Most people don’t brush long enough or too hard, leading them to damage their gums and tooth enamel. Electric toothbrushes with timers and pressure sensors may provide assistance here.
Where should you begin when selecting an ADA-compliant brush? To answer that question, we conducted eight tests comparing their cleaning performance, features, and costs.
Features
Most electric toothbrushes provide multiple brushing modes that can be adjusted to meet individual needs, with handles that range from slim and sleek to ribbed and curved for comfortable gripping. Some models cater to various mouth sizes while others feature various specialty brush heads as well as pressure sensors that activate when too much force is applied during brushing.
Extra features may make an electric toothbrush more appealing, but their costs can add up quickly. Some models feature sensors to notify users when their brush head becomes worn out while others feature built-in timers to help ensure users adhere to dentists’ two minute brushing recommendations.
Others come equipped with Bluetooth technology that enables users to transmit data about how they brush to a smartphone app that offers real-time feedback and coaching on improving brushing habits and techniques. The app may even display a rendering of your mouth to identify areas which have been missed or are being overbrushed.
Design
If you’re searching for an advanced brush to improve your technique over time, check out the Philips Sonicare Series 10. It offers quiet operation compared to most electric brushes, emitting only a faint hum, while its app rates your brushing (though less kid-friendly than Oral-B). Furthermore, real-time feedback such as showing an image of your mouth becoming whiter as you brush shows you exactly when an area has been fully covered by brushing.
Inna Chern, one of our dentist reviewers, appreciates its pressure sensor that will indicate when you’re brushing too hard, providing valuable feedback about whether overbrushing could damage enamel and lead to sensitive teeth or receding gums. A timer is also helpful as it ensures you’re brushing for two minutes each day as per recommended practice.
Cost
Costing of electric toothbrushes depends on your budget and desired features. A basic model without timer or pressure sensor typically costs $40; rechargeable models range from $50 up to over $150.
Many of our testers praised the Quip’s light-up pressure sensor that alerts if you brush too hard, and its app integration that provides real-time feedback on brushing habits. Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell also appreciated that its different brushing modes can easily be brought along on trips.
This ultra-smart brush will cost significantly more than its counterpart, but for those seeking an innovative device to help build good brushing habits this investment can be well worth it. Plus it boasts sleek design, no charging base required and comes with its own travel case so as to free up space in the bathroom – plus there’s even an available battery-operated version for those wanting an inexpensive option!
Battery life
Even though manual toothbrushes can effectively brush your teeth, electric models often come equipped with additional features that make the task even simpler – like automatic timers, pressure sensors and various brushing modes; some even inform you when it is time to change out the brush head!
For budget-minded smart brush shoppers, the Philips One is an excellent option. Not only is it battery operated and inexpensive, but its compact size makes it easier to transport. Plus, its smaller design makes packing it in your suitcase that much simpler!
It has an outstanding battery life that allows for two weeks of brushing without charging it, four modes for cleaning, whitening and gum massage, as well as an easily customizable screen that lets you customize your routine and a compact travel case and USB charger – it is well worth paying the small additional price for this model!