Different people have different dental needs and unlike manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes come with better features, and modes; for sensitive teeth, gum care, or teeth whitening. Dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes for their ability to clean and promote better oral hygiene thoroughly. We rounded up some of the best electric toothbrush brands recommended by dentists, but first, we need to get familiar with the different types of electric toothbrushes.
The Different Types of Electric Toothbrushes
- The rotating brushes have small, round heads that rotate in one direction and then reverse direction, mimicking the motion of manual brushing. They’re generally effective at removing plaque and debris.
- Sonic toothbrushes vibrate at high speeds, creating a fluid action that helps dislodge plaque and clean between teeth and the gumline. They’re known for their deep cleaning ability and are often gentle on gums.
- Ultrasonic toothbrushes use high-frequency vibrations to break up plaque and bacteria. They typically operate at frequencies higher than sonic toothbrushes and may require less physical movement during brushing.
- The Rotating-oscillating brushes have small, round heads that oscillate back and forth, providing a thorough cleaning action. Dentists often recommend them for their effectiveness in plaque removal.
- Some electric toothbrushes combine rotating-oscillating and sonic technologies for comprehensive cleaning, called dual-action electric toothbrushes.
Best Electric Toothbrushes
Philips Sonicare 4100
I’ve been using the Philips Sonicare 4100 for several months now, and it has significantly improved my oral hygiene routine.
One of the features I appreciate the most is the pressure sensor. I tend to brush too hard, which has led to gum irritation in the past. The Sonicare 4100 alerts me when I’m applying too much pressure.
The best feature of the Sonicare 4100 is its impressive cleaning power. Utilizing Philips’ patented sonic technology, it delivers up to 62,000 brush movements per minute. This results in a deep, thorough clean that I can genuinely feel. It’s especially effective at removing plaque, which has visibly reduced since I started using it.
For those new to electric toothbrushes, the Easy-Start program is a thoughtful feature. It gradually increases the brush’s power over the first 14 uses. The design of the handle makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. Philips has clearly put thought into making the use of this electric toothbrush as simple as possible.
The built-in 2-minute timer ensures that I brush for the recommended duration every time. The QuadPacer feature is also quite handy, prompting me to switch to different quadrants of my mouth every 30 seconds. This ensures that I don’t miss any areas and achieve an even clean.
It tracks how long I’ve been using the brush head and how hard I’ve been brushing. A light on the handle and a short beep notify me when it’s time to replace the brush head. This takes the guesswork out of maintenance too.
The battery life is amazing. A single charge lasts up to two weeks, which is great for me since I travel a lot. I’ve never had to worry about this toothbrush dying on me unexpectedly ever since I started using it.
Oral-B Pro 1000
The Oral-B Pro 1000 is a popular electric toothbrush in the market and this is not just because of the brand name. It is the best electric toothbrush because of essential features that do most of the work for you like a timer and pressure sensor, and broad brush head compatibility, all at an affordable price. Since I started using the Pro 1000, I’ve noticed my teeth feel cleaner, and my gums are healthier.
Here’s why the Oral-B Pro 1000 might be the right toothbrush for you.
This toothbrush uses a combination of oscillation, rotation, and pulsation to break up and remove plaque more effectively than most electric toothbrushes. This means cleaner teeth and healthier gums with less effort.
Like me, if you tend to brush too hard, this feature stops the pulsations when you’re pressing too hard, helping to protect your gums from damage.
Brushing for the dentist-recommended two minutes is easy with the Pro 1000’s built-in timer. It even buzzes every 30 seconds to remind me to move to a different part of my mouth.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge. Which in my opinion is convenient for both daily use and travel without constantly needing to recharge. The Pro 1000 is customizable and compatible with many Oral-B brush heads.
Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush
I had high expectations for the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush, and let me tell you, it exceeded them all. Let’s start with the smooth design available in brushed silver, black, or rose gold is a minimalist’s dream. The one-button control easily toggles between three brushing modes: ‘Sensitive,’ ‘Clean,’ and ‘White.’ While other brushes offer more settings, these are more than sufficient, offering simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
Powered by Sonic technology, the brush delivers up to 48,000 brush strokes per minute, providing a deep clean that rivals a visit to the dentist. The battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 70 days on a single charge.
Despite its power, it’s gentle on the gums. It’s not just about looks and power; this toothbrush is all about results. It effortlessly removes surface stains, leaving teeth noticeably brighter. With three different-sized brush heads and a premium travel case, it’s perfect for on-the-go oral care.
Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush
In a market flooded with disposable plastic toothbrushes, the Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush is one of the best eco-conscious innovations for oral care. At first glance, the Suri toothbrush looks great, with its slim design. With the aluminum frame and plant-based cornstarch heads, coupled with castor oil bristles, you know the brand is dedicated to reducing plastic waste.
But sustainability aside, how does the brush perform? Powered by sonic technology, the Suri toothbrush delivers 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute, while the rechargeable battery offers an impressive 40-day usage after charge.
Although the absence of a pressure sensor and limited cleaning modes may deter some users accustomed to more advanced features, these minor issues pale in comparison to the Suri toothbrush’s excellent performance and eco-friendly design.