Oral health is a serious business and the more we can invest in it, the better! The technology is there to help us in all possible areas, including cleaning our mouths.
Despite not being that popular, electric toothbrushes are very effective and several brands already invest heavily in this segment.
But why buy an electric toothbrush? What are the benefits? These products can make an almost professional cleaning. Thanks to different vibration and rotation technologies, the bristles can reach even the most difficult places, removing up to 100% more bacterial plaque than an ordinary toothbrush.
Caries reduction, gingivitis prevention and tooth whitening are among other benefits of these devices.
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When choosing an electric toothbrush, be aware of the following points:
Rotation: each brush has power, which is usually measured by rotations or vibrations per minute. In models with very high powers, these devices usually offer different brushing modes, from the most complete and heavy to the most sensitive.
Brush type: different models work in different ways to clean your tooth. There are brushes that are rotating, others work with oscillation and rotation at the same time; vibration, different head types, sonic and ultrasonic pulsation.
Functions: the brushes are full of functions, from sensors that indicate when you should reduce the pressure exerted during brushing, to timers for you to change regions while brushing, connections with applications, real-time feedback, and others.
Battery: of course, it is very important to keep an eye on the battery, if the chosen model has a good duration and how the replacement works, if it is through the replacement of the battery (or battery) or has the possibility of recharging from the socket.
Bristle quality and refills: The quality of the bristles (the part that will literally clean your tooth) is very important, as if they’re not soft enough, they can hurt your gums. Just like regular brushes, at some point, these bristles will wear out, so it’s time to change the refill. Choosing models with not-so-expensive refills and different options is also something to think about.
Best electric brushes that are very popular in the market today:
1. Oral-B Genius X
- Artificial Intelligence that recognizes your brushing style, giving personal assistance for better results
- Removes 500% more plaque than a hand brush
- 3D cleaning system: rotates, oscillates and pulses
- 6 cleaning modes including tongue cleaning
- Li-ON battery that lasts up to 2 weeks
- Timer and gum pressure control
- 1 portable bivolt charger, 1 rechargeable travel case, and 2 refills (ultrafine sensi and cross-action) come with the brush.
For lovers of the latest in technology, the Genius X electric toothbrush is the best Oral-B, with an attribute not found on other toothbrushes, the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Connected to the Oral-B app via Bluetooth for daily monitoring of user habits, the artificial intelligence recognizes your brushing style and gives you personal assistance for better results.
Versatile, it has 6 cleaning modes according to your needs: sensitivity, whitening, gum care, tongue cleaning, basic cleaning, and deep cleaning. Other than that, the Genius X has gum pressure control with light alert (12 customizable colors option), battery life for up to 2 weeks and a 2-minute brushing timer. 1 portable bivolt charger, 1 rechargeable travel case and 2 refills (ultrafine sensi and cross action) come with the brush.
2. Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush
- 3D action
- Helps with whitening, reduces stains, cares for the gums
- Timer beep to show when to change region being brushed
- Real-time feedback with SmartGuide
- Pressure Sensor
- Up to 10 days of battery life
One of the best electric toothbrushes on the market, Pro 1000 has a round head that is able to eliminate 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush due to its micropulse bristle action, which cleans hard-to-reach connections.
It has intelligent functions, for example, the pressure sensor, which lights up a light on the handle to signal that you should decrease the pressure you are applying while brushing.
SmartGuide (a small device that connects to the brush via Bluetooth) gives you real-time feedback, indicating where to brush, how long you need to brush, and whether or not to apply too much pressure. Its battery is very durable, reaching 10 days of autonomy with daily use of twice a day for two minutes.
The downside of this model is that in addition to not being bivolt, it has a very high price.
3. Philips Sonicare Easy Clean
- Cleans teeth, takes care of gum health and helps with whitening
- 62,000 moves per minute
- Timer that indicates time to change the area being brushed
- Automatically shuts off after 2 minutes
- EasySmart function
Philips Sonicare EasyClean promises up to 7x more plaques removed with this brush compared to a manual one. Its sonic technology produces more than 62,000 movements per minute, creating an action that directs water to the spaces between the teeth and along the gum line.
It also takes care of the health of your gums, delivering results after two weeks of use, as well as helping to whiten your teeth.
It also has a timer that emits a beep, indicating the right time to change the region of the mouth where brushing is being done, and after two minutes it automatically turns off.
The EasyStart function gradually and automatically increases brush intensity as you use it for the first 14 uses.
4. Oral B Oral-B Pro 2000
- Round head, crossed and soft bristles
- Ergonomic water resistant handle
- Portable charger and Li-ON battery that lasts up to 2 weeks
- Stopwatch and gum pressure control
- 2 refills: ultrafine sensi + cross action
- It’s not bivolt
The Oral-B PRO 2000 electric toothbrush has a round head and soft crisscross bristles that wrap around each of your teeth, removing up to 500% more plaque than a hand brush.
When too much pressure is applied during brushing, a red light turns on, triggering the pressure control and the brush speed decreases, also stopping the pulse.
This control is very good and useful for those who have sensitive gums.
It’s worth noting that it’s rechargeable, right choice for those who don’t like using batteries! It comes with a portable charger and Li-ON battery that lasts up to 2 weeks, as well as 2 refills (ultrafine sensi and cross action).
It has an ergonomic, water-resistant handle and a timer to ensure your brushing lasts for 2 minutes, a brushing time recommended by dentists.
5. Oral-B Vitality Dual Clean
Best Cheapest Option
- 2D brushing
- 2-minute timer on cable
- Compatible with multiple Oral-B refills
- soft bristles
Vitality Precision Clean is a slightly cheaper option from the brand, but it still has all the quality of Oral-B. It features a 2D cleaning type, which wobbles and rotates while you’re cleaning your teeth.
It removes more plaque than a regular brush, and thus helps prevent gingivitis, for example. It has a timer that helps you brush in the time recommended by dentists (maximum two minutes).
You can be assured of finding refills for this brush, as it is compatible with all Oral-B brushes. Unfortunately this model is not bivolt.
6. Philips Sonicare Essence 5600
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- Cleans teeth takes care of gum health, and helps with whitening
- 62,000 moves per minute
- Timer that indicates time to change the area being brushed
- Automatically shuts off after 2 minutes
- EasySmart function
Sonicare Essence is the cheaper version of Sonicare EasyClean. While the more expensive one promises up to 7x more plaque removal compared to a hand brush, the Essence+ removes “only” 3x more.
The sonic technology is equal in both, producing over 62,000 moves per minute. This action creates a movement that directs water to the spaces between the teeth and along the gum line, providing a thorough cleaning.
The EasyStart function gradually and automatically increases brush intensity as you use it for the first 14 uses.
In addition, it takes care of the health of your gums and helps in removing and reducing stains, whitening your teeth and making your smile more beautiful. It’s bivoltage.
Best Kids Electric Toothbrush
Oral-B Kids
- Ergonomic and water-resistant handle
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- Replaceable oval head, compatible with Oral-B refills
- soft bristles
- Works with Disney Magic Timer app from Oral-B
- Specially designed for children over 3 years old
If your kids love games, they’ll love this electric toothbrush for kids! Oral-B developed electric toothbrushes themed from the Disney movie Cars and Princesses, very fun and useful to motivate your children to go brush their teeth.
To make brushing time cool, Oral-B recommends using the Disney Magic Timer app, with stickers, achievements, and more to help children’s oral health.
In addition, the Oral-B Kids electric toothbrush has a timer function so that children can brush their teeth for two minutes, a brushing time recommended by dentists.
It is compatible with all Oral-B electric brush refills and has a water-resistant and ergonomic handle, adapted for children. Its oval head and soft bristles provide a good clean and do not hurt. It is powered by two AA batteries.
How to choose an electric brush
If you are looking for your first electric toothbrush, there are some features you need to know that make a total difference when choosing:
- Pressure sensor: Ideal for cases of shrinkage and sensitivity
The Pressure Sensor is a feature that is interesting for those who suffer from tooth sensitivity or retractions. Just as the name suggests it identifies when you exert excessive pressure on a certain location and stop brushing.
- Timer: Control the timing of your brushing
Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is undoubtedly the most practical and efficient way to achieve good results in cleaning your teeth while at home. However, it is important to know the right time to end brushing so you don’t end up damaging your teeth. That’s why many brushes come with a timer that turns off automatically after two minutes of brushing. There are also brushes with a timer per location, so you don’t run the risk of crossing the point between one region and another.
- Pulses per minute and Revolutions per minute: Choose the ideal level according to your need
A higher grade brush combines levels of pulsations and revolutions per minute to promote even more efficient removal of dental plaque. While entrance brushes usually only offer one or the other option for brushing your teeth. There is no recommended swing level. Therefore, it is interesting to choose according to the level of sensitivity or need for cleaning your teeth.
- App Control: Customize your brushing and get daily reports
Application Control is a nice feature if you’re looking to make sure of the points that require more attention when brushing. Some brands also offer the customization of your brushing through the app. Unfortunately, this option is only present in more expensive models, however, it is worth the investment if you are looking for special attention to your brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Toothbrushes
What is the best electric toothbrush?
The best electric toothbrush will depend on your type of personal need.
There are specific models available to facilitate the hygiene of those who use orthodontic appliances to those who want to prevent gingivitis or remove stains from teeth.
And besides, some of them even have connectivity with your Smartphone to send daily reports about your brushing.
What is the electric toothbrush for?
The electric toothbrush has the function of facilitating and making brushing your teeth much more efficient and practical.
Reaching commonly overlooked and difficult-to-access surfaces in manual brushing and promoting overall improvement in oral health.
How to care for an electric toothbrush?
The care needed to maintain your electric toothbrush is not much different from what we usually have with traditional ones.
Just as manual brushes need to be replaced periodically, electric ones need to have their refill changed at the same frequency.
This is because the quality of the bristles will directly impact your brushing efficiency.
Therefore, it is important to keep your electric brush refill always up to date and also remember to recharge it whenever necessary.
Does the electric toothbrush replace tooth cleaning?
Although some models perform an efficient brushing that leaves you with a feeling very close to professional cleaning, the periodic visit to your dentist will not be replaced.
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