Compare the best electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are a convenient and effective way to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Here’s how to find the right one for you.

Best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth

Vitality Sensitive Clean Electric Toothbrush

For sensitive teeth, choose a toothbrush with extra soft bristles to help minimize pain or discomfort while brushing. The Oral-B Vitality Sensitive Clean was designed specifically for that purpose. It features a built-in timer and lasts five days before needing to be charged.

• Average price: $37.75

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Best electric toothbrush for kids

Oral-B Kids Star Wars Electric Toothbrush

Convincing kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge. But give them a Star Wars toothbrush that brushes on its own, and your kids just might want to brush their teeth on their own. The Oral-B Stages Kids electric toothbrush comes with extra soft bristles, colorful designs and is suited for kids ages three and up

• Average price: $4.99

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Best electric toothbrush for travel

Sonicare Diamond Clean Black Electric Toothbrush

If you spend a lot of time away from home, investing in an easy-to-pack, quality electric toothbrush can be well worth the cost. While on the Average pricey side, the Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean electric toothbrush is perfect for travelers, as it comes with a USB charger and travel case.

• Average price: $199.99

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Best electric toothbrush for braces

Oral B Genius 8000 Silver Power Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth with braces requires a little more time and effort. The Oral-B Genius 8000 is a strong contender for best orthodontic-friendly electric toothbrush — especially if you use the designed Ortho Head to brush safely. It also comes with Pressure Sense technology to make sure you don’t brush too hard.

• Average price: $179.99

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Best electric toothbrush on a budget

Fairywill Clean as Dentist Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush

There are plenty of budget-friendly electric toothbrushes out there, including this Amazon favorite from Fairywill. It features five cleaning modes, 30+ days of use on one charge and an anti-slip handle.

• Average price: $27.95

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Best quiet electric toothbrush

Sonicare 2 Series Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

If you like to brush your teeth late at night but don’t want to wake up your family or roommates, try the Philips Sonicare 2 Series. Based on product reviews, this model is one of the most popular quiet electric toothbrushes out there. With a timer, two brushing modes and a battery that lasts up to two weeks without needing to be recharged, this toothbrush is worth considering.

• Average price: $79.99

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Best electric toothbrush for receding gums

Sonicare Series 3 Gum Health Electric Toothbrush

If you have receding gums, over-brushing can make them worse. The Philips Sonicare Gum Health Electric Toothbrush is a smart choice, thanks to three different intensity settings and a built-in timer and sensor to indicate when you’ve spent enough time on each part of your mouth.

• Average price: $54.99

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How to choose an electric toothbrush

The right electric toothbrush for your pearly whites will depend on your needs, personal preferences and budget. Consider these factors to help you decide:

• Removable vs. static head: As a general rule, opt for a toothbrush with a removable head. This allows you to purchase replacement heads when your toothbrush has been used to capacity, instead of purchasing an entirely new model.
• Rechargeable vs. battery powered: This choice really depends on your personal preference and when and where you’ll be using it. If you travel often, a battery-powered toothbrush might make the most sense.
• Oscillation vs. vibration: When possible, opt for an oscillating toothbrush. These are more adept at removing plaque than their vibrating counterparts.

Electric vs. manual toothbrushes

There’s a lot of debate about the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes in comparison to manual brushes. For the most part, the biggest difference is the fact that electric toothbrushes streamline the brushing process. Here are just some of the benefits of each toothbrush type.

Bottom line

Investing in an electric toothbrush can help you and your family brush more effectively and efficiently. Whether you want to invest in a higher-end model or start out with something on the cheaper side, there are several options to choose from.

Frequently asked questions

• Are electric toothbrushes really better than manual ones?

  According to Consumer Reports, both types of toothbrushes have equal effectiveness. But the biggest concern is that most people don’t brush their teeth for a full two minutes. Most electric toothbrushes have a timer to make sure you brush for the right amount of time for a clean mouth.

• How often should I replace my brush head?

  Try to replace your electric brush head or manual toothbrush every three to four months.

• Are electric toothbrushes bad for gums?

  No. In fact, electric toothbrushes can help you control your brushing intensity to be gentler on your gums than when using a manual toothbrush.