Best for the Low-Maintenance Person: Quip
Quip
If there’s one electric toothbrush that has been recently dominating the market, it’s Quip.
A dentist in New York City developed Quip. He noticed that there were lots of tools meant to have healthier teeth, but everyone’s habits stayed the same. The goal of Quip is to change people’s view and practices when it comes to oral health.
One part metal and one part plastic, this electric toothbrush is simple in design. But for some, that design is what it’s all about. This model is for someone looking for a straightforward electric toothbrush.
One major feature that the Quip has that other brands don’t have is a subscription service. The American Dental Association says that you should replace your toothbrush or brush head every three to four months. Many people overlook this rule. Quip’s subscription service is meant to remedy that problem.
You can sign up for a subscription for as low as $5 to receive a new brush head every three months. You can use the same subscription service for toothpaste too.
Despite all these conveniences, there are some cons for the Quip electric toothbrush. The subscription cost can add up over time, and it’s not as powerful as other electric models.
Quip is one of the best toothbrushes for people who don’t want to remember when to replace your brush heads.
Plus, the design is gorgeous.
Read our Quip review for more information.
Quip Pros
- Simple design: This toothbrush is simple, stylish, and classy.
- Subscription service: You can get toothbrush heads and toothbrushes every three months. You won’t have to remember to take care of the essentials.
- Travel-friendly design: Quip is similar to the size of a manual toothbrush, making it portable and travel-friendly. You can toss it into a big suitcase or a tiny purse.
Quip Cons
- Expensive over time: The toothbrush costs you $45 at the beginning, but the dollars add up with the subscription. The total price will keep getting higher the longer you subscribe. You’ll also need to replace the more expensive toothbrush if something breaks.
- Less powerful: This is a simplified electric toothbrush. That means it’s not as powerful. It can do the job, but it may not stack up next to some other brush models.
More Details
Best for Cleaning: BURST
The Burst toothbrush is the rare product clogging up the promoted posts and stories of your Instagram feed that is actually good. The rechargeable brush, which the company has spared no expense to inform you is sponsored by CHRISSY TEIGEN, has a tapered handle that’s very comfortable to hold. Like those from the Sonicare ads of old, the Burst’s bristles vibrate back and forth, supposedly tens of thousands of times per minute. Luckily, this doesn’t mean the Burst feels like it’s attacking your teeth—the brush has a really gentle action that was pleasant to wake up to in the mornings. And because the bristles aren’t that long and the brush head isn’t that thick, the brush head fit in my mouth comfortably. I could use it without spraying spit and toothpaste all over my bathroom mirror.
Once the brush’s two-minute timer has elapsed and it turns itself off, you can just leave the Burst on your counter or in your medicine cabinet. The battery life should last for a few weeks of normal use between chargers. When you’re ready to charge it, you just set the toothbrush in its stand and plug the stand’s USB cord into the wall with the included adapter. I suppose you could also plug it into your computer, assuming it still has USB-A ports. I have trouble finding legitimate issue with this. You’ll certainly turn heads in your coworking space.
The Burst is a bit pricier than some of the other subscription-based toothbrushes we considered. A white or black brush will cost you $70 and the subscription for new brush heads costs $6 every 90 days. If you want the brush in rose gold, you’ll pay $100 for the brush and $7 for the subscription to new brush heads. One more reason to get the subscription, it gives you access to a lifetime warranty on your brush. But if you don’t subscribe you still get two years.
One thing about the Burst does give us slight pause: it’s “charcoal infused” bristles. Burst and many companies that make charcoal infused toothpaste claim that charcoal gives the toothbrush additional whitening capabilities. As dentists quoted in a report in Scienceline pointed out “there’s simply not enough evidence to back the promises made for using charcoal for oral hygiene.” This isn’t because all dentists are convinced brushing with charcoal is bad, it’s rather that there hasn’t been enough research done into the topic. The few studies conducted mostly conclude that more studies need to be done. For now, the Burst’s advantages outweigh any of our minor concerns about charcoal, particularly since we’ve been using charcoal grooming products with no issue for the last few years.
The bottom Line
Burst‘s replacement brush heads, which come from Burst quarterly for only $6 per head (remember, the brush itself comes with one already), alleviate you of the arduous task of keeping your oral hygiene equipment up to snuff on your own. No, that may not sound like much, but it is one less thing to worry about, which I’ll always take.
From here on out, I no longer have to concern myself with keeping a schedule around both buying and remembering to change my brush head every three months. That may not sound like much of a relief, but don’t lie: Are you really making sure that you change your current toothbrush or brush head every three months? Sign up for Burst. Your teeth will thank you.
Get yourself a BURST Toothbrush.
More Details
Best All-Around: Oral-B Pro 8000 Genius
Oral-B has been a standard brand in personal oral care for a long time. Oral-B doesn’t just provide you with a variety of manual toothbrushes. It also offers up a variety of electric toothbrushes. Because they’ve been in the game for a while, the dental hygiene company has put a very powerful electric toothbrush into the market. Read our Oral-B Pro 8000 GeniusToothbrush review to learn about why we considered this the best overall electric toothbrush.
This particular electric toothbrush isn’t considered powerful because of the actual juice it takes to make the device work. Instead, it’s due to all of the technology that goes into powering the Oral-B Pro 8000 Genius. It’s definitely not your parents’ electric toothbrush.
Read our Oral-B Pro 8000 Genius toothbrush review and learn about how its technology puts it high above the rest of the toothbrushes out there.
Oral-B Pro 8000 Genius Toothbrush Overview
Bluetooth Technology
Sounds crazy right? Why would you ever need your toothbrush to have that much tech? But with the Bluetooth capabilities, you can monitor how well you’re actually brushing your teeth. This can make you a more efficient brusher for the rest of your life — even if you were to switch to a different toothbrush later.
With the help of the Bluetooth technology, the Oral-B Pro 8000 will give you feedback about how you’re brushing those pearly whites in real time! Through a mobile app, the toothbrush will ensure that you will brush your teeth for two minutes. And the app will also tell warn you if you’re pressing the brush against your teeth too hard. This is one of the top things Oral-B Pro 8000 GeniusToothbrush reviews talk about. We can’t talk enough about how amazing this technology is.
Affordable and Accessible
Because all the new modernities on the Oral-B Pro 8000, one would quickly think that this will quickly break the bank. Sure, it does normally retail for about $160. However, considering how advanced this toothbrush is, the price tag will make it all worth it.
Pros
- The NEW Genius 8000 pairs with your smartphone to enable Position Detection which uses facial recognition to help you know where you’ve brushed, so you never miss a zone
- Customizable multi color Smart Ring provides real time visual coaching on brushing time and pressure to help you brush like your dentist recommends
- Pressure sensor technology automatically slows brush speed and visibly alerts you to protect gums from over brushing
- 6 cleaning modes allow you to brush based on your needs: Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening, Tongue Cleaning and Pro Clean Mode
- Smart Travel Case allows you to charge your toothbrush and your smartphone at the same time
- Amazon Dash Replenishment Enabled: With Dash Replenishment, this toothbrush will automatically place an order for brush heads when it’s time for replacement so you never run out
Get More Details
Best for the Stylish Person: Foreo Issa 2 Toothbrush
Foreo
This electric toothbrush isn’t for the typical user. It’s for people who like things that are a little modern, super funky, and uniquely designed.
However, as far as dental care tools go, this is an excellent model.
First of all, the toothbrush is silicone. This material makes it completely waterproof and less likely to have bacteria grow on it.
Then there are the bristles. The silicone ones massage the gums while the PBT polymer bristles remove food particles stuck between your teeth.
Finally, sonic technology makes this a powerful electric toothbrush.
The brand boasts that one charge will bring 365 days of usage without having to plug it in again.
As progressive as this electric toothbrush, there are some not-so-great aspects to the Foreo Issa 2. It’s expensive and bulky, and the controls are difficult to use.
Do you love the modern design and want something that looks nice and cleans your teeth thoroughly?
If so, the Foreo Issa 2 could be the right electric toothbrush for you.
Read our Foreo Issa 2 review to learn more.
Foreo Issa 2 Pros
- Battery life: The company says that the battery will last a year with one charge.
- Silicone design: This material is waterproof and prevents bacteria growth.
Foreo Issa 2 Cons
- Brush head: The silicone brush head is bulky. People with smaller mouths may not be able to fit it as well. It also might be more difficult for you to get into the back parts of your molars with this kind of brush.
- High price: This brush usually retails a little over $150. Some people may find this too expensive for a toothbrush. The replacement heads will also add to the cost.
- Limited controls: There’s nothing but a “+” and “-” sign to signify moving from one setting to another. You may not be sure what end of the 16-point settings you’re using.
More Details
Complete System for a Healthier Mouth
Get the ultimate clean with DiamondClean Smart. Eliminate guesswork with real time feedback and personalized coaching for superior teeth, gum, whitening & fresh breath. It’s a complete oral care solution. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart uses unique sonic technology to clean teeth with up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute. Sweeping motions drive fluid deep into the tight spaces between your teeth and along your gum line, resulting in a cleaner, healthier mouth.
Philips Best Toothbrush Ever Features: Complete System for a Healthier Mouth
- Best in class clean Removes up to 10x more plaque and improves gum health up to 7x in just 2 weeks in Gum Health mode vs. a manual toothbrush
- Brighten your smile with White+ mode to remove up to 100 percent more stains in just 3 days vs. a manual toothbrush and personalize your brushing with 3 intensities and 5 modes: Clean, White+, Gum Health, DeepClean+ and TongueCare+
- Get the best results with real time feedback, automated progress report and automatic mode pairing that syncs your 8 premium brush heads to the optimal brushing mode
- Get the best results with real time feedback, automated progress report, and automatic mode pairing that syncs your 8 premium brush heads to the optimal brushing mode
- Our premium charging travel case lets you store and charge your toothbrush while on the go
Premium Sonicare brush heads
The DiamondClean Smart comes with three of our brush heads plus our TongueCare+ tongue brush, so you get exceptional results: our Premium Plaque Control brush head removes plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Premium Gum Care reduces gum inflammation and gives you healthier gums in just two weeks, while Premium White removes more stains in just three days in White+ Mode with a leading whitening toothpaste.
Smart mode pairing, and brush head recognition
Wondering which mode and intensity you should use? Wonder no longer. A microchip in your brush head tells your DiamondClean Smart which one you’re using. So if you click on a gum-care brush head, for example, your toothbrush knows to select the optimal mode and intensity to provide a gentle yet effective care for your gums. All you need to do is to press the power button.
Healthy habits are a breeze with real-time feedback
Our smart sensors take the guesswork out of brushing. The location sensor shows you where you’ve brushed, and more importantly, where you’ve missed. If you brush too hard, the pressure sensor will trigger a light to flash, so you know to ease up on the pressure. And if you start scrubbing, the scrubbing sensor reminds you to let the brush do the work. Perfecting your brushing technique and building healthy habits have never been easier.
Set goals—and meet them
Set oral-health goals, and we’ll help you reach them with personalized coaching. And if your dentist has pointed out any trouble spots, just put them into your 3D mouth map so we can remind you to give them extra care every time you brush.
Track your Brush Head’s Effectiveness
Over months of normal use, brush heads gradually wear down and become less effective. The smart brush head performance monitor tracks the brush head’s effectiveness based on your actual brushing time and pressure. Replace your brush head when the icon on the handle lights up.
Pressure Sensor
You might not notice when you brush too hard, but your DiamondClean Smart will. If you use too much pressure, the light ring on the end of your handle will flash. This is a gentle reminder to ease off the pressure, and let your brush head do the work.
Function and Style in One Handy Glass
Charging your toothbrush has never been easier. Simply put it into the sleek glass charger after brushing, and it instantly starts charging. Your glass charger makes a stylish addition to your bathroom—and it doubles as a rinsing glass. Enjoy up to two weeks of regular use from a single full charge.
Premium Travel Case
Our premium travel case lets you store your toothbrush hygienically when you’re on the go.
More Details
What Is an Electric Toothbrush?
New Africa / Shutterstock
Correct brushing practices are essential to your well-being. Electric toothbrushes are one of the latest tools to protect your dental health.
History of Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes date back to China in the seventh century. Since then, toothbrushes have developed and become more effective at cleaning teeth.
In the 1700s, William Addis of England refined the idea of toothbrushes while he was in jail. He made a handle out of bone, drilled some holes into it, and inserted bone hairs into his new toothbrush. He and his family soon became the toothbrush pros.
Like with every invention, there is always progress.
The first version of the modern electric toothbrush came out in 1954. Now, people all over the world are replacing their regular toothbrushes. They want electric options instead.
Electric toothbrushes move the bristles so that you don’t have to rotate the brush yourself.
Many electronic options have special features. Some of the features include:
- Apps to tell you how effectively you brush
- Extra brushes
- Pressure sensors
- Timers
Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes over Manual Toothbrushes
So, what are the benefits of using an electric toothbrush over an electric one?
Many people love the overall brushing experience with an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes have many benefits, including:
- Help with dexterity issues: Electric toothbrushes are an excellent option for anyone with limited use of their hands and wrists or conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Teeth cleaning: Electric toothbrushes can help you get your teeth cleaner than you might with a traditional toothbrush. Electric options help get food out quickly. Some models can perform 30,000 to 40,000 brush strokes a minute. Because of this, you don’t have to use as much effort to brush your teeth.
- Timer: Many people don’t brush their teeth for long enough. People are more likely to brush their teeth for longer with an electric brush because of built-in timers in the devices.
Manual toothbrushes can get your mouth clean. But electric toothbrushes have the technology to maximize the cleaning potential with no extra effort from you.
What Is the Best Way to Brush Your Teeth?
Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock
Dental hygiene is critical whether we know the importance of oral health or not.
Are you switching for a regular manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush? If so, you might need to know how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush.
An electric toothbrush may make the act of cleaning your teeth more straightforward. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using one.
Brush Pressure
Be careful not to push too hard on your teeth with the toothbrush. Thousands of brushstrokes happen every minute with an electric toothbrush. Pressing too hard on your teeth can grind down the enamel of a tooth. This pressure makes your teeth susceptible to more issues like worn enamel and cavities.
Some electric toothbrushes will alert you when the pressure is too hard. If your electric toothbrush doesn’t do that, tread lightly.
You can change the brush settings to a lower speed or intensity. That can help reduce damage to your gums and the surfaces of your teeth.
Brush Time
The time you spend brushing makes a difference.
Dentists suggest that we brush for at least two minutes in a session. Unfortunately, most people only brush for 90 seconds or less.
Some don’t realize how long they are brushing. Other people want to get the toothbrushing over with and run the toothbrush across their mouth a few times.
Don’t be like those people and rush the brushing. You need two minutes to get your mouth as clean as it needs to be.
Gum Line
Brush as close to the gum line as possible. That will get rid of any growing plaque and prevent gum disease. If you have sensitive gums, work those areas slowly.
Make sure the toothbrush goes over each side of the teeth. The toothbrush can’t clean what it doesn’t touch.
Other Tooth Care Tips
Here are a few other tips for brushing your teeth:
- Avoid teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can lead to problems in your mouth.
- Don’t brush your teeth right after eating when your enamel is sensitive to the acidity in your food. Wait at least half an hour.
- Don’t rinse your mouth after you brush. If you rinse, you wash away the fluoride in the toothbrush that would otherwise help your teeth get stronger.
- Floss regularly. While electric toothbrushes help get things out from your teeth, floss can get anything you miss.
- Eat a healthy diet. Acidic and sugary foods can affect the surfaces of your teeth, especially if you can’t brush your teeth for a while.
- Get soft-bristled brush heads. Softer bristles can help keep you from putting too much pressure on your teeth.
- Use disclosing tablets. Some tablets can color plaque so that you can see the areas you miss while you brush. The tablets can help you maximize your plaque removal.
- Use teeth-whitening toothbrush with fluoride to help keep your teeth strong and white.
- Visit your dentist every six months to a year. They can clean any spots you’ve missed, and they can check to make sure you don’t have cavities or other oral health problems.
Do You Need to Clean Your Electric Toothbrush?
HelloRF Zcool / Shutterstock
Don’t forget to take care of your electric toothbrush.
Although they’re for cleaning your teeth, electric toothbrushes still get dirty. Cleaning will increase its life and keep it from looking gross.
You can use advanced options like a portable UV toothbrush sanitizer if you want, but cleaning your toothbrush only needs a few basic steps.
Wipe the Toothbrush
Wipe your electric toothbrush after each cleaning session. You can use a wet towel or tissue to wipe off any excess toothpaste or water that forms a film on the brush.
If you don’t, the toothpaste film will eventually get into the device’s crevices.
At some point, that grit will get to the mechanics inside. Over time, anything that gets to the mechanics can corrode the brush and damage its inside.
That’s something you never want to happen.
Replace Brush Heads
Replace your brush heads every three months or anytime the bristles are no longer standing up.
That way, you won’t get into the problem of wearing out your electric toothbrush.
How Do You Travel With an Electric Toothbrush?
learesphoto / Shutterstock
Layovers, delays, or running from gate to gate aren’t excuses to skip a toothbrushing session.
It only takes two minutes to brush your teeth. You can pop into the public bathroom in your terminal or hop into the plane’s lavatory to get the job done. If you aren’t shy, you can always brush your teeth in front of everyone.
But how do you bring your electric toothbrush with you when you travel?
Traveling with a manual or folding travel toothbrush seems like the best option. You don’t need any charging docks, cords, or replacement batteries.
However, some people are so used to using an electric toothbrush that they can’t imagine going anywhere without one. Luckily for you, some electric toothbrushes work even when you’re on the move.
If you plan to travel with your electric toothbrush, get one with travel-friendly features. Things to look for include:
- Compact charging stands
- Easy-to-carry travel docks
- Head covers to protect the brush head
- Long-lasting battery life
- Packable cords
- Small size and compact designs
- USB ports for convenient charging
One or more of these features will help your toothbrush last while you’re traveling.
It also doesn’t hurt to prepare for an emergency. Research a few dental professionals in the area you’re visiting in case something happens.
Read our dental hygiene travel tips for more information about how to keep up your oral care habits when you’re on the road.
Why Is It Important to Brush Your Teeth As You Age?
Tommaso Lizzul / Shutterstock
As you get older, keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your oral health affects the rest of your body.
Poor oral care can influence conditions such as:
- Diabetes: Periodontitis can make it harder for your body to use insulin, and diabetes can cause gum infections. Oral care can help prevent these conditions.
- Gum disease: Gum health can indicate the healthiness of other parts of your body. Gum disease can result in tooth loss, jaw problems, and other problems with health.
- Heart Disease: Some research says that gum disease is linked to heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology says that having periodontal disease makes you twice as likely to have heart disease or coronary artery disease. One study noted that common mouth problems like cavities and gingivitis could predict heart disease in the same way cholesterol levels can. Taking care of your teeth can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart conditions.
- Pneumonia: If you have poor oral health, you might get bacteria from your mouth to your lungs. This bacteria makes you more susceptible to pneumonia and bad breath.
- Stained teeth: Dentin, the tissue under the enamel, changes over time and can become yellower without the help of oral care.
Take care of your teeth to help you avoid these and other conditions as you get older.
Wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock
Some people are happy with a manual toothbrush. But electric toothbrushes can make your life a little easier and help you get your teeth cleaner.
Use this guide to help you find your next toothbrush. If you’re still not sure, read our reviews of the top toothbrushes for more information.
Read More
