Best electric toothbrushes 2024 for clean teeth and gums | Live Science

We have tried and tested the best electric toothbrushes to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and squeaky clean — check out our all-time favorites ahead of Black Friday.

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The Black Friday sale is a perfect opportunity to snap up one of the best electric toothbrushes for a fraction of the price. Premium models tend to come with features designed to help you improve your daily brushing routine, such as timers and pressure sensors. Some toothbrushes, such as our favorite Oral-B Genius X or the Oral-B iO Series 10, may even use AI-powered apps or gyroscopes to track your movements. However, there are plenty of affordable toothbrushes that do a fabulous job, too — Bitvae R2 and Laifen Wave are good examples here.

For some people, electric toothbrushes may be more effective than manual toothbrushes in keeping their teeth and gums clean. "For example, an electric toothbrush may provide more benefit to someone who is struggling with mobility or who are concerned with their personal technique or duration of brushing," Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, a consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association, told Live Science. You can read more about the benefits of using these smart gadgets in our Electric toothbrushes FAQs down below. Mind you, they are not just for the adults. There are plenty of electric toothbrushes designed specifically for kids, too.

However, we know that buying an electric toothbrush is not an easy task, which is why we have spent countless hours testing, reviewing and ranking different models to help you pick the right toothbrush. We looked into the design, features, functionality and performance of each and every electric toothbrush in this guide. You can scroll down to the How we test section to read about our testing protocol.

Best overall

Best overall

The Oral-B Genius X takes the top spot thanks to its sleek design, excellent brushing efficiency across all six cleaning modes, and a connected app that offers various coaching programs to help you improve your brushing technique.

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Best budget

Best on a budget

Without breaking the bank you can have an electric toothbrush that offers up to 30 days of battery life, five cleaning modes, a pressure sensor, seven spare brush heads and even a handy travel case.

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Best all-rounder

Best all-rounder

One of the best-looking toothbrushes in our round-up, this might be for you if you want to personalize your brushing intensity, track your oral hygiene using the free app or if you need to travel a lot.

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Best compatibility

Best compatibility

Need a toothbrush but prefer to swap out the style of heads, or have a family with multiple toothbrush head types? The Oral-B Pro 1000 is a great pick. This wallet-friendly model even has a pressure sensor.

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Best combo

Best toothbrush and flosser combo

Combining two separate devices in one neat package, this top-quality sonic toothbrush comes with a powerful water flosser to ensure you get all-round oral hygiene in one convenient station.

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Best for sensitive teeth

Best for sensitive teeth

This exceptionally stylish toothbrush features a gentle but powerful motor, soft brush heads and a personalized brushing mode, making it a great option for those with sensitive teeth or gum issues.

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Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

✅ You need improved technique: The smartphone track is interactive and monitors brushing habits.✅ Setting goals is important: When synchronized with the app you can set your own tooth cleaning goals to stay on track.

❌ A quieter model is important: We found this model to be noisier than comparable Sonic models.❌ You're not a smartphone fan: Some users have reported issues with app functionality.

🔎 Oral-B Genius X: Sleek, stylish and jam-packed with smart features, this smart toothbrush is a whole package for those who want to improve their brushing routine. ★★★★½

The Oral-B Genius X is the ideal next-level toothbrush for anyone wanting to improve and maintain good dental hygiene. An interactive app tracks and monitors your brushing habits and patterns using A.I. technology, while extra features help users set oral hygiene goals with coaching tips and tricks.

And if you’re not interested in using the app, there’s plenty to like about the Oral-B Genius X itself. In our Oral B Genius X review we tried out the six cleaning modes, including tongue cleaning, sensitive, whitening, gum care and pro cleaning alongside standard daily clean. This toothbrush delivers on oral hygiene with a powerful oscillating-rotating brush head. A sturdy travel case is included, with a charging travel case offered on some models.

Users who prefer a quieter brushing session may find the Oral-B Genius X a little noisy, given that it isn’t a sonic toothbrush. Operating at around 70 decibels, it’s similar to a dishwasher or washing machine. But for anyone who’s been advised by their hygienist to improve their brushing technique, it could be a game-changer.

Our tester found the daily cleaning mode and pro clean mode to be very similar, but pro clean had the edge when it came to that "clean-mouth feeling" after brushing. Gum care mode had a gently massaging, rhythmic oscillation that moved up and down in intensity, while 3D white mode echoed that sensation of having a polish at the dental hygienist.

Our expert review:

✅ You need longevity: This toothbrush comes with up to two years worth of toothbrush heads.✅ You like to travel: With 30 days of battery life you can afford to go away for long trips without recharging.

❌ There's limited counter space: The Bitvae R2 charges laying down so it takes up more space on the countertop.❌ You want to stock up: Frustratingly, the toothbrush heads can't be purchase separately, in our experience.

🔎 Bitvae R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush: It may not have all the frills typical of more premium products, but this budget-friendly electric toothbrush boasts powerful performance, long battery life and plenty of handy accessories. ★★★★½

Bitvae says its R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush, available in three colorways, cleans up to four times more plaque than a normal manual toothbrush, while the impressive 30-day USB charging feature offers quicker charging and longer usage between charges. With five cleaning modes, a pressure sensor and a handy travel case, it has pretty much everything you’d come to expect from a more expensive toothbrush, and at a fraction of the price.

If you like the idea of having a powerful electric toothbrush with a variety of modes, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money opting for one of the big names in oral healthcare, the Bitvae R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush is the ideal solution for you.

In our Bitvae R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush review we found the battery in the Bitvae R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush can be charged in three hours. This is a welcome point of difference to many other affordable models, since some budget electric toothbrushes can take up to 18 hours to recharge. The extra-long battery life is a another huge bonus, especially if you’re traveling or share the brush handle with other members of your family. Cherry on top? The two-year supply of replacement brush heads.

However, if you want high-end smart features, coaching to improve your brushing technique or a super-stylish ergonomically designed handle, you may need to part with more pennies and shell out for one of the other available choices.

Our expert review:

✅ Personalisation is important: The free app tracks your oral hygiene and notifies you when replacement heads are needed.✅ You want consistent brush pressure: A pressure sensor built into the toothbrush shows on the app if you've been brushing too hard.

❌ You need a real-time pressure sensor: The brushing pressure only displays on the app after a session has ended and doesn't state where it has been applied.❌ You swap heads frequently: Unfortunately, replacement heads can only be bought with a device.

🔎 Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000: It is elegant and efficient, and it helps you monitor your brushing habits, but this smart toothbrush does not come cheap. ★★★★½

Sleek and stylish, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 features no less than four brushing modes: clean, white+, gum health and deep clean+. Each of these modes can be further tweaked to an intensity setting that suits you, giving you a wide range of brushing experiences to choose from.

Our tester notes in the full Philips Sonicare DiamonClean 9000 review that there is a big difference between clean/deep clean+, the latter leaving their teeth feeling cleaner. However, over a few cleans, they didn’t notice an enormous amount of difference between the other modes, except that Gum Health was a bit softer on the gums.

The DiamondClean 9000, like the Oral-B Genius, also comes with a free app to help you keep track of your oral hygiene and help you keep track of when you need replacement brush heads. You can even set up automatic re-ordering to keep your bathroom cabinet stocked up.

However, where the Oral-B Genius app helps users actively improve their technique by identifying areas they’ve missed during brushing, the DiamondClean 9000 app simply charts your brushing activity, and how much pressure you apply during sessions. So unless you need to be reminded to brush your teeth every day, or to ease up on pressure while brushing, you might not get as much from the app as you’d like.

A huge plus point for the DiamondClean is that it comes with its own USB-charging case, perfect for travel, or if you like to brush your teeth after lunch, at the office. Its high price point may be a deal-breaker for many users, but the DiamondClean 9000 has enough features to impress, with or without the app.

Our expert review:

✅ You need value for money: The Oral-B Pro 1000 comes with many basic features you need for a low price.✅ Brush head compatibility is important: This toothbrush is compatible with many Oral-B brush heads.

❌ No app connectivity: This toothbrush is a no-frills gadget with no synchronization to smartphone apps.❌ Loud noise bothers you: As quite a basic model it is relatively noisy compared to others in this list.

🔎 Oral-B Pro 1000: It may be basic in design, but this electric toothbrush offers a powerful performance at an affordable price, making it a perfect choice for beginners. ★★★★

One of Oral-B’s most popular electric toothbrushes, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a budget-friendly electric toothbrush that does away with all the bells and whistles of its high-tech neighbors and simply cleans well.

One cleaning mode is all you get with the Oral-B Pro 1000, so it’s just as well the price point is low. But if you’re after simplicity, it could be the right toothbrush for you. According to the manual, the Oral-B Pro 1000 takes 22 hours to fully charge. Our tests showed slightly different results — after depleting the battery fully, it took 20.5 hours for the Oral-B Pro 1000 to become fully charged.

Despite its simplicity, we were happy during our Oral-B Pro 1000 review to find this toothbrush includes some helpful features. There's a built-in pressure sensor that alerts you to when you’re brushing too hard (when our tester pushed it against their teeth, the spinning brush head turned off) and a timer that helps you remember when to move to the next quadrant of your mouth. It also alerts you when you complete the recommended two minutes of brushing time. Just like the handset itself, replacement brush heads are also very affordable.

Given that most people tend to use just one or two cleaning modes on even the most sophisticated brushes, the Oral-B Pro 1000 clears away the confusion and focuses on delivering a powerful clean with its round cross-action brush head. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may find it just a little too powerful. And if you want a toothbrush that promises to whiten teeth, or massage gums, you’d be better looking elsewhere.

Our expert review:

✅ 2-in-1 appeals: The fact you can use this device as both a toothbrush and water flosser means you don't need to purchase two devices.✅ Additional accessories are key: It also comes with five water flosser tips, two brush heads, a travel case and storage case.

❌ You travel a lot: It requires plugging into a socket in the bathroom and it may be a little cumbersome for some.❌ You want a pressure sensor: There is no brushing pressure sensor in the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0.

🔎 Waterpik Complete Care 9.0: Sleek and thoughtfully designed, this toothbrush-flosser combo is a complete package for those who want to step up their dental hygiene — but it does lack extra features. ★★★★

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 delivers two oral hygiene must-haves in one fell swoop, by combining a separate sonic toothbrush and water flosser in one compact device, making it cost-effective and space-saving.

Offered with a host of extras, such as 5 water flosser tips, 2 brush heads, a storage case and travel case, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 also features 3 cleaning modes and a beveled tongue-cleaning feature.

In our Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 review, we ran each of the cleaning modes several times to get a sense of its brushing performance. General clean mode operates at a slightly lower frequency compared to whitening mode, which adds extra polishing to a brushing session during the recommended two minutes. Massage mode was the most impressive mode our tester used, providing a gentle massaging pulse to stimulate the gum area, while giving that ‘deep clean’ feeling.

Designed to be plugged into a bathroom socket near a basin, it may not be right for everyone, and a lack of extra features may disappoint some users. But when it comes to value for money, you could do worse than investing in the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0, rather than shelling out separately for an electric toothbrush and a water flosser.

Our expert review:

✅ Tracking sessions are important: Powered by AI the app shows a 3D mouth map updated in real-time.✅ Multiple modes may help: Seven different modes make it easy to select a brushing mode that suits your teeth/gums.

❌ Budget is tight: At up to $299 the Oral-B iO Series 9 requires significant investment.❌ Aesthetics are important: There aren't that many color options available to consumers.

🔎 Oral-B iO Series 9: One of the most advanced electric toothbrushes on the market, it offers exceptional performance at a premium price. ★★★★

Marketed as the ultimate clean electric toothbrush, the Oral-B iO Series 9 offers a truly personalized brushing experience.

It features an in-built pressure sensor that flashes red when too much pressure is applied, white when brushing is too soft, and green when it’s just right, giving brushers the full Goldilocks experience when it comes to brushing. No less than seven brushing modes include daily clean, sensitive, gum care, intense+, super sensitive, tongue clean and whiten.

In our full Oral-B iO Series 9 review we found that, apart from a change in intensity between the daily, intense+ and sensitive/super sensitive modes, we didn't notice a huge amount of difference between the modes. As our tester had sensitive gums, we ran the toothbrush predominantly on the super sensitive mode. Even gum care was very harsh on their gums and left them with an uncomfortable tingly feeling. If you’re looking for a toothbrush with a good amount of pressure, this is the choice for you, but if you’re a bit sensitive, there might be better options out there.

A smart, connected app completes the brushing experience, offering a 3D A.I. view during brushing to ensure no areas are missed out on. Users can also track brushing data and gum health over weeks, months, and years.

Available in three colorways, the handset also features a magnetic charger for easy docking. The handle powers up quickly too, with a full charge in just three hours. The Oral-B iO9 also comes with a handy travel case that doubles up as a charger, and a travel refill holder, although just one brush head is provided with the starter kit.

If you’re after a super smart, connected clean, with a brush that looks sleek and stylish on the bathroom shelf, the Oral-B iO Series 9 could be the perfect electric toothbrush for you.

Our expert review:

✅ Aesthetics matter: We think the Colgate Hum has a fun and pretty design.✅ Smart app detail: The accompanying app goes into great detail about your brushing technique.

❌ You travel away: With only 10 days of charge you'll need to take the charger for longer trips.❌ You like round heads: The Hum only has rectangular-shaped brush heads, but we found it easy enough to navigate around teeth.

🔎 Colgate Hum: With an excellent smart app, lightweight design and great performance, it is one of the best budget-friendly electric toothbrushes on the market. ★★★★½

This sonic toothbrush is Colgate’s answer to providing an accessible smart brush at a low price point. Users can choose from a rechargeable or battery-operated model and a range of colors, including blue, green, purple and black. The design differs slightly from the rechargeable to the battery models.

Featuring three brush modes, normal, sensitive and deep clean, the brush also has an in-built timer and an ergonomic handle, designed for comfort and accuracy while brushing.

The toothbrush also connects to the smart Hum app by Colgate, which allows users to track their brushing progress, and target brushing to neglected areas, helping you to brush your best. You can even earn points towards rewards, which you can redeem in the app’s shop towards replacement brush heads.

It took our tester just five hours to fully charge the battery, which is impressive given other brands can take over 20. However, we also found that this toothbrush does not hold as much power as some of the other models we have tried. The Hum lasts only 10 days while other electric toothbrushes might last weeks or months on a single charge. If you were to pack a backpack for a long trip away, you would definitely need to make space for the charger.

Based on its low price point and connected, smart features, we think you could spend a lot more cash on a toothbrush and still get the same experience. The Hum by Colgate is great value for money and fun to use.

Our expert review:

✅ You want a great clean: During testing we found this toothbrush to give a hygienist-level clean.✅ You want minimalism: We liked the sleek minimalist design the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic has.

❌ You're sensitive to noise: On its highest setting, we found this brush to be noisy.❌ Adapters aren't your thing: It only ships with a UK three-pin mains plug so a US mains adapter is required.

🔎 Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush: Sleek and minimalist, it delivers an in-depth clean without the premium frills — but it has all the necessary travel accessories. ★★★★

The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush is an affordable option for those switching from manual to electric for the first time. Designed by dentists, it uses sonic technology to mimic the gentle feel of a manual toothbrush with a deep-clean effect. It is also light, and compact, and comes with a sturdy travel case and charging dock, making it a perfect electric toothbrush for traveling.

Although fairly basic, there is plenty to like about the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic toothbrush. It has an elegant, minimalistic design, available in three stylish colors - white, graphite grey and rose gold (and a limited edition Pride print) and three cleaning modes (sensitive, clean and white). In our Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush review, we found one drawback; whilst this toothbrush is widely available in the US, the charging plug is designed for the UK, so you will need an adaptor in order to use it. However, the brush does come with an impressive three toothbrush heads, with replacements costing only $30 for a pack of three.

The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush impressed us with its brushing performance. While all of its three cleaning modes did a great job, we tended to find that the highest setting — white — delivered the best results. We found the brush to be highly effective in removing plaque and discoloration, providing a clean finish that felt not too dissimilar to a deep clean you might receive at a hygienist — and all for an affordable price tag.

However, if you have sensitive teeth or gum problems, you may only be able to operate this toothbrush in its sensitive mode.

Our expert review:

✅ You want detailed feedback on brushing coverage: If you missed a spot, it will tell exactly which areas are under-brushed.✅ You travel a lot: This toothbrush comes with a travel case and spare brush heads, and can last up to a month on a single charge.

❌ Your bathroom gets a lot of sunshine: During testing we found the display is hard to read in sunlight.❌ You like to brush your teeth in a shower: This toothbrush has no textured grip so it can be slippery when wet.

🔎 Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic: It combines great looks with powerful brushing performance, but its app connectivity could be better. ★★★★

The Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic is our top choice for those with sensitive teeth. This stylish toothbrush is equipped with a patented Maglev 2.0 motor that provides an exceptionally gentle and thorough clean, and it comes with brush heads that are pleasantly soft and easy on the gums. And even though the Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic does not offer a myriad of intensity levels and brushing modes (like, for example, its older sibling Oclean X Pro Elite), it can be personalized with your preferred brushing settings.

It looks good, too. During our Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic review, we were impressed by its sleek build and stylish design. We also liked that it can be mounted on the wall — a handy feature for those short on shelf space. Mind you, this toothbrush has no contoured grip or textured handle so it can get slippery when wet.

Moreover, the Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic offers a detailed insight into your brushing coverage. After brushing, its interactive touchscreen will display a small picture of the jaw. If you missed a spot, all under-brushed areas will be marked in red. You will also be awarded a brushing score from 0 to 100 to indicate how thorough your clean was. More feedback on your brushing habits can be accessed via the Oclean app.

However, the Oclean app can be a hit and miss. Although we found it useful, it was not always precise with recording our brushing sessions. Another downside is the lack of pressure control. The toothbrush is pretty pricey, too.

Best for sensitive teeth: Runner-up

Best for sensitive teeth: Runner-up

Priced at roughly $60, the Ordo Sonic+ is a great budget-friendly alternative to the Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic. This electric toothbrush is beautifully made, lasts months on a single charge, and comes with four cleaning modes (including Sensitive and Gum Massage) as well as an ultra-soft brush head that delivers an efficient and gentle clean. However, the Ordo Sonic+ does not come with any smart features, travel cases or spare brush heads.

Read our full review

Our expert review:

✅ Fast charging is important: The iO Series 10 has wireless, magnetic-lock charging.✅ You found the last model too noisy: Thanks to the new brushless magnetic drive this toothbrush is quiet.

❌ You're on a budget: The premium price for this brush (up to $399) is a sizeable investment.❌ You have an iO Series 9: There are plenty of improvements upon the previous model, but not worthy of the bump in price if you have the Series 9 already.

🔎 Oral-B iO Series 10: In terms of design and functionality, it is a Rolls-Royce among electric toothbrushes, but it comes at a jaw-dropping price. ★★★★½

The Oral-B iO Series 10 offers more features and smarts than any brush the brand has created before. As such, it comes with a premium price tag that makes it one of the most expensive brushes we have tested. However, this electric toothbrush is well worth the investment. The Oral-B iO Series 10 is packed to the brim with smart tracking, comes with fast wireless charging, and is quiet to operate. We were also impressed by its excellent brushing performance.

The Oral-B iO Series 10 toothbrush comes with seven cleaning modes and a round, rotating head that gently vibrates to increase the polishing area and provide the best clean possible. Its new base offers live feedback as you brush, so there is no need to use a phone app for guidance — and that is a rare feature, even in the most expensive models. This electric toothbrush should be able to keep even the most challenging of mouths up to the highest dental standards.

During our Oral-B iO Series 10 review, we liked the accessories, too. The Oral-B iO Series 10 comes with a lovely, slim case that is ideal for traveling. It does, however, hold only one extra head, so if you prefer having different types of heads on the go, you may need to look for a different model. Also, the case charges using the proprietary charger, not using your phone charger cable, to get this juiced up on the go, which we thought was a useful feature.

Our expert review:

✅ You want brush head variety: The Laifen Wave ships with three different brush heads.✅ Material or price is important: The device is available in three different material finishes at different prices.

❌ Pressure accuracy is key: We found the pressure button was flimsy during testing with intermittent performance.❌ Neat charging is essential: Oddly, the magnetic charging cable has to connect to the bottom of the brush so it can't stand and charge at the same time.

🔎 Laifen Wave: It offers endless customizability and a compact design, but it can be frustrating to use, too. ★★★★

Laifen is a brand mostly known for its wide range of hair care appliances, but its first-ever electric toothbrush can easily compete with some of the biggest names in the industry. With three different brush heads, countless brushing personalization features and three price options to suit every budget, it is one of the most customizable toothbrushes we have ever tested.

It is also one of the most innovative — the Laifen Wave is the first ever toothbrush that combines oscillation and sonic vibration, meaning its brush head can rotate and vibrate simultaneously. It is also the only dental care product on the market to feature a pressure button and magnetic charging cable. Moreover, the Laifen Wave comes with an app that blows the competition out of the water with its ability to fine-tune your brushing experience — down to the exact intensity of vibrations and duration of a brushing cycle.

During our Laifen Wave electric toothbrush review, the device thoroughly impressed us with its performance in our at-home tests. All three brush heads left our teeth squeaky clean, without aggravating the gums or causing discomfort. The toothbrush does not generate much noise, is easy to clean and can last a whopping 30 days on a single charge. The Laifen Wave is also relatively small and compact, making it a great travel companion. We liked its sleek design, too.

On the downside, the Laifen Wave toothbrush can be irksome to use. We found its pressure button tricky to operate at times, particularly when switching between modes. The toothbrush can only be charged when it is lying flat, and the whole process is made difficult by a short charging cable. Lastly, it does not include a travel case or a storage container for the brush heads.

Our expert review:

✅ Fast cleaning is important: Just 30 seconds to clean teeth.✅ Gum health is key: It uses LED light to whiten teeth and improve gum health.

❌ You want to clean your tongue: There is no integrated tongue cleaning method.❌ You like that fresh feeling: We swapped out the given toothpaste with our own and it felt much nicer.

🔎 AutoBrush Sonic Pro: Designed with reluctant brushers in mind, this innovative device can clean your teeth in just 30 seconds, but it may be tricky to get used to. ★★★½

The AutoBrush Sonic Pro is one of the most unusual-looking toothbrushes in this guide. Its unique U-shaped configuration is designed to clean all of your teeth in just 30 seconds — great for reluctant brushes.

There are three sonic vibration cleaning modes: Care (gentle), Deep Clean and Massage. The whitening LED lights are a welcome inclusion and not something you often find on your typical electric toothbrush. Though AutoBrush claims this toothbrush will clean your teeth in just 30 seconds, there are also 60-second and 90-second timers available — something we were pleased to find during our hands-on AutoBrush Sonic Pro review.

It takes a while to adapt to this new style of brushing, as it's likely very different to how you'll have ever brushed before. Based on our full review, we're not sure the AutoBrush Sonic Pro will replace our regular electric toothbrush, but if you have a reluctant brusher in your family, it could help them brush more regularly or effectively.

Dr. Roopali Kulkarni is an oral medicine specialist and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She teaches students in the Oral Medicine clinic and treats patients with oral mucosal diseases, salivary gland dysfunctions and dental diseases. Dr. Kulkarni is also a consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA) and a peer reviewer for the Journal of the American Dental Association. She advised Live Science on how to choose the best toothbrush and discussed the potential benefits of electric toothbrushes.

Karen Coates is a registered dental nurse and oral health educator for the Oral Health Foundation, a British charity dedicated to promoting the benefits of good oral hygiene. She also coordinates the Tooth Whitening Action Group, a coalition of UK-based dental societies and toothbrush industry representatives that provides tooth whitening guidance to patients and healthcare professionals. For this piece, Karen commented on the potential benefits of electric toothbrushes and things to look for when buying a powered toothbrush.

Dr. Khurrum Hussain, a clinical periodontist at Bupa Dental Care and a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester Dental Hospital. BDS MFDS RCSEd Dip BDS, MFDS, PG Cert, MClinDent (LOND), MPerio RCS (Ed). Dr. Hussain is a GDC registered Specialist Periodontist, and Implant Surgeon with years of professional experience. Khurrum completed specialist training at the Eastman Dental Institute (UCL), and as a practicing clinical periodontist, his work is focused on periodontal disease and complex restorative complications. He told Live Science how to care for your electric toothbrush and whether you can use it while wearing braces.

Faizan Zaheer is a dentist at Bupa Dental Care and a GDC-registered Specialist in Periodontology with a Master’s degree in Dental Research. He is proud to have had several prestigious publications in gum grafting techniques and continues his passion for research at the University of Manchester in the UK. He is a staff member teaching the postgraduate Master’s program in Periodontology at the Dental Hospital, also based in Manchester, UK. For this piece, Faizan discussed the potential benefits of electric toothbrushes for kids, and advised on how to choose the best product for your needs.

In some cases, electric toothbrushes may be more effective than manual toothbrushes. For example, they provide consistent and even brush strokes, and this can be difficult to achieve with a traditional toothbrush. "Electric toothbrushes can also clean up to twice as much plaque as their manual counterparts," Coates said. Lastly, they do most of the brushing work for you, making it easier for people with limited dexterity or those who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush effectively.

However, both electric and manual toothbrushes can give your teeth a thorough clean. "It’s up to the user’s preference when it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush that works best for their needs," Kulkarni said.

Electric toothbrushes usually come in two forms: oscillating and sonic. Oscillating toothbrushes feature round brush heads that rotate at high speeds — anywhere between 2500 and 7500 BPM (brushes per minute) — to remove plaque and buff teeth to a shine. Sonic electric toothbrushes feature brush heads that more closely resemble traditional manual toothbrushes but employ sonic technology that vibrates the head up to 60000 BPM. Both types can keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. However, "there is some evidence that oscillating and rotating action with an electric brush head is better at removing plaque," Coates said.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months. This is because the bristles on the toothbrush head wear out or break down through everyday use. If you don’t replace it, you may not get the most effective brushing experience and could be at risk of bleeding gums and plaque build-up. Some people may need to replace their toothbrush head sooner if the bristles are beginning to fray.

Yes, electric toothbrushes can make brushing more fun and engaging for children, encouraging better oral hygiene habits. Live Science spoke to Faizan Zaheer, a dentist at Bupa Dental Care, to find out more. While Zaheer recommends children start out with a manual toothbrush, an electric brush can be a good choice further down the line. "As they get older, electric options are good as they tend to remove plaque more efficiently. I recommend a rechargeable option with a small head for children,” said Zaheer.

In certain cases, electric toothbrushes have the upper hand over their manual counterparts. For example, electric toothbrushes tend to be more effective at eliminating plaque, according to a 2022 review published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene. That is because powered toothbrush bristles' oscillating, rotating, or sonic movements can reach and clean areas that may be challenging to access with manual brushing techniques alone.

Electric toothbrushes have proven to be particularly beneficial for those undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces. According to a 2023 review published in the Dentistry Journal, children and teenagers with braces can reduce their plaque index score by 13.9% when they switch to an electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes may also improve brushing time. Today's electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers or alerts to encourage brushing for the full recommended two minutes. They also offer plenty of additional features, such as different brushing modes and interchangeable brush heads. This means that you can tailor your brushing experience according to your oral care needs, such as sensitive teeth, orthodontic appliances, or gum health concerns.

For people with limited mobility, or problems with dexterity, electric toothbrushes can be a lifesaver, as they do all the heavy lifting for you with their oscillating or vibrating. Their smaller heads are also ideal for the back of the mouth, where manual toothbrushes are often too big to get an effective clean.

In addition, electric toothbrushes help reduce plastic waste. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by replacing only the brush head every three months instead of the entire toothbrush.

When it comes down to choosing one or the other, it’s worth knowing that manual toothbrushes can still be effective if used with proper brushing technique and the recommended brushing time. "Typically, it’s not the brush that determines how clean our teeth get, it’s the brusher, so in most cases, an electric toothbrush does not provide any specific benefits over a manual one," Kulkarni said. "An electric toothbrush may provide more benefit to someone who is struggling with mobility or who are concerned with their personal technique or duration of brushing," she said.

The takeaway? If you don’t like the feel of an electric toothbrush, or you’re on a budget that means it’s unaffordable, you can still maintain good oral hygiene with a manual toothbrush instead.

Clean twice daily for 2 minutes each time

Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a pea-sized blob of toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.

Proper positioning

Hold the electric toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. This angle effectively cleans plaque and debris, especially near the gum line, where oral health issues often arise.

Let the brush do the work

Switch on your electric toothbrush and let the powered movements of the brush head do the cleaning for you. Divide your mouth into four quadrants: upper outside, upper inside, lower outside, and lower inside. Many electric toothbrushes have quadrant pacers to guide your brushing. These handy features emit a beep or stutter, signaling when to switch to the next quadrant of your mouth. However, if your electric toothbrush doesn't have a quadrant pacer, you can still maintain a balanced brushing session by setting a timer on your phone for 30 seconds.

Use gentle pressure

Avoid applying excessive pressure while brushing. The pulsating or rotating motions of the electric toothbrush bristles, combined with gentle pressure, are sufficient to remove plaque. Pressing too hard can irritate your gums and wear down enamel.

Don't forget the gumline and tongue

Plaque and bacteria can accumulate along the gumline and on the tongue's surface. Take some time to gently brush along the gum line and give your tongue a light brush to help maintain overall oral hygiene.

Rinse and clean

After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residual toothpaste or debris. Clean the brush head by rinsing it under running water and allowing it to air dry. Replace the brush head every three months to ensure you get the most from your electric toothbrush.

Remember, in addition to regular brushing, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes flossing, using interdental brushes, or rinsing with mouthwash can also enhance the cleanliness and health of your teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups are also important for professional cleanings and comprehensive oral care

It's essential to properly care for an electric toothbrush to ensure it continues to work effectively. Live Science spoke to Dr. Khurrum Hussain, a clinical periodontist at Bupa Dental Care, to find out more. “Properly cleaning an electric toothbrush involves a few additional steps due to its moving parts and potential build-up of water and bacteria,” says Dr. Hussain.

Follow these tips from Dr. Hussain to keep your electric toothbrush in great condition:

Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush with braces. Many orthodontists recommend using an electric toothbrush, according to Orthodontist Baltimore, because it can provide more effective cleaning than a manual toothbrush, especially when cleaning around braces. Dr. Hussain has more: “Using an electric toothbrush with braces is highly recommended for effective cleaning,” he told Live Science. “But it might feel awkward because of the various attachments and wires.”

A 2020 Russian study in Stomatologiia revealed that the type of toothbrush you use for your daily oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment could affect the occurrence of gingivitis and enamel demineralization.

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease caused by plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gum line. Enamel demineralization is a process that occurs when the hard outer layer of the teeth, known as enamel, loses minerals such as calcium and phosphate. It happens when the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars and carbohydrates from food and drinks.

The study found that people using manual toothbrushes were likelier to have gingivitis and enamel demineralization. In contrast, those who used electric toothbrushes were less likely to experience poor oral hygiene.

Opt for a brush head that is small enough to reach all areas of your teeth and braces comfortably. Some electric toothbrushes offer brush heads suitable for braces, which may have shorter bristles or a specific shape to clean around brackets and wires. Dr. Hussain suggests a smaller child-size toothbrush head to help you get into those awkward spots.

Try to be gentle when brushing around your braces to avoid damaging them. Let the electric toothbrush do the work, and don't apply too much pressure. Allow the bristles to clean around the braces gently and along the gum line.

Don’t forget to floss. While an electric toothbrush can help remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, it may not effectively clean between the teeth and around the wires. Consider using interdental brushes, floss or one of Live Science’s best water flossers to clean these hard-to-reach areas.

First and foremost, make sure that your electric toothbrush is dentist-approved. "The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages people to look for items that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance," Kulkarni said. This means that they have been independently tested by the ADA to ensure they are safe and effective.

There are several factors to think about when choosing the best electric toothbrush, but it’s worth thinking about comfort first as, if you’re caring for your teeth correctly, you’re going to be using the device a lot, up to twice daily or more. Look for an ergonomic handle that sits nicely in the palm of your hand and offers a firm grip. "Having a comfortable handle can also ensure you clean evenly throughout the mouth," Coates said.

A key factor for many users is battery life. If your electric toothbrush spends most of its life in a charging dock by your bathroom basin, then battery life is not much of a problem. But if you travel regularly, then you may benefit from an electric toothbrush with a long-lasting battery. Look for toothbrushes that carry an internal lithium battery, as these can often hold their charge for several weeks.

Many electric toothbrushes come with additional features, and while these can be great, the simplest features are often the best. These can include a two-minute timer, and preferably a quad timer. "This feature helps you to spend equal time over all the parts of your mouth," Coates said. Every thirty seconds the toothbrush would beep or vibrate to tell you to move to the next section or quarter of your mouth.

"Having an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor is also an advantage. This can help prevent damage to your gums by brushing too hard or not cleaning your teeth enough by pressing too softly," Coates said.

More advanced options tend to boost additional cleaning models and Bluetooth app connectivity. How useful you find these apps depends on the individual user, but the smartest apps can map your mouth to provide real-time feedback and encourage you to make sure you don’t neglect any areas of your mouth. Kids especially can enjoy that kind of interactivity ⁠— although they may prefer a slightly smaller model from our guide to the best electric toothbrushes for kids.

When selecting an electric toothbrush, focusing on effectiveness rather than extra features is essential. Zaheer recommends looking for a model from a reputable manufacturer rather than merely plumping for the most expensive option. “Pricier electric toothbrushes tend to boast fancy features, such as Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone app, but these are ‘nice to have’ rather than essential,” said Zaheer. Choosing a model that effectively cleans plaque, bacteria, and debris from your teeth and gums is more important."

All of the electric toothbrushes in this guide have been through the same testing protocol by the Live Science team.

First, we run the toothbrush on its various settings and measure how loud it is with a decibel counter app. We then compare these results to other appliances and noise levels. We run and use the toothbrush on its different settings and modes, noting any differences in intensity and durations between settings. We also test the charging process, including how long it takes to reach a full charge, and for the battery to deplete. Finally, we submerge each toothbrush underwater for the length of a brushing cycle to test its water resistance.

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Joanne Lewsley is a UK-based freelance writer and editor, covering health and lifestyle news and features. She mainly creates evidence-based health and parenting content and has worked with a number of global sites, including BabyCentre UK, Medical News Today, Fit & Well, Top Ten Reviews, and Yahoo!

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