When it comes to grooming, one of the most important things you can do is take proper care of your teeth. And look, we know we have to do it, but it’s also pretty important to have the right tool to achieve a deep, effective clean. And that’s where the electric toothbrush comes in.
According to a study by Dentalhealth.org, people who opt for an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and also keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.
“Health experts have been speaking about the benefits of electric toothbrushes for many years. This latest piece of evidence is one of the strongest and clearest yet – electric toothbrushes are better for our oral health,” explains Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE. “Electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, or ‘oscillating’ heads, are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. As the science behind the advantages of electric toothbrushes is mounting, the decision whether to invest in one becomes much easier.”
Unlike their manual counterparts, electric toothbrushes use strong vibrations and automated head movement to more effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth. These days, many electric toothbrushes go beyond just a powerful clean and offer a bunch of fancy options: think interchangeable heads for sensitive teeth or deeper cleans, a 2-minute timer to let you know when you’ve finished brushing, and even built-in artificial intelligence to help track your brushing progress and offer suggestions on how to improve.
The good news is that you don’t have to shell out a ton of money to find a good, effective electric toothbrush. These are the best electric toothbrushes out there, no matter your budget or brushing acumen.
Best overall
Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige
If you’re after something that looks good and is a really good investment, this is for you. While it’s definitely on the pricier end ($399 at The Shaver Shop), you really do get what you pay for. Think 62,000 bristle movements (that get your teeth and gums way cleaner than you ever thought possible), a sensitive gum mode, and SenseIQ technology, which automatically adjusts to your brushing style and pressure to give you the best clean possible.
Best affordable electric toothbrush
Oral-B iO Series 5
This electric toothbrush has all the same bells and whistles as some models three times the price, all in an easy to use and understand package. It features a pressure sensor which uses coloured light on the base to alert you if you’re pressing too hard, and the same rotary style head that your dentist uses, which may take some getting used to, but is great at cleaning all the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
Best for travel
Ordo Soinc Lite Electric Toothbrush
This toothbrush is like the best of both worlds. It’s the size and shape of a manual brush, but features the sonic technology and brushing modes you want from an electric brush. It charges via USB-C, which makes it ideal for traveling. The bristles deliver a good, effective clean and the Smart LED indicator remind you when it’s nearly time to charge.
Best splurge electric toothbrush
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush
If you’re going to invest in an electric toothbrush, this is one of the best out there (with a sky-high price tag to match). At roughly $500 in white or black, it’s one of the most expensive premium electric toothbrushes we’ve seen. But that admission price gets you five interchangeable modes and three intensity settings to fully customise your brushing experience. Interchangeable brush heads specifically designed for things like whitening or tongue cleaning also allow you to get optimal results with minimal effort. Plus the charging travel case allows you to take it with you wherever you go, and know your investment is protected along the way.
Best flossing electric toothbrush
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
As far as electric toothbrush features go, this one has something none of the others have: A built-in water flossing feature. The all-in-one design allows you to floss (with water) while you brush, saving you time and effort while giving your teeth an unparalleled, fresh-from-the-dentist clean feeling. The brush itself has basic features like two intensity modes and a timer, but the biggest draw is the integrated waterpik. You can brush with or without the floss feature, but why would you ever go without?
Best for long-lasting battery life
FOREO ISSA 3
Not your average-looking toothbrush, this one is made from silicone, which is known for being more hygienic as well as hypoallergenic. The brush head combines polymer and silicone bristles too, making it tough on stains and bacteria but soft on gums. Its best feature, however, is that it only needs recharging once a year, so there’ll be no clutter around your bathroom sink.
Best smart electric toothbrush for beginners
Oral B Genius
If a manual toothbrush has always been your go-to, this smart electric brush may be just what you need to make the switch. It isn’t overwhelming for first-timers, as testers found the vibrations weren’t too overpowering, but it still left everyone with a whiter smile. The pressure sensor was appreciated too, helping to remove plaque without causing discomfort.
Best electric toothbrush for braces
Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro
This sonic toothbrush features just one button, which switches between seven different cleaning modes – ideal for those who like to keep it simply. The three different-shaped brush heads ensure you’re getting a deep clean, especially if you have braces, bridges or implants.
Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.
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