The 5 Best Electric Toothbrushes in 2020

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.

Best All-Around: Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries

Amazon

Oral-B has been a longtime standout brand in the dental hygiene industry. It is no surprise that the best overall electric toothbrush is one from Oral-B.

The Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries is by far the best general electric toothbrush. There are a lot of other models in the SmartSeries. This particular model took the top prize because it was the most budget-friendly without losing many features.

This toothbrush has Bluetooth technology that links it to an app on your smartphone.

You can use the timer, brushing tips, and content section to help your brushing time.  You will also get a report of how you did during the cleaning session.

One of the downfalls is the fact that the Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries relies too much on the mobile app. Without the app and Bluetooth connection, this toothbrush would seem like any other toothbrush. If that were the case, then the $90 to $159 price tag would seem too steep.

In spite of its flaws, this is one of the best electric brushes on the market.

Read our detailed Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries review to learn more.

Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries Toothbrush Pros

• Bluetooth technology: The app connects to the toothbrush. You can set brush times. It will also tell you when to move the toothbrush to another area or if you are applying too much pressure. You will also get a report of how you did during the cleaning session.
• Content section: The content section under the two-minute timer can help keep your mind off the brushing. Catch up on the news, weather updates, and calendar listings.
• Long battery life: You won’t need to charge the toothbrush often. The rechargeable battery will last a long time.

Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries Toothbrush Cons

• App requirement: The timer is on the app, not the toothbrush handle.
• Noisy motor: The Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries is not the quietest of toothbrushes. Because it’s powerful, you will likely hear the motor running. If you’re sensitive to that, you might want a different model.

Best Electric Toothbrush That Won't Break the Bank: The Goby

Goby

Electric brushes are becoming more popular. But they are still too expensive for many people.

Claire Burke and Ben Goldberg were two of these people, but they wanted to change that idea. And the Goby electric toothbrush was born.

With a handle that’s comfortable and ergonomic, the brush has a round brush head. The oscillating brush gets more surface area on the tooth. This feature is uncommon on budget-friendly models.

You can get the brush all at once or opt into a brush head replacement subscription.

Read our Goby review to learn more.

Goby Pros

• 30-second alerts: The brush beeps every 30 seconds so that you know to move it to another part of your mouth.
• Color options: This toothbrush comes in several fun colors. Options include black, rose, gold, midnight, tangerine, and glacier. The company also releases special edition colors frequently.
• Cleaning settings: You will be able to adjust the cleaning setting.  This one has two: standard and sensitive. Some may say that both brush speeds are robust, but you will feel a difference between the two settings. This feature is uncommon on budget brushes.
• Subscription option: You can get a $6 brush head replacement as often as you want. Choose from every month, every two months, every or three months.

Goby Cons

• No feedback: This toothbrush can’t give you feedback about your brushing. If you want that feature, get a different toothbrush.
• Strong cleaning settings: Even the sensitive setting may be too much for some people. It’s not ideal if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

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.

Best for Someone Always On-the-Go: Triple Bristle Go

Amazon

There’s an old saying that goes, “Two heads are better than one.” But what about three?

The Triple Bristle Go has three bristles. A dentist designed this brush so it will clean all sides of a tooth simultaneous. That means less work for you.

The brush runs on two AA batteries. If you want to be a little more eco-friendly, you can pick up some rechargeable AA batteries.

Unfortunately, the Triple Bristle Go Travel Sonic toothbrush has some issues. The AA batteries are less convenient than lithium options, the brush head takes some time to get used to, and you can’t control the brush pressure.

But if you love the convenience and you want to keep your mouth super clean, give this electric toothbrush a try.

Our Triple Bristle Go review has more information.

Triple Bristle Go Pros

• Travel-friendly design: You can get the travel version to take this brush anywhere you go. It has no charging station or cords, which make it less bulky to pack.
• Triple bristles: The bristles will clean your teeth on all sides at once.

Triple Bristle Go Cons

• AA batteries: This brush runs on AA batteries. They can do the job on most small devices, but they aren’t as powerful as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
• Brush head: The three-in-one brush head may take some time to get used to — especially if you have a small mouth.
• Brush pressure: You can’t control brush pressure. You’ll need to make sure you’re not pressing too hard.

What Is an Electric Toothbrush?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.