before it starts.

Manufacturers promise many amazing features concerning their brushes, so we home-tested over 30 options to see which ones most thoroughly cleaned teeth while still offering the best value. We also assessed each toothbrush for additional features like ease of use, design, functionality, quality, value, and more. Our medical review board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy.

Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are typically cheaper, more straightforward, and more portable due to their slim size. However, they also lack additional features to aid in cleaning and are more prone to user error. On the other side, Lauren Becker, DDS, PC, general and cosmetic dentist in New York City, explains that electric toothbrushes are better at removing stains and cleaning teeth as a whole. However, they’re more expensive than manual options. Overall, dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush over a manual option if you can work it into your budget.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Keep it clean: Once your electric toothbrush has been used, it is best to run it under hot water as soon as you are finished. For a deeper clean, you can also swirl the brush head in mouthwash or soak it in a mixture of two teaspoons of baking soda and water for 15 minutes.
  • Replace the brush head: While the instructions that come with your toothbrush will give specific guidelines, you can expect to replace the head every three to four months or once the bristles are worn.
  • Choosing brush heads: Your brush head will make a big difference in cleaning effectiveness. Larger brush heads can clean greater surface area, but Kate Zoumboukos, DMD, FAGD, licensed dentist and fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, notes that they can be harder to maneuver into hard-to-reach places.
  • Soft bristles: While firmer bristles might be preferable for that deep-clean feeling, it’s actually recommended that “soft” or “extra soft” bristles be used for electric brushes. Especially for fast, rotating electric brush heads, softer bristles will be kinder to your teeth and, as Zoumboukos notes, minimize abrasions.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

When plaque has not been removed, it can progress into a hard substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be brushed away and must be removed by a dental hygienist. Otherwise, for general dental upkeep, you should visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months for a check-up and teeth cleaning.