Though a regular toothbrush can certainly get the job done, an electric toothbrush makes it easier to get a good brushing. And while we feared the worst from the NiMH battery, it actually lasted a reasonable 43 minutes in our tests. We would like to see a pressure sensor and a charging indicator, but if you only have around £22 to spend on a toothbrush, oral b braun toothbrush this is as good as it gets. Any Sonicare head can be used with any Sonicare brush, but Oral B’s standard heads can only be used with its Pro-series brushes, while its iO heads only work with iO series brushes. They work with companion apps that time your brushes, keep a diary of your activity and provide oral hygiene tips or snippets of news.
We also consulted experts and caregivers who help others with oral hygiene. “Typically, toothbrushes have different height bristles within them to reach different areas of the tooth surface,” explains Dr. Horowitz. This helps ensure each area of the mouth is cleaned correctly, including the gum line and back teeth. Look for a toothbrush with bristles of varying heights to get the most complete clean. The toothbrush’s ergonomic handle is designed for comfort and easy grip with a 45-degree angle.
While this will largely depend on your habits and preferences, based on my experience testing electric toothbrushes, I found that the timer function was by far the most important. This was followed by customization options, whether that means extra brush heads or different brushing modes. In my testing, customizable options made more of a difference in careful brushing than the pressure sensor. In sum, look for a brush that gives you options, has the type of brush head you prefer and has a good timer function. To test electric toothbrushes, we use them twice a day over a period of at least one week, making sure we get a feel for how they handle and perform when cleaning. During the test period, we will try any specific brush modes and attachments, and install any apps required to get the most out of built-in smart features.
Nearly every electric toothbrush we’ve tested requires rinsing and/or wiping down between each use. Otherwise, you may end up with dried toothbrush-spit residue gunking up any crevices—particularly where the brush head meets the handle. In addition to a quick rinse and wipe between uses, you may find it worthwhile to periodically remove the brush head to clean this junction. In our experience, a cotton swab is well-suited for getting gunk out of any small divots in the brush handle.
The round, top part of the head cleans each tooth with a rotating-oscillating action while the lower section sweeps from side to side. Most move with a rotating-oscillation action – it rotates in one direction and then in the other. The Y-Brush turned heads and piqued interest at CES in 2017 and continued to come back to CES year after year. The strange, Y-shaped brush claims that it can brush all of your teeth in just 10 seconds. It’s basic, with just one setting, but you do get a timer, with the brush pulsing every 30 seconds and switching itself off after two minutes. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions.