Last Updated: 22nd May 2024One of the most common questions I get asked is “What toothbrush should I use?”.
The short and honest answer is, it doesn’t matter! As long as you are following a good oral hygiene routine and using the correct technique for your specific brush, then any toothbrush that you feel happy and comfortable with will be good enough.
There is one caveat though, research has shown that a rechargeable battery-powered toothbrush is significantly more effective at plaque removal compared to a manual brush.
Apart from that, everything else is just marketing.
So, learn the correct technique for your specific toothbrush (full guides can be found here) and you will be okay.
For those people who do want a specific recommendation and an overview of what’s available in the market then read on.
- Dr Zaeem Jafri BDS
Most of these products are available for quick delivery on Amazon. If you use our links to buy them, we may earn a little money, but be assured that this article contains our honest opinions.
Summary
Our main choice for performance - Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 (£135)
Our main choice overall - SURI Sustainable toothbrush (£75)
Our choice for those on a budget - Ordo Sonic+ (£60)
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 is our brush of choice when it comes to pure performance. It looks great, feels great, provides a powerful clean and has all the features of a good electric toothbrush.
The SURI Sustainable Toothbrush has recently become our favourite overall toothbrush. It has a sleek design, a whopping 40-day battery life, can be charged via a USB-C cable and can be mounted on your bathroom mirror for convenience.
How have we tested these brushes?
The brushes featured on this page have all been tried and tested by Dr Zaeem Jafri our expert dentist. And are a result of personal opinion.
None of the brushes featured on this page are going to be bad for your teeth but they will all have individual characteristics that suit certain people and our goal is to help you understand what might be right for you.
Key features we have considered
Cost
Cleaning power
Ease of use
Travel Features
Sustainability
Different types of electric toothbrushes
Vibrating brushes
These brushes are the ones powered by a AA or AAA battery. They are very cheap and people end up thinking they are using a proper electric brush. They are rubbish. The battery just makes the whole brush vibrate making you feel like you’re using an electric brush but that’s not how they work.
The real magic of electric brushes is how the individual bristles on the brush head are moving, not the vibrations of the brush itself.
Oscillating brushes
These brushes come with a small round head and the bristles move in short sharp circular motions. The biggest brand that makes oscillating brushes is Oral-B.
Thes brushes tend to make more of a rattling noise, are a bit softer on your teeth and easier to navigate around tight corners of your mouth.
Sonic brushes
The bristles on a sonic brush vibrate at an extremely high frequency but don’t move around on the brush head itself. The brush head is usually a bit broader and the brush makes more of a buzzing sound.
The most common brand of sonic brushes is Philips Sonicare.
These brushes are usually sleeker and more powerful in their action leading to more foaming and a fresher feel.
Best electric toothbrushes
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000
Best cleaning performanceOur favourite toothbrushes are Philips Sonicare ones. The feeling you get from the sonic action leaves you feeling extremely fresh and your teeth feel polished.
The brushes look nice in your bathroom and are easy to use.
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 is easy to use with simple buttons and also has a pressure sensor to make sure you are not brushing your teeth too hard.
Buy it from Amazon - £135
Philips DiamondClean also comes with a Smart version which includes an app, honestly don’t bother, you do not need it.
SURI Sustainable toothbrush
Best overall toothbrushThe SURI toothbrush is a new contender tackling the established legacy brands and we love it for its modern approach.
It’s simple, travel friendly and has an outstanding battery life.
SURI are also committed to being a more sustainable option with their materials and ethos around providing repairs for their brushes for when they do eventually fail.
The only thing that is letting SURI down is the fact that it doesn’t (yet) have a pressure sensor and the power is slightly less than that of a Philips Sonicare toothbrush.
Buy it from SURI’s website - £75 (15% off with code “NOVA”)
Read our full review of the SURI toothbrush here
Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush
Our best on-a-budget optionFor a more cost-effective oscillating toothbrush try the Oral B Smart series. This brush works great and has all the features of a good toothbrush and won’t put you out of picket like the iO series.
Buy from Amazon - £69.99
FAQs about electric toothbrushes
How often should I replace the brush head on my electric toothbrush?
A: It's recommended to replace the brush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn out. Regular replacement ensures the most effective cleaning and maintains oral hygiene.
Can electric toothbrushes be used by children?
Yes, there are electric toothbrushes designed specifically for children, with softer bristles and smaller heads to fit their mouths. These models often come with fun designs and features to encourage brushing. However, it's important to choose a brush suitable for the child's age and supervise their brushing until they've developed good brushing habits.
Are electric toothbrushes safe for sensitive gums?
Absolutely. Many electric toothbrushes come with sensitive modes designed for those with sensitive teeth and gums. These modes operate at lower power settings to provide a gentle yet effective cleaning. Additionally, look for models with pressure sensors that alert you if you're brushing too hard.
How long do electric toothbrushes typically last?
The lifespan of an electric toothbrush can vary depending on the brand and model, but on average, they can last between 3 to 5 years. Proper maintenance and regular charging can help extend the life of your toothbrush.
Can electric toothbrushes help improve oral health more than manual toothbrushes?
Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque and gingivitis more effectively than manual toothbrushes, thanks to their advanced cleaning technologies. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with orthodontic appliances, those with limited manual dexterity, or anyone looking to enhance their oral hygiene routine.
How do I clean and maintain my electric toothbrush?
To clean your electric toothbrush, rinse the brush head thoroughly under running water after each use. Periodically, detach the head and clean the base and the head separately to remove any buildup. Ensure the toothbrush is dry before reassembling. Store it in an upright position, preferably in a dry area.
Is it worth investing in a more expensive electric toothbrush?
Higher-priced electric toothbrushes often come with additional features such as multiple brushing modes, pressure sensors, and even Bluetooth connectivity to track your brushing habits. Whether these features are worth the investment depends on your personal preferences and specific oral health needs. However, even basic electric toothbrushes offer significant benefits over manual brushing.
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