Electric toothbrush: are they better, and how to choose one
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- Philips Sonicare 4100. Best for: A simple sonic brush with a pressure sensor. See options on Amazon
- Oral-B iO Series 2. Best for: People moving from a manual brush who want a gentle start. See options on Amazon
- Soft replacement brush heads. Best for: Keeping an existing brush fresh. See options on Amazon
Are electric toothbrushes better?
The Cochrane review, which compared powered and manual toothbrushes in everyday use, included 56 trials, with 51 trials and 4624 participants providing data for analysis. It found moderate quality evidence that powered brushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushing in both the short and long term, corresponding to an 11% reduction in plaque in the short term and 21% in the long term. The authors said the clinical importance of these findings remains unclear, and that any reported side effects were localized and only temporary.
The ADA's MouthHealthy site calls the debate a wash: both types can effectively and thoroughly clean your teeth, and people who find a manual toothbrush difficult to use may find a powered one more comfortable.
Rotating vs sonic brushes
| Feature | Oral-B iO Series 2 | Philips Sonicare 4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Brush action | Round brush head with gentle micro-vibrations | Sonicare sonic technology with brush action |
| Timer | Built-in 2-minute timer | 2 minute SmarTimer and 30-second QuadPacer |
| Pressure sensor | Automatic pressure sensor | Built-in pressure sensor that warns and reduces vibrations |
| Battery claim | Not stated on page | 14-day battery life |
Details are from Oral-B and Philips product pages. The Cochrane review found the greatest body of evidence was for rotation oscillation brushes, which showed significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. It also included side to side, counter oscillation, circular, ultrasonic and ionic brushes in smaller numbers.
Features worth having
- A 2-minute timer. The ADA advises brushing twice a day for two minutes. Philips says its 30-second QuadPacer guides you to brush for the recommended time in all areas of your mouth.
- A pressure sensor. Philips says its sensor detects pressure, warns you and reduces vibrations to help protect your gums; Oral-B says its sensor helps protect your gums.
- A gentle starting mode. Oral-B says the iO Series 2 starts on a Super Sensitive setting for a comfortable clean.
- Soft bristles. The ADA says to choose a soft-bristled brush whether manual or powered, since firm or even medium bristles may damage gums and enamel.
- The ADA Seal. The ADA suggests choosing a brush, manual or powered, that has its Seal.
Reading plaque claims
Makers compare their brushes with manual toothbrushes in their own terms. Philips says its Sonicare technology removes up to 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and Oral-B says the iO Series 2 removes 100% more plaque versus a regular manual toothbrush. These are maker claims based on their own testing.
For an independent view, the Cochrane figures above are more useful: a real but modest average benefit, with high variation between trials.
Caring for your brush
- Replace on schedule. The ADA says to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Its page is written for toothbrushes in general, so apply the same timing to a powered brush head and follow your maker's directions.
- Rinse and air dry. Rinse with tap water, store it upright and let it air dry.
- Do not cover it. The ADA advises against routinely covering toothbrushes or storing them in closed containers, and says to keep brushes separated to prevent cross contamination.
- Do not share. The ADA notes sharing a toothbrush can mean sharing germs and bacteria; give each person their own head.
Toothpaste and the rest of your routine
The ADA says you need to brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. If you are comparing fluoride-free options, see our hydroxyapatite toothpaste guide for what the evidence shows.
Talk to your dentist about which kind of brush is best for you, as the ADA suggests, especially if you have sensitive gums, dental work or trouble holding a regular brush.
What to look for when you buy
Philips Sonicare 4100
Best for: A simple sonic brush with a pressure sensor
Philips lists a 2 minute SmarTimer, 30-second QuadPacer, pressure sensor and 14-day battery life.
Watch out: The 7x plaque figure is a maker claim.
See options on AmazonOral-B iO Series 2
Best for: People moving from a manual brush who want a gentle start
Oral-B lists a round brush head, automatic pressure sensor, 2-minute timer and a Super Sensitive starting setting.
Watch out: Swap heads about every three to four months, the ADA's timing for toothbrushes.
See options on AmazonSoft replacement brush heads
Best for: Keeping an existing brush fresh
The ADA advises soft bristles and replacing the brush every three to four months.
Watch out: Match the head to your brush's handle and system.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
- A Cochrane review found powered brushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more, though the clinical importance is unclear; the ADA says both can clean well.
- Rotating or sonic toothbrush?
- Cochrane found the most evidence for rotation oscillation brushes. Whichever you choose, look for a timer and pressure sensor.
- How often should I replace the brush head?
- The ADA says to replace a toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles fray; use the same timing for a powered brush head.
- How long should I brush?
- Two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste, according to the ADA.
- Do I need a pressure sensor?
- It helps; Philips and Oral-B say their sensors help protect your gums.
Sources
- Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (PMC7133541)
- Toothbrushes (mouthhealthy.org), American Dental Association MouthHealthy
- Philips Sonicare 4100 Series Sonic electric toothbrush HX3681/24 (usa.philips.com), Philips
- Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, Starter Kit (oralb.com), Oral-B