The key to cleaning your teeth with an electric toothbrush? Stop moving it so much

Posted by Admin November 13, 2024 Shopping

If you’re doing it right, you should spend at least 28 minutes a week brushing your teeth — using an electric toothbrush helps you make the most of that time. It offers a deeper clean than a manual toothbrush since it does the scrubbing for you, and it’s better at breaking up biofilm that can later turn into plaque. I consulted dentists about how to shop for an electric toothbrush and used their guidance to recommend models from brands like Oral-B, Philips Sonicare and Quip. Many of our electric toothbrush recommendations come from NBC Select staffers who’ve tried them.

SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best electric toothbrushes | The best electric toothbrushes of 2024 | Why trust NBC Select?

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How I picked the best electric toothbrushes

When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, pick one you will use, dentists told us. As long as it gets the job done, is comfortable for you to use twice a day and is paired with fluoride toothpaste, any electric toothbrush is a suitable option. Still with so many options on the market, experts recommend thinking about the below to narrow down your options.

American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: Oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and kids electric toothbrushes can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. In order to do so, the ADA evaluates scientific evidence brands submit showing that their models meet specific safety and efficacy criteria. This doesn’t mean electric toothbrushes without the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review.
Timers: The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. Some brushes buzz every 30 seconds to let you know how much time to spend on all four quadrants of your mouth, while others have a two-minute timer to tell you when you can stop brushing.
Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors act as a safety measure, says Dr. Dmitry Dolgov, a dentist at The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, California. They alert you when you’re brushing too hard and eliminate the chance that you’ll hurt your gums or tooth enamel. If an electric toothbrush senses that you’re exerting too much pressure while brushing, it may slow down its oscillations or display a red light on its base, which tells you to be gentler.
Brush head replacement indicators: These indicators remind you when to change your brush head. The indicator is usually a small light that flashes on when it’s time to swap out the brush head — it’s like the oil change light on your car. Other indicators are built into toothbrush heads — bristles will change from one color to another over time, like blue to green, cuing you to swap the head out.
Movement pattern: Electric toothbrushes either use oscillating (rotating) and pulsating movements, or vibrating movements (also referred to as sonic vibrations). They’re equally effective at cleaning teeth, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, says Dolgov.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity: Some electric toothbrushes are Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled and pair with a companion app, allowing you to view your brushing habits in real-time. Smart features monitor brushing quality and quantity.
Soft bristles: Medium or hard bristles can potentially damage your teeth and gums, says Dolgov. Opting for soft bristles is a safer choice, and they effectively clean your teeth while being gentle on your oral tissues.
Battery: Some electric toothbrushes run on disposable batteries (AA or AAA, for example), so when they die, you can quickly swap them out and get back to brushing. Other models are rechargeable — when they die, you have to plug them in and wait a couple hours while they repower.

The best electric toothbrushes of 2024

Best overall: Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Offers a deep clean
Included travel case
Long battery life

Waterpik’s electric toothbrush earned a NBC Select Wellness Award because our testers said their teeth felt noticeably cleaner after using it twice a day.

A woman’s hand holding the Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush in its travel case over a sink in a bathroom. — Waterpik’s toothbrush comes with a convenient storage case, which you can throw in your toiletry bag for trips.
Courtesy Rosalie Sparaco

The toothbrush comes with a travel case and docking port that also acts as a charger — a full battery offers up to four weeks of use, according to the brand. Its brush head’s bristle pattern hugs tooth surfaces to deep clean nooks and crannies, plus the green bristles gradually fade to yellow, telling you it’s time for a replacement. New Waterpik Sensonic Contour Brush Heads cost about $29 for a pack of three.

Best basic: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Ergonomic handle
Two intensity levels

Philips Sonicare and Oral-B are like the Apple and Android of toothbrushes, says Dolgov. Each brand’s models are made with their own distinct technologies and cleaning methods, but he finds them comparable and recommends both.

One charge of this Philips Sonicare model gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand. It also has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. The toothbrush comes with one of the brand’s Optimal Plaque Control brush heads, replacements of which you can buy in a three pack for about $27.

Best for sensitive teeth: Oral-B Pro 1000

What we like

Gentle on teeth
Three cleaning modes

Something to note

No head replacement indicator

Dr. Lawrence Fung, a dentist at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California, says this rechargeable Oral-B electric toothbrush is an

A Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush standing up in its holder and sitting on a white bathroom sink. — Since this toothbrush has a gentle brushing speed, Mili Godio, NBC Select updates editor, says it doesn’t irritate her sensitive teeth or gums.Courtesy Mili Godio

affordable option that still offers a handful of helpful features, like a pressure sensor and timer. Mili Godio, NBC Select updates editor, uses this toothbrush and says it doesn’t irritate her sensitive teeth or gums thanks to its gentle brushing speed. You can pair the toothbrush with multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two.

Best affordable for travel: Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Included travel case
Included magnetic holder

Something to note

No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Aquasonic’s electric toothbrush comes with a travel case, as well as a magnetic holder you can stick to your mirror and attach the brush to when you’re not using it. A full charge gives you up to 30 days of battery life. One head is included with this electric toothbrush — you can purchase replacement brush heads in a pack of two for about $10.

Best to splurge on: Oral-B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Round brush head
Comprehensive smart features
Included travel case

Something to note

Not ADA-approved
Occasional delayed connection
More expensive

Oral-B’s io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush is the most high-end model on our list, and it won a NBC Select Wellness Award. Our testers appreciate its round brush head, giving them a more precise clean, and smart features.

A woman’s hand holding the Oral-B iO Series 10 Electric Toothbrush over a bathroom sink with the word “sensitive” displayed on the handle’s screen. — As you use it, this toothbrush offers real-time feedback about factors like your brushing pressure by displaying information on its built-in screens.Courtesy Rosalie Sparaco

The toothbrush connects to a companion app via Bluetooth and tracks your cleaning in real time, showing you what spots you miss. There’s also a little screen on the toothbrush’s charging base that coaches you as you brush. You get feedback about how much pressure you’re applying, how much brushing time you have left and how much of your mouth you’ve cleaned so far. The toothbrush comes with a travel case and four brush heads — you can purchase multiple types of replacements, which cost about $38 for a pack of two.

Best affordable: Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

What we like

Affordable price
Many replacement brush heads

Something to note

Batteries required
No pressure sensor
No timer

Before investing in a higher-priced electric toothbrush, try this budget-friendly option to experience what powered models feel like. Its dual-action technology combines side-to-side bristle movements with spinning movements, and the brush head’s bristles fade in color over time to remind you to replace it. You can purchase multiple types of replacement brush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost about $9 for a pack of two.

Best for travel: Moon Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Included travel case
Ergonomic handle
Long battery life

Something to note

Not ADA-accepted
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Moon’s electric toothbrush, a NBC Select Wellness Award winner, comes with a travel case, making it easy to throw into your toiletry bag. It’s designed with an ergonomic, non-slip handle that’s comfortable to grip, and its battery lasts up to six weeks on a single charge, according to the brand. Extra soft bristled brush heads are included with your purchase, and when you need to replace them, you can purchase a two pack for about $15.

Best subscription: Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Subscription available
Included travel cover/holder
Gentle on teeth

Something to note

Batteries required
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

If you purchase a Quip subscription, you can get brush head refills automatically delivered to your door every three months, which helps remind you when it’s time to replace them. The toothbrush is also available without the subscription — instead, you can buy replacement brush heads for $6 each when you need them.

A Quip Electric Toothbrush standing up in its white holder that’s attached to a white wall. — Quip’s toothbrush comes with a holder that has adhesive on its back, allowing you to attach it to your mirror or a wall near your sink.Courtesy Zoe Malin

Quip’s Standard Electric Toothbrush is the brand’s most basic model. I’ve used it for months and it’s never made my gums bleed, which is an issue I’ve had with other electric toothbrushes.The vibrations are gentle on my teeth, yet still leave them feeling clean. Quip’s electric toothbrush has a three-month battery life, according to the brand. It also comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. I have a very small bathroom, so being able to store my toothbrush on my mirror frees up counter space on the sink.

Best smart model: Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Spinning brush head
Many replacement brush types

Something to note

No head replacement indicator
One cleaning mode

“I like that this electric toothbrush has a circular spinning brush head so I can just hold it over my teeth instead of moving it side to side,” says Harry Rabinowitz, NBC Select reporter.

A man’s hand holding the Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush against a white tile wall. — Harry Rabinowitz, NBC Select reporter, appreciates this toothbrush’s oscillating head and says he feels the noticeable pulse when its two-minute timer is up.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz

He also recommends the toothbrush for its suite of features, including what he calls a very noticeable pulse after two minutes, notifying you to stop brushing. You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two.

Best affordable smart model: Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Smart features
Subscription service
Gentle on teeth

Something to note

No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator
One cleaning mode

Quip’s Bluetooth-enabled electric toothbrush connects to a companion app so you can track your brushing habits. The toothbrush has a slim handle and soft-bristle brush head. One full charge gives you up to three months of battery life, according to the brand, and the toothbrush comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. You can get replacement brush heads delivered to your door automatically when you opt-in to Quip’s subscription service or purchase them as needed for $6.

Best battery life: Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Extra long battery life
Smart features
Nine intensity levels

Something to note

No head replacement indicator

You can connect this electric toothbrush to a companion app via Bluetooth, which shows you what areas of your mouth you cleaned so you never miss a spot. The app also lets you change the brushing intensity and set reminders to floss, use mouthwash or clean your tongue. The electric toothbrush comes with a travel case and eight replacement brush heads, plus its battery lasts for up to 100 days (about 15 weeks), according to the brand. Replacement brush heads come in a pack of four for about $10.

Best for beginners: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Slowly increases power
Travel case included
Three cleaning modes

When you turn this electric toothbrush on, it slowly increases its power to ease you in, making it a great option for those who are new to powered cleaners.

A woman’s hand holding the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush against a black and white shower curtain. — NBC Select editor Linsday Schneider says she’s used this toothbrush for years and it still works perfectly.Courtesy Lindsay Schneider

Lindsay Schneider, NBC Select editor, says she’s used this eclectic toothbrush for so long that she doesn’t remember a time without it. Her teeth always feel clean after using it and she appreciates its long battery life — a full charge delivers up to two weeks of power, according to the brand. The toothbrush comes with a travel case and one Optimal Gum care brush head. You can purchase a two pack of replacement brush heads for about $28.

Best model with silicone bristles: Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

What we like

Soft bristles
Sleek design

NBC Select social media editor Sadhana Daruvuri is a fan of Foreo’s electric toothbrush, whose head is made out of medical-grade silicone and feels gentle on her teeth.

A woman’s hand holding a hot pink Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush with toothpaste on it over a white bathroom sink. — Foreo’s toothbrush helps you clean your tongue and cheeks thanks to the ridges on the back of its head.Courtesy Sadhana Daruvuri

The brush head also has silicone ridges on its back, which acts as a tongue and cheek cleaner. “My whole mouth feels extra clean after brushing,” Daruvuri says. One full charge gives you a year’s worth of battery power, according to the brand, and since you don’t have to keep the toothbrush in the charger between uses, it takes up very little space in Daruvuri’s bathroom. You can purchase replacement brush heads for about $27 as needed.

Best sustainable: Suri Sonic Toothbrush

What we like

Recyclable brush heads
Included mirror mount
Repairs available

Something to note

Not ADA-approved
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Suri’s electric toothbrush heads, which have built-in tongue scrapers, are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch and castor oil, and they’re recyclable. Each brush comes with a prepaid compostable bag that you fill up with three or four heads and mail to the brand, which recycles them. The toothbrush has an aluminum body that’s repairable — if it breaks, the brand will fix it so you don’t have to purchase a new one. A full charge offers 40 days of battery life. The toothbrush comes with a magnetic mirror mount and you can purchase a pack of three replacement brush heads for about $19.

A man’s hand holding the green Suri Sonic Toothbrush against a gray wall. — Each Suri toothbrush comes with a prepaid compostable bag, which you fill with used brush heads and mail to the brand for recycling.Courtesy Cory Fernandez

Suri also sells its electric toothbrush with a UV-cleaning case for an additional fee. “I’ve heard that leaving your toothbrush on the counter causes it to collect germs, but I worry about putting a wet toothbrush in a case since it might collect mold,” says Rosalie Sparaco, Select senior social media editor. “This cleaning case addresses both of those concerns.” Sparaco also appreciates that the case charges the toothbrush, like how an AirPods case charges the earbuds.

Frequently asked questions

Generally speaking, yes, electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes due to their efficiency and user-friendliness, says Dolgov. Using a manual toothbrush requires precise technique and you have to pay close attention while using it to ensure you don’t miss areas of your month. Electric toothbrushes, however, do all the work for you and many are designed with technology to guide your brushing. “Think of it as washing your car with a bucket, sponge and towel versus using a power washer,” says Dolgov. “Both methods will get the job done, but the power washer is undeniably quicker and more efficient.”

Thanks to its spinning head or sonic vibrations, an electric toothbrush is better at removing bacteria from teeth compared to a manual toothbrush, says Fung. These movements create microbubbles that gently remove bacteria biofilm, which can cause bad breath, staining, gum disease and bleeding gums, experts say. An electric toothbrush can also help tackle gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.

Anyone can use an electric toothbrush, experts say, but if you’re unsure about trying one, talk to your dentist. Experts specifically recommend electric toothbrushes for patients with periodontal disease, bacterial plaque or a history of dental decay. They require significantly less effort than manual toothbrushes and are more efficient at breaking up biofilm. Electric toothbrushes are also particularly useful for those with dexterity limitations, like the elderly, people with specific disabilities and children, according to the ADA.

Those with sensitive gums or gums that frequently bleed may prefer a manual toothbrush, says Dolgov. But sensitive or bleeding gums often means there’s underlying inflammation or an infection that needs to be addressed, so be sure to visit your dentist, he says. Once the issue is resolved, you can try slowly transitioning to an electric toothbrush. If you simply find the vibrating sensation of electric toothbrushes uncomfortable, Dolgov suggests using one on a low, gentle setting before giving up on it entirely.

Yes, electric toothbrushes can damage your teeth, but so can manual toothbrushes and other dental hygiene products you use incorrectly. That’s why it’s so important to practice proper brushing technique, regardless of what toothbrush you use.

Clean teeth gently and take your time, experts say. The tissues surrounding the teeth are fragile, so over-brushing can lead to micro-abrasions or tears. And if you over-brush on the enamel layer of your teeth, you may cause the enamel to abrade, leaving little notches on your teeth at the gum line, experts told us.

In the case of electric toothbrushes, remember that they’re designed to do the scrubbing for you, so let them. Some more advanced models are also designed with technology that helps prevent you from over-brushing, like pressure sensors. Overall, however, if you’re concerned about improper brushing, talk to your dental hygienist about proper technique. They can walk you through how to brush at their office so you can avoid confusion at home.

The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles. However, depending on your brushing habits, you may need to swap out your toothbrush head sooner. “As a rule of thumb, you can continue using a toothbrush head as long as the bristles are not visibly frayed, flared or damaged,” says Dolgov. “Once you notice such signs of wear, it’s time to replace the head, even if it’s before the three to four month mark.”

No. According to the FSA Store, electric toothbrushes (and manual toothbrushes) are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they’re considered general health products.

“It honestly does not matter whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast,” says Fung. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. Here’s what you should do in both situations.

Brushing before breakfast: After brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste or rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash, the ADA recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking to ensure the fluoride stays on your teeth. That means you can brush your teeth first thing in the morning to remove bacterial biofilm that accumulates overnight, but you’ll have to wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first bite of breakfast or your first sip of coffee.
Brushing after breakfast: The ADA recommends waiting an hour before you brush after eating acidic foods to give your saliva a chance to naturally wash away acids and re-harden your enamel, preventing potential damage. So you can brush your teeth after breakfast, but you’ll have to wait an hour before you do so, which may be inconvenient if you need to run out the door.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Lawrence Fung practices dentistry at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California. He is also the current team dentist for University of Southern California Athletics.
Dr. Dmitry Dolgov practices dentistry at The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, California.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m a reporter at NBC Select who has written about dental hygiene products since 2020. I’ve published guides about toothpaste, kids toothpaste, floss, water flossers, teeth whitening products and more. For this piece, I interviewed two dentists, researched dozens of electric toothbrushes, familiarized myself with the ADA’s guidelines and tried a few electric toothbrushes.