If you’re doing it right, you should spend at least 28 minutes per week brushing your teeth. Does that sound like a drag? Then it might be time for a toothbrush upgrade. Experts say an electric toothbrush can help you achieve a deeper clean than a manual toothbrush — it’s better at breaking up biofilm that can later turn to plaque, and since it does the scrubbing for you, it makes achieving the American Dental Association’s recommended two minutes of brushing even more simple.
We consulted dentists about the benefits of electric toothbrushes, how they’re different from manual toothbrushes and how to pick the best one for you. We also highlighted models dentists recommended, plus options Select staffers have tried themselves.
Selected.
Best luxe
$279.99
$339.99
Learn more
When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, simply pick one you will use, says Dr. Sheri Doniger, an Illinois-based dentist. 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. But since there are so many models on the market, experts recommend thinking about the following factors to narrow down your options.
- 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 change oil light on your car, says Doniger.
- 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, Dolgov says, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
- 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. Doniger says they can monitor brushing quality and quantity.
- Soft bristles: Medium or hard bristles can potentially damage your teeth and gums, Dolgov says. 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.
- 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.
To round up the best electric brushes, we sourced expert-recommended options, those that earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance and Select staff favorites. Electric toothbrushes cost anywhere from under $10 to over $300, so we included options across price points to help you find one within your budget.
Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush
Philips Sonicare and Oral-B are like the Apple and Android of toothbrushes, Dolgov says. 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, and it has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. It 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 2 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: No
Moon Electric Toothbrush
Moon’s electric toothbrush is a Select Wellness Award winner. 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. A travel case and extra soft bristled brush heads are included and hen you need to replace the latter, you can purchase a two pack for about $15.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush
Doniger recommends Quip if you’re looking for the convenience of an electric toothbrush subscription service. 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 for purchase without the subscription — instead, you can buy replacement brush heads for $6 each when you need them.
Quip’s Standard Electric Toothbrush is the brand’s most basic powered toothbrush. It has a three-month battery life, according to the brand, and offers timed sonic vibrations and pulses to guide your brushing. It also comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: AAA batteries | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
If you like Quip but want a more high tech electric toothbrush, the brand offers a Bluetooth-enabled option that 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 Quip, and the toothbrush comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. You can opt to 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Companion app
Oral-B Pro 1000
Dr. Lawrence Fung, a dentist at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California, says this rechargeable Oral-B electric toothbrush is an affordable option that still offers a handful of helpful features, like a pressure sensor and timer. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 3 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Oscillating and pulsating | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean
Before investing in a higher-priced electric toothbrush, Doniger recommends her patients try this budget-friendly option first to experience what powered models feel like. Its dual-action technology combines side-to-side bristle movement with spinning movement, and the brush head’s bristles fade in color over time to remind you to replace it. You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost you about $9 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: AA batteries | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Side-to-sie and oscillating | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: No | Brush head replacement indicator: Built into brush head | Smart features: None
Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush
“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 Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. He also recommends the toothbrush for its suite of features, including what he called 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Oscillating and pulsating | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
You can connect this ADA-approved 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, according to the brand. Replacement brush heads come in a pack of four for about $10.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 9 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Yes
Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush
Aquasonic’s electric toothbrush comes with a travel case and a magnetic holder you can stick to your mirror and attach the brush to when you’re not using it. One charge gives you up to 30 days of battery life and the toothbrush pulses every 30 seconds to tell you to clean the next quadrant of your mouth. One head is included with this electric toothbrush — you can purchase replacement brush heads in a pack of two for about $10.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 2 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: No
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
When you turn this electric toothbrush on, it slowly increases its power to ease you in, making it a great option for those new to powered cleaners. NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 3 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: No
Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
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. 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.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 16 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush
Doniger recommends Philip Sonicare’s DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush, which pairs with a companion app. “This smart brush gives you personalized coaching to show you not only how to brush properly, but what surfaces of the teeth you are missing,” she says. The toothbrush comes with three types of brush heads (plaque control, white and gum health, as well as a tongue care head), each designed to tackle hard-to-reach areas; a brush body; and a traveling case for convenient packing. You can purchase multiple different toothbrush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost you about $30 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 3 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: Companion app
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally speaking, yes, electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes due to their efficiency and user-friendliness, Dolgov says. 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,” Dolgov says. “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, Fung says. 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. Doniger specifically recommends 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, Dolgov says. 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, Doniger says. 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, she explained.
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,” Dolgov says. “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 reimbursem*nt with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursem*nt accounts (HRA), dependent care spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they’re considered general health products.
At 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. Sheri Doniger is an Illinois-based dentist who has authored numerous articles on topics like periodontal disease and new dental technology.
- Dr. Lawrence Fung practices dentistry at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Esthetic Dentistry and is the current team dentist for University of Southern California Athletics.
- Dr. Dmitry Dolgov practices dentistry at The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, California.
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at Select who has been covering dental hygiene products for years. She’s published guides about toothpaste, kids toothpaste, floss, water flossers, teeth whitening products and more. For this piece, Zoe interviewed three dentists, researched dozens of electric toothbrushes and familiarized herself with the ADA’s guidelines.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. She joined the team in 2020 as Select’s first-ever intern. Zoe specializes in topics like home and kitchen, wellness and fitness, pets and household basics from toothpaste to olive oil. Zoe leads Covid-19 coverage for Select, authoring guides to KN95 masks, N95 masks and Covid tests. She also helped start Select’s column in 2020, which she’s written ever since. Zoe covers tentpole sale events including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and works on articles highlighting minority-owned businesses, like Black-owned coffee companies and AAPI-owned food and drink brands. She’s constantly trying products like sports bras, ice cream makers, tinted sunscreen and more.
Katrina Liu
and
Justin Krajeski
contributed
.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise, but I can provide information based on the search results I found. Here's what I found related to the concepts mentioned in the article:
Electric Toothbrush Benefits
According to experts, electric toothbrushes offer several benefits compared to manual toothbrushes. They are better at breaking up biofilm that can turn into plaque, and they can provide a deeper clean. Electric toothbrushes also make it easier to achieve the recommended two minutes of brushing time set by the American Dental Association (ADA) [[1]].
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Toothbrush
When selecting an electric toothbrush, experts recommend considering the following factors:
- Timers: Some electric toothbrushes have timers to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes. Some models also have timers that alert you to spend equal time on each quadrant of your mouth [[1]].
- Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors can help prevent brushing too hard, which can harm your gums or tooth enamel. These sensors may slow down the toothbrush's oscillations or display a warning light when excessive pressure is applied [[1]].
- Brush Head Replacement Indicators: Some electric toothbrushes have indicators that remind you when it's time to replace the brush head. These indicators are typically small lights that flash when a replacement is needed [[1]].
- Movement Pattern: Electric toothbrushes use either oscillating (rotating) and pulsating movements or vibrating movements (sonic vibrations). Both types are effective at cleaning teeth, so the choice comes down to personal preference [[1]].
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity: Some electric toothbrushes can connect to companion apps via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These apps can monitor your brushing habits in real-time and provide feedback on brushing quality and quantity [[1]].
- Soft Bristles: Opting for soft bristles is generally recommended to avoid potential damage to teeth and gums. Soft bristles effectively clean teeth while being gentle on oral tissues [[1]].
- Battery: Electric toothbrushes can be either battery-operated or rechargeable. Battery-operated models allow for quick battery replacement, while rechargeable models require recharging but often offer longer battery life [[1]].
- American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance: The ADA evaluates electric toothbrushes and other oral hygiene products to determine if they meet specific safety and efficacy criteria. While products without the ADA Seal of Acceptance can still be effective, the seal indicates that the product has undergone evaluation [[1]].
Recommended Electric Toothbrushes
The article mentions several electric toothbrush models recommended by dentists and Select staff members. Here are some of the mentioned models:
- Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush: This model offers a slim, ergonomic handle and comes with the Optimal Plaque Control brush head. It has a rechargeable battery and a two-minute timer [[1]].
- Moon Electric Toothbrush: This Select Wellness Award winner features an ergonomic, non-slip handle and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six weeks. It includes a travel case and extra soft bristled brush heads [[1]].
- Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush is available with or without a subscription service. It has a three-month battery life, timed sonic vibrations, and comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder [[1]].
- Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: This Bluetooth-enabled option connects to a companion app and offers a slim handle, soft-bristle brush head, and a three-month battery life. It also comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder [[1]].
- Oral-B Pro 1000: This rechargeable toothbrush features a pressure sensor and timer. It offers multiple types of replacement brush heads [[1]].
- Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean: This budget-friendly option combines side-to-side bristle movement with spinning movement. The brush head's bristles fade in color over time to indicate when it's time to replace it [[1]].
- Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush: This ADA-approved toothbrush connects to a companion app via Bluetooth, allowing you to track your brushing habits. It includes a travel case and eight replacement brush heads [[1]].
- Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush comes with a travel case and a magnetic holder. It pulses every 30 seconds to indicate when to clean the next quadrant of your mouth [[1]].
- Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush: This toothbrush gradually increases power to ease you in and offers a two-week battery life. It comes with a travel case and one Optimal Gum care brush head [[1]].
- Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush has a brush head made of medical-grade silicone and includes silicone ridges for tongue and cheek cleaning. It offers a year's worth of battery power and takes up minimal space [[1]].
- Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush pairs with a companion app and provides personalized coaching. It comes with three types of brush heads, a brush body, and a travel case [[1]].
Please note that the information provided is based on this article, and it's always a good idea to consult with dental professionals for personalized advice and recommendations.
