If you love a toothbrush with a powered assist or find an automated two-minute timer helpful, it’s time to upgrade from a manual to an electric toothbrush. After long research hours interviewing dental hygiene experts and considering nearly every available electric toothbrush model, I’ve come up with a list of the best sonic toothbrushes.
In search of top-notch electric toothbrushes, I bought 15 of them and brushed my teeth—a lot — while consulting and checking out all features with dental professionals. I did all this to ascertain which features were helpful. At the end of the testing period, I found nine great models to get your oral health dialed in.
This review looks into the best sonic toothbrush and shares some commonly asked questions about electric toothbrushes.
Top 3 Mouthwashes for Receding Gums
Healthy Gums Mouthwash by Dr. Brite is simply the best mouthwash you can get for gum disease. After personally testing it, I can assure you of achieving your dream of no gum disease and a healthy smile.
- It can reduce gum recession and gum bleeding.
- Its wildberry flavor is amazing and leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
- The mouthwash is fluoride-free, gluten-free, and sulfate-free.
The mouthwash has a special formulation that will soothe your teeth and keep them from being sensitive. Using chamomile extract will ease the gum tissue and your smile.
- Besides protecting your teeth, it has the clinically proven ability to whiten them.
- The flavor is nice and leaves a fresh and clean feeling in the mouth.
- This product quickly clears teeth’ sensitivity within a very short period.
This amazing mouthwash will soothe your mouth and assist in treating gum disease while improving your oral health. It will kill germs that hang around your mouth, causing bad breath and tartar buildup.
- The mouthwash is clean and alcohol-free.
- It is also free of fluoride, glycerin, and sugars.
- It is one of the best mouthwashes giving you whiter teeth.
Best Sonic Toothbrush: How to Test Your Sonic Toothbrush
All electric toothbrushes have the same testing protocol. First, run the toothbrush through various settings and check its noise using a decibel counter app. After that, compare it to other gadgets and their levels of noise. This test helps you determine whether it matches your acceptable noise levels.
Consequently, you should utilize the toothbrush in its different modes and settings, taking note of the differences in durations and intensity in-between settings. Furthermore, you must test the charger’s duration to fully charge and how long it takes before the battery depletes.
These tests help you determine what you’ll get from your sonic toothbrush.
Which is the Best Sonic Toothbrush?
Here are some varieties to choose from:
| Toothbrush Handle | 1 |
|---|---|
| Charging Base | 1 |
| Toothbrush Head | 1 |
| Brushing Modes | 4 |
Pros
- It has four brushing modes; Gum care, polish, white, and clean.
- Its advanced sonic cleaning technology features 38,000 strokes per minute for powerful and dynamic cleaning action. It helps remove 100% of plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- The toothbrush charger base and handle are 100% waterproof, and you can rinse them safely using water.
- Its rubber-coated soft brush head has a cheek and tongue cleaner that helps eliminate tooth chatter.
Cons
- This electric toothbrush has limited features but works well for its price point.
| Brand | Philips Sonicare |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Adult |
| Special Features | Pressure Sensor, Brushing Timer, Customizable |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Brush Firmness | Medium |
| Battery Life | 2 weeks; rechargeable |
| Modes | 3 |
| Sensors | Pressure |
Pros
- It’s gentle yet effective and can whiten teeth in just one week compared to a manual toothbrush that takes longer.
- Protects teeth with its pressure sensor and gently pulses to send alerts when you brush too hard.
- Has a toothbrush head replacement reminder that lets you know when to make a replacement.
- Offers three intensities and modes that let you personalize your brushing experience: clean, white, and gum care.
- The two-minute timer with a QuadPacer lets you adhere to the dentist-recommended brushing time and consistently clean the mouth.
Cons
- Even with more features than its predecessor, for a higher price range, the enhancements don’t add up to the price difference.
- Using the different brushing modes regularly drains the battery, so you’ll need to charge it on time.
| Brand | Oral-B |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Adult |
| Special Features | Daily Clean mode, plaque-removal support, brushing timer |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Brush Firmness | Soft |
| Battery Life | 14 days |
| Brush Head | Round rotating brush head |
Pros
- Clinically proven superior quality that pulsates and oscillates to clear up to 300% more plaque as opposed to manual toothbrushes.
- Its pressure sensor stops pulsation movements when you apply unnecessary force, and the handle timer lets you know once you brush for the recommended time.
- The brush is compatible with all Oral-B brush heads.
- It has soft bristles that rotate to break up and sweep away the plaque.
Cons
- Not suitable if you’re looking for an electric toothbrush with high-tech features.
| Brand | Philips |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Adult |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Brush Firmness | Medium |
| Modes | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | Pressure |
Pros
- The easy-start program on this toothbrush allows a gradual, gentle progression in your brushing power in the first 14 uses after purchase.
- With a gentle buzz, the toothbrush reminds you to change to a new area in the mount every 30 seconds and signals when the 2-minute brushing time ends. This toothbrush gives you an optimal brushing experience every single time.
- It cleans those hard-to-clean areas five times better than a manual toothbrush.
- The brush is sensitive to dental work, orthodontics, and other sensitive areas. It allows you to brush safely on veneers, crowns, fillings, sensitive orthodontics, and braces.
Cons
- It has a short-life battery. I’d advise you to keep consistent charging times.
| Brand | Philips Sonicare |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Adult |
| Brush Firmness | Soft |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | Brushing Timer |
Pros
- This toothbrush is an excellent step up from the manual brush and has a battery life of up to 30 days.
- Its tapered bristles and micro vibrations gently polish your teeth and leave you with a brighter smile.
- Additions to the brush include one USB charger, a travel case, and a matching brush head.
Cons
- Has no pressure sensor
- No Bluetooth connectivity
| Brand | Philips Sonicare |
|---|---|
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Modes | 4 |
| Age Range | Adults |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Offers a personalized brushing experience.
- Has an automatic pressure sensor.
- Syncs operating modes to the brush head.
Cons
- Has limited color options.
- The app has limited functions, which may be ideal for those looking for a toothbrush with minimal features.
| Brand | Oral-B |
|---|---|
| Color | Black Onyx |
| Size | 1 Count |
| Material | Nylon |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Modes | 7 |
Pros
- This toothbrush offers personalized brushing. Its display screens allow you to customize your brushing experience.
- It offers a deep clean thanks to its round brush head with twisted bristles.
- Allows you to experience live coaching by guiding you to 100% cleaning, ensuring you go through every single zone.
Cons
- Has a higher price range, but it’s still worth the investment.
| Brand | Brightline |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Adult |
| Special Feature | Basic electric toothbrush functionality |
| Power Source | Electric, Battery Powered |
| Color | Mint Green |
Pros
- A well-built toothbrush for healthy teeth doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This Brightline toothbrush provides top-quality performance at an affordable price range.
- Its long-lasting rechargeable battery lasts up to 25 days between charges, making this toothbrush the ideal choice for daily brushing and traveling.
- The adjustable intensity allows you to customize your brushing experience using the adjustable intensity setting. Once you identify the right vibration, the Brightline toothbrush remembers each time you turn it on.
- This toothbrush has the American Dental Association’s approval seal.
Cons
- The primary downside is that this electric toothbrush lacks a pressure indicator—one of the highly recommended features by dental professionals.
- It’s bulkier than most powered toothbrushes and has limited head options, but it still does well.
- Waterpik has been associated with water flosser innovation for many years.
- Some Waterpik products are ADA Accepted for safety and effectiveness.
- Water flossing may help support gum health when used correctly and consistently.
| Brand | Waterpik |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | 2-in-1 device |
| Product Benefits | Gum health support, ADA Accepted, plaque removal support, cavity-prevention support |
| Unit Count | 1 |
Pros
- The water flosser is a 2-in-1 gadget that allows you to floss and brush simultaneously.
- It comes in three modes, and at a push, you can floss, brush, or you can opt to do both, which makes it easy to take care of your oral hygiene with just one device. This toothbrush is two times better and reduces plaque and improves gum health.
- 9 out of 10 dentists recommend the Waterpik water flosser, which possesses the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
- When you purchase this water flosser, it includes the global voltage 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, travel case, two brush head covers, two flossing brush heads (one full size, one compact), 16 oz detachable reservoir for filling and cleaning with ease, and a professional flossing toothbrush.
Cons
- If you have sensitive teeth, you should begin flossing at a minimal intensity and increase gradually as the gums adjust.
Everything You Should Know About the Best Electric Toothbrushes
There are specific vital functions you should identify in sonic toothbrushes:
Built-in Timer
It’s advisable to brush for the required two minutes. Thus, all the above toothbrushes have a built-in two-minute timer that ensures you don’t cheat on your brushing time. In addition, the toothbrushes include 30-second vibrating alerts that remind you to move to the next quadrant.
Other toothbrushes, though not all, allow pausing for up to 30 seconds and don’t reset the timer.
Pressure Sensor
You might not actively think about the pressure you’re applying when brushing. Putting too much pressure on the gums and teeth causes harm and may erode the tooth enamel. Fortunately, the best electric toothbrushes can notify you when you’re exerting excessive pressure.
Modes
Brushing modes in the best electric toothbrushes let you personalize your experience and allow you to benefit from the experience. For instance, the sensitivity setting fits someone suffering from hypersensitive gums and patients of a dental procedure.
Intensity
Many electric toothbrushes have different levels of intensity. You can choose the high, medium, or low power to change the vibrating or oscillating speed (which differs from modes that change the head movement patterns).
Other hygienists appreciate varied intensities because it allows you to ease into them as you get accustomed to the usage. Various intensity levels help patients with gum recession or sensitive teeth have a slower and gentler experience while removing biofilm and plaque effectively.
Smart Toothbrush Features
High-end sonic toothbrushes connect your toothbrush to an app as it guides you through your brushing session. In addition, the apps record information such as areas you missed and how long you brushed.
These apps encourage you to practice your brushing habits and techniques in the comfort and privacy of your home.
What Toothbrush is Better Than Sonicare?
Now that you’ve decided to upgrade and wish to find the best electric toothbrush to cater to your oral needs, it’s time to decide on the best brand. Two brands reign supreme when searching for the most suitable electric toothbrush: Oral-B and Sonicare.
Sure, there are many other brands in the market, but most buyers mull between these two top-selling brands. Oral-B and Sonicare have several models under their belt, and each offers its set of advantages and disadvantages.
Considering their brush heads, brushing technology, design, and value, it’s hard for science to declare one brand better than the other. Few, if any, notice the few differences and how they affect one’s teeth’s cleanliness.
No matter the brand you choose, switching to the best electric toothbrush offers immediate improvement to your oral hygiene.
Are Sonic Toothbrushes Any Good?
Studies show that sonic toothbrushes provide better plaque removal even when held at a distance of 4mm from the tooth surface. Still, a user should brush in complete contact with the teeth. Most of today’s available sonic brush models have features that enhance your brushing experience, including bacteria-killing UV sanitizers, timers, and pressure sensors.
Another benefit a sonic brush user would enjoy is brushing longer than they ordinarily would when using a manual toothbrush.
Sonic brushes such as Oral-B Professional Care or Phillips Sonicare provide the best possible cleaning for your teeth.
Can an Electric Toothbrush Replace a Manual Toothbrush?
Both electric and manual toothbrushes offer an effective way of cleaning your teeth if you use the correct brushing technique and brush according to the dentist-recommended time. That said, the best electric toothbrush makes your brushing experience more effortless, which means better plaque removal.
Consult your dentist if you have questions regarding the ideal toothbrush.
Can an Electric Toothbrush Improve Your Oral Health?
Electric toothbrushes win the head-to-head battle against manual options. According to study findings, the best electric toothbrush cleans gums and teeth effectively compared to a manual toothbrush. The studies show that people who’ve embraced electric toothbrushes have better oral hygiene, minimal tooth decay, and healthier gums.
Electric toothbrushes like sonic or oscillating brush head options effectively remove plaque, which keeps gum disease and tooth decay at bay.
Do Dentists Recommend Electric Toothbrushes?
The ADA (American Dental Association) states that manual and electric toothbrushes remove bacteria and plaque from teeth as long as you use proper brushing techniques. The method used is more important than the brush used.
However, a different survey published by the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that 13,000 out of 16,000 users of electric toothbrushes experience better oral health.
How to Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush - Buyer’s Guide
Here’s what you need to consider when looking for an electric toothbrush:
Cost
First things first. What’s your electric toothbrush budget? On the lower side, you can find an electric toothbrush worth $20-$50, but it may lack certain features like a sensor, water flosser, and lithium-ion battery.
While most people may wish to spend at most $40 on a toothbrush, you can go the extra mile and spend up to $200 on those pearly whites. That amount affords you more features, especially if you want to minimize dentist visits.
Capabilities
What do you wish to achieve with the toothbrush? You may want one that helps you clean your teeth for the dentist-recommended two minutes. In this case, you need a toothbrush with a built-in smart timer.
Choose a Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush with an app to track your oral hygiene habits. For sensitive gums or teeth, look into the brush heads. Brands like Sonicare and Oral B have different brush heads for various needs like gum care and teeth whitening.
Convenience
The electric toothbrush of choice must cater to your needs. If you wish to get a prompt for replacement brush heads, then a subscription-based electric toothbrush is your best bet. Also, don’t forget to check how long the toothbrush holds its charge.
Ease of Use
Look for an electric toothbrush that’s easy to use. While you may find a toothbrush with a timer or a tracking app to work best for you, others may feel overwhelmed by the technology.
Comfortable Grip
Different toothbrushes have unique features that appeal to people differently. Some brushes are more ergonomic than others in terms of grip, weight, shape, and size. Other brushes have ridged areas on the back that make them easier to hold.
The shape of the Brush Head
Electric toothbrush head shapes have two options: with flat, oblong sonic brush heads or with round rotating brush heads. The choice between these two options comes down to personal preferences and the type of motion and brush head you find most helpful and comfortable.
Special Features and Extras
When settling on the brush features, consider the ones that’ll make you want to reach for the brush every morning or evening. That means you must be willing to spend more money on extra features like an automatic timer shut-off or a pressure sensor.
FAQs
Are Sonic Toothbrushes Worth It?
Yes. Sonic toothbrushes are worth the investment. Sonic toothbrushes are worth investing in for your oral health. They stand out because they remove significantly more plaque from your teeth than other toothbrush options.
What is the Difference Between Philips Sonicare and DiamondClean?
The most significant difference between these two models is what gives the DiamondClean its ‘Smart’ name. It has Bluetooth connectivity, which the Philips Sonicare doesn’t have.
What is the Difference Between DiamondClean and ProtectiveClean?
The ProtectiveClean toothbrushes feature mid-range brushes. They’re not the most basic or cheapest options; they’re still not the most feature-rich or expensive. The DiamondClean, on the other hand, is a premium range that commands a higher ticket price courtesy of the premium prices they offer.
Is Sonicare DiamondClean Worth It?
If you’re interested in investing in a premium electric toothbrush and wish to improve your oral hygiene, the Sonicare DiamondClean range of electric toothbrushes is worth a try. The brand offers smart devices that provide in-depth teeth cleaning, and the companion app helps you see your brushing habits.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Sonicare Toothbrush?
The average lifespan of an electric toothbrush is roughly five years. Manufacturers give a two-year warranty in case the toothbrush fails sooner.
