How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush—Plus, the Best Ones to Buy Now
Courtesy of Quip
Toothbrushes are an essential part of our everyday dental hygiene routine, but if you're looking for an effective alternative to a manual one, an electric toothbrush is your best bet. It'll pack a greater punch in helping with better hygiene, thanks to its horsepower and rotating brush.
Unlike manual toothbrushes, explains Dr. Marc Lowenberg, cosmetic dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City, you aren't supposed to move the electric toothbrush back and forth since the bristles are already moving. So, how exactly should you use an electric toothbrush? First before using your toothbrush, make sure you have it fully charged as you don't want it to die mid-brush. When you begin brushing, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, just like you would a manual toothbrush, says Dr. Lowenberg. "Starting with the outside surfaces of your teeth, gently glide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding the brush head in place for three to five seconds against each tooth before moving to the next." You'll want to make sure to follow along the shape of each tooth and the curve of your gums as well. Repeat this process for the inside surfaces of your tooth, too, and then finish up by taking a few seconds to direct the toothbrush along your gum line. Once you follow these steps, you'll have pearly white, healthy teeth in no time.
Top Picks
Best Custom Cleaning: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected Rechargeable Toothbrush
Best Subscription: Goby White Moonstone Electric Toothbrush
Most Convenient: Quip Copper Metal Adult Electric Toothbrush
Best for Beginners: Oral-B GENIUS X Electric Toothbrush
Most Affordable: Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush
With so many options available on the market, how do you choose the best one? According to Dr. Lowenberg, you'll want to look for one with a round-brush head, as it's smaller and can get into the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. "The mouth has so much surface area and hard to reach places that having a smaller round head makes it easier to clean more areas in the mouth," he explains. He also recommends adding a built-in time and soft bristles to your list of electric toothbrush must-haves: "I recommend toothbrushes that have built-in timers that buzz when two minutes are up to ensure the proper amount of time is spent brushing and soft bristles as hard ones can damage your gums and enamel." Plus, he mentions that soft bristles also make sure all sports are reached and plaque is removed before it turns to tartar.
Ahead, the best electric toothbrushes to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Related: The Most Sanitary Way to Store Your Toothbrush (and How to Keep It Clean)
Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected Rechargeable Toothbrush
This electric toothbrush is a top pick for Dr. Lowenberg. "It has all of the features of the other Sonicare toothbrushes, such as the Sonicare technology, which can remove up to four times more plaque than a manual toothbrush as well as smart technology." The toothbrush connects to an app and will warn you if you're using too much pressure, scrubbing too hard, or if you missed any spots while brushing. "Additionally, it provides progress reports, which lets you set goals and notifies you when to replace the brush heads."
Shop Now: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected Rechargeable Toothbrush, $98.99, amazon.com.
Philips Sonicare Diamondclean
If you're looking to invest, this top-rated option from Philips simply can't be beat. The price tag is hefty, but the results are clear: In just two weeks, this toothbrush can remove up to 10 times more plaque than competitive models. What's more, it removes 100% more staining. Use it alongside the connected app in order to get real-time reports about your brushing habits and identify areas that need a little more attention.
Shop Now: Philips Sonicare Diamondclean Smarth 9300 Toothbrush, $199.99, target.com.
Oral-B GENIUS X Electric Toothbrush
By using artificial intelligence, this electric toothbrush expertly tracks your brushing style and gives you daily personal coaching on how to maximize your brushing. You'll also love its six brushing modes, Bluetooth technology to connect your smartphone, and its 12 LED light colors to personalize your brushing experience.
Shop Now: Oral-B GENIUS X Electric Toothbrush, $219.94, target.com.
hum by Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush Kit
You can't go wrong with this electric toothbrush, thanks to its multiple vibration modes, ergonomic handle, and smart sensors that track the frequency, duration, and coverage of your brushing through an app.
Shop Now: hum by Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush Kit, $67.95, walmart.com.
BURST Sonic Toothbrush
Don't be fooled by its affordable price tag! This toothbrush has three brushing modes, a two-minute timer with movement reminders every 30-seconds, and oscillates at 33,000 sonic vibrations. Plus, it has the seal of approval from Dr. Lowenberg, too.
Shop Now: BURST Sonic Toothbrush, $69.99, burstoralcare.com.
Quip Copper Metal Adult Electric Toothbrush
Dr. Lowenberg recommends this pick as it's super effective and affordable. Some other great features include a slim handle, and soft-bristle brush head that's refilled by delivery for an additional five dollars.
Shop Now: Quip Copper Metal Adult Electric Toothbrush, $40, getquip.com.
Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush
Since it runs on AAA batteries, this electric toothbrush is perfect for on-the-go usage. It comes in four vibrant colors, a built-in brushing timer, and uses micro-brushing to help keep your teeth in A-plus condition.
Shop Now: Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush, $24.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.
Goby White Moonstone Electric Toothbrush
This reasonably-priced electric toothbrush is simple to use and effective at cleaning teeth, explains Dr. Lowenberg. "It offers a subscription service where a new head is sent every few weeks, which makes it easy for people to keep up with a healthy oral care routine."
Shop Now: Goby White Moonstone Electric Toothbrush, $80, goby.co.
