Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (2024)

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Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (1)

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Brushing your teeth is an essential part of everyday life. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This has been proven to achieve clinically significant plaque removal. Though the ADA stops short of recommending electric over manual toothbrushes, a recent study found that electric toothbrush users benefit from healthier gums and less tooth decay than people who use manual brushes. Going electric can help prevent several oral hygiene issues, including dry mouth and bleeding gums. The main advantage of using electric toothbrushes is that they clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively, says Dr. Brian Harris, DDS, lead medical advisor at SNOW and Frost Oral Care.

Since Oral-B is one of the biggest names in dental hygiene, we personally tested the brand's entire line. Our editors, including those with dental issues such as sensitive teeth and gum recession, used the toothbrushes at home for a month. We took notes and evaluated the toothbrushes on ease of use, effectiveness, design, and functionality. An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Here are our top picks based on our testing.

What to Know About Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes

Given the wide range of price points and associated features, there’s much to consider when choosing the right electric toothbrush. According to Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD, chief clinical officer at SmileDirectClub, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, vibrating timer guides, and two-minute alerts. If you have special dental requirements, look for pressure sensors and multiple speed settings.

Brush Heads

According to ADA guidelines, brush heads should be replaced every three months—the same as a manual toothbrush. Dr. Sulitzer recommends toothbrushes with subscription head replacement options to switch heads regularly and those with quadrant timers to get the right coverage. He advises using a soft-bristled brush to avoid tooth sensitivity and not leaving the battery charging when full to extend the brush's life.

Motion Type

Dr. Harris says the most important features to consider are the type of motion, the Brush Strokes Per Minute (B.P.M.), the number of cleaning modes, and pressure sensors. Oral-B brushes use oscillating or rotating brush heads, so he recommends a B.P.M. between 1,300 and 8,000. According to their website, Oral-B electric toothbrushes deliver up to 48,800 B.P.M. Mike Bluestone, co-founder and head of business development at Smile Brilliant, notes that adjustable oscillation and vibration speeds are advantageous for people with oral or other sensory sensitivities. He also recommends selecting electric toothbrushes with at least a two-year warranty.

Oral-B vs. Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes

Oral-B and Sonicare are two popular brands that make some of the best electric toothbrushes available today. Both brands are ADA-approved but differ in the shape of their brush heads. Oral-B uses a small, round brush head that rotates, oscillates, and pulses, while Sonicare uses a narrower brush head with sonic technology for toothpaste circulation. Both toothbrushes clean effectively and outperform manual toothbrushes. We're testing Sonicare electric toothbrushes and will provide a full comparison after testing is complete.

Value

If used properly, even basic electric toothbrushes can deliver an effective clean. Dr. Harris suggests that expensive doesn't mean better, but you get what you pay for. Inexpensive brushes may vibrate and make noise but don't always clean teeth well. He recommends sticking to trusted brands like Oral-B.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Sensitive Teeth:

Oral-B iO Series 5 at Amazon ($97)

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Why We Like It

The Oral-B Genius X Limited is our top pick because it packs all the features you need in a highly intuitive, seamlessly functional toothbrush.

The first thing we noticed about this toothbrush was its ergonomics: it was comfortable, with all the buttons in the right places for easy mode switches mid-brush (even with sudsy hands). We loved how the head glided effortlessly over our teeth and helped us reach the furthest corners of the mouth.

It’s the elegant functionality of this toothbrush that truly sets it apart. We loved the vibrating timer every 30 seconds to tell us to switch areas and a satisfying longer vibration once we hit the two-minute mark. The flashing red light when you push too hard was a real bonus for those of us with receding gums. And though we were skeptical about the Bluetooth connectivity (an app for tooth brushing, really?), the real-time brush-tracking and history functions helped us improve our brushing prowess through time.

It’s Worth Noting

  • Like many in the Oral-B range, the charging base can be a little bit tippy.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Vibrating timer, multiple brushing modes, LED pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Travel case, charging base
  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (3)

  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (4)

Best for Receding Gums

Oral-B iO Series 9

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (5)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.5/5

  • Design

    4.2/5

  • Functionality

    5/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4.2/5

Why We Like It

The Bluetooth connectivity and customizable features on the Oral-B app make the Oral-B io Series 9 toothbrush a strong choice for people with receding gums or who are prone to over-brushing. The built-in sensor offers real-time reminders so you’re applying the perfect amount of pressure in the right areas at all times.

While the large brush head and long bristles make maneuvering between areas slightly awkward, the toothbrush’s action takes care of the manual work—no elbow grease is required. App features like timer alerts and easy-to-switch-between brush settings let you personalize your daily routine, making it a great option for people with specific dental requirements.

The mouthfeel it produces makes this toothbrush worthy of the price tag. After we tried it, every tooth felt individually polished, and every part of the mouth felt equally well treated. So, if you aspire to glass-like smoothness on your teeth, this brush more than lives up to expectations.

It’s Worth Noting

  • The brush settings take a bit of trial and error to figure out.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: 7 smart modes, built-in timer
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Charging travel case, 3 additional brush heads
  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (6)

  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (7)

  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (8)

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Oral-B iO Series 5

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (9)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Functionality

    4.8/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4.8/5

Why We Like It

People with sensitive teeth know all about spending too much time brushing too lightly to avoid tooth and gum pain. The Oral-B iO Series 5’s multiple sensitivity modes and built-in light-up pressure sensor allow you to get the coverage you need in the two-minute timeframe you want.

Though connecting to the Oral-B app didn’t offer much insight beyond the timer, battery life indicator, and brushing coverage, the reward medals for a job well done add a little fun to your everyday chore. It’s also worth noting that the handy timer buzzers only work when you’re not using the app.

Where this toothbrush scores well for sensitive teeth and gums is the light-up pressure sensor—green for perfect pressure, “white” (though, strangely, actually blue) for too soft, and red for too hard. It’s real-time gratification that you’re doing it right or wrong, so there’s no need to guess it second. Although the auto pause mentioned in the instructions is just an extra buzz when 2 minutes are up, the vibrating timer is a game changer for people prone to losing track of time.

It’s Worth Noting

  • Some features listed in the instructions function slightly differently than described.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: 2 sensitivity modes, 5 total smart modes, built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, brush head
  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (10)

  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (11)

Best Value

Oral-B Pro 1000

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (12)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.3/5

  • Design

    4.5/5

  • Functionality

    3.8/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4/5

Why We Like It

If a simple dental-care routine is your thing, or you’re an electric toothbrush newcomer, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a great option. Its less-is-more functionality, combined with its accessible price point, makes it a super place to enter the world of electric brushing.

The Oral-B Pro 1000’s round brush head gives exceptional tooth coverage, but we did find that the short neck requires a bit of extra reaching to get to the back teeth. Cleaning the brush is as simple as detaching the head and rinsing under water—a noticeable advantage over other screw-neck brands we’ve tried. This one-button wonder makes a great transition toothbrush to take you from manual brushing into the world of electric for those who want a superior clean and prefer to keep things fuss-free.

It’s Worth Noting

  • The low-battery indicator light is barely visible and the pressure sensor sound alert can be difficult to hear.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: Single on/off power button
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, brush head
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  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (14)

Best for Travel

Oral-B Genius 6000

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (15)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Design

    3.9/5

  • Functionality

    4.5/5

  • Quality

    4/5

  • Value

    4/5

Why We Like It

The Oral-B Genius 6000 is an excellent portable choice because of its quick and simple setup, straightforward charger (which we were pleased to discover is compatible with some other Oral-B brushes), and sturdy travel case.

Well-placed buttons and easy-to-read setting icons make selecting your brushing mode a breeze. Its thick neck and forceful action (even on the lower settings) are definitely worth considering if you have sensitive teeth or gums. But for people who appreciate a job thoroughly done, after a brief period of adjustment to this toothbrush’s intensity, the results were consistently smooth.

The Oral-B Genius 6000 has Bluetooth connectivity and many other models' in-app features. But, especially for travel, we found the real-time light-up pressure guide a great (and instant) way to maintain uniform coverage daily without needing to access a daily report card.

It’s Worth Noting

  • The supplied brush head felt stiff and the motor was very loud.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, brush head
  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (16)

  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (17)

Best for Tech Savvy

Oral-B iO Series 10

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (18)

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a great choice for those seeking an advanced electric toothbrush option featuring seven cleaning modes, real-time coverage, pressure monitoring, and a built-in timer right on the smart charger. While comprehensive, the pre-charged device's numerous features and beeps required a manual read and app download. The package included three identical brush heads, a smart charger, and a travel case.

The toothbrush’s handle felt just right, and the small, round brush head was a refreshing change, allowing for better access to tight spots and crevices. The multiple settings and extra features (like the tongue cleaner) offered a diverse brushing experience. While navigating these settings might require more effort than some would prefer, it's a great addition for tech or oral care enthusiasts. Post-brushing, teeth felt plaque-free, although the taste was less minty, likely due to the smaller brush head.

After a two-minute brushing, the screen and its smiley face added a fun, rewarding element to the routine. While the $400 price tag felt steep, the toothbrush impressed us with its advanced features, catering to varied oral care needs.

It's Worth Noting

  • Surprisingly it lacks a protective cover for the brush head.

Product Details

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor, multiple settings, tongue cleaner
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, 4 brush heads

Our Testing Process

To determine the best Oral-B toothbrushes, we tested the entire line of Oral-B’s electric toothbrush models. Before our tests, we spoke with several dental experts to get their recommendations on choosing the right electric toothbrushes based on bristle texture—softer is better for your teeth—and adjustable speeds/modes so you can switch settings to fit your teeth and gum types. Then, we subjected each brush to a rigorous step-by-step process. During physical testing, we adhered to the ADA’s recommended two-minute brush.These are the key considerations we looked for:

  • Ease of Use: We assess the setup process and the intuitiveness of the settings right from unboxing. Products with straightforward assembly and immediate usability score higher in our evaluation.
  • Design, Functionality, and Features: Throughout each brushing session, we focus on the ease of handling and maneuvering the brushes within the mouth. We observe the brush head sizes, their adaptability to reach all tooth and gum areas, and their comfort level. We scrutinize settings for their usefulness and impact on the brushing experience. We test built-in timers, battery life indicators, and evaluate any additional components it offers, such as extra brush heads, chargers, travel cases, stands, etc. App connectivity is examined for its user-friendliness.
  • Quality: Our measure of quality relies on the post-brushing sensation of mouth and teeth cleanliness. We conduct rigorous tests, including post-sticky food brushing, to assess a toothbrush's efficiency. If teeth don't feel clean after use, the toothbrush falls short of our standards.
  • Value: Considering the wide price range of electric toothbrushes, we emphasize the importance of value and durability. Cheaper options might lack certain features, while higher-end models offer additional features like app connectivity, stylish cases, and varied chargers. We meticulously weigh the price against the features to determine overall value.

The Experts

  • Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, VP of clinical development at Tend
  • Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD, chief clinical officer at SmileDirectClub
  • Brian Harris, DDS, lead medical advisor at SNOW and Frost Oral Care
  • Mike Bluestone, co-founder and head of business development at Smile Brilliant

More Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes to Consider

While these toothbrushes didn’t top any of our categories, they may still be of interest to you.

  • Genius 8000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush has upsides, such as using inexpensive replacement heads, but we found issues with the timer and battery life. The travel case doubles as a charger, which is handy for travel.
  • Smart Limited Electronic Toothbrush: This toothbrush has app connectivity, multiple settings, and a pressure sensor. It cleaned teeth and gums within two minutes but confused the upper and lower sectors of the mouth and has no timer.
  • Smart 1500 Electric Rechargeable: This toothbrush is easy to set up, clean, and use, with an accessible price point and simple two-speed settings. However, the intensity of the brush action and the sound it generates make the timer difficult to discern. If you can handle a step up in power, it's a solid option.

Who We Are

Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor and science graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to writing sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. Samson specializes in making the complex simple, using the English language to democratize knowledge through highly effective, accessible communication.

Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes Are a Good Investment—Spend Less On Our Favorites Right Now (2024)

FAQs

Is an electric toothbrush a good investment? ›

The research team found strong evidence that people who use an electric toothbrush generally benefit from 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.

Is it worth buying Oral-B electric toothbrush? ›

Why Choose Oral-B? Oral-B electric toothbrushes are dentist-inspired and clinically proven to deliver a superior clean compared to a regular manual toothbrush. Their secret: the oscillating/rotating/pulsating power Oral-B is known for today.

What are the benefits of Oral-B electric toothbrush? ›

The Advantages of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes
  • Unmatched Plaque Removal. ...
  • Gentle Care for Gums, Uncompromising Plaque Removal. ...
  • Precision Timers for Effective Brushing. ...
  • Versatile Brushing Modes for Personalized Care. ...
  • Improved Oral Health, Enhanced Overall Well-being. ...
  • Conclusion.

Is it worth spending a lot of money on an electric toothbrush? ›

Dr Richard Marques, a private dentist based on London's Harley Street, says: “By now, so much research has gone into them that any electric toothbrush you can buy is better than a manual toothbrush. They either use rotation and oscillation or vibration, and you're able to clean your teeth without scrubbing too hard.”

Are electric toothbrushes really worth it? ›

The researchers looked at 56 clinical trials of unsupervised toothbrushing by more than 5,000 adults and children, and found that study subjects who used a powered toothbrush showed an 11 percent reduction in plaque at one to three months, and a 21 percent reduction after three months or more, compared with those who ...

Is it OK to use electric toothbrush everyday? ›

Absolutely! Using an electric toothbrush every day is generally recommended and can be beneficial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The consistent use of an electric toothbrush helps remove plaque effectively, reaches difficult-to-reach areas, and promotes better overall cleaning compared to manual brushing.

Do dentists recommend Oral-B electric toothbrush? ›

When considering an electric toothbrush, it helps to have guidance from the professionals who set the standards of dental care. ADA-acceptance does just that by letting you know that Oral-B rises to the level of safety and effectiveness that dental professionals recommend.

How many years does an Oral-B electric toothbrush last? ›

The average lifespan of an Oral-B electric toothbrush and its charger is approximately 3-5 years, depending on the model and the whether the toothbrush has been used as intended.

Do doctors recommend electric toothbrush? ›

Dentists agree that overall, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. "Because electric brushes have a rotation, they essentially force the toothpaste in more difficult-to-reach areas, which is where cavities start," says Dr. Creaven.

Is Oral-B good for your teeth? ›

Oral-B toothpastes are formulated with Stannous Fluoride to strengthen teeth, protect against cavities, and it is also an effective antibacterial agent for a healthy smile today and protection against future damage tomorrow.

What are the disadvantages of an electric toothbrush? ›

They are more expensive compared to manual toothbrushes, making them less accessible to everyone. Electric toothbrushes are also fragile and require a lot of care to prevent damage. Although you have to charge them, overcharging, dropping, or damaging the batteries can mean the end of your electric toothbrush.

What is the #1 dentist recommended electric toothbrush? ›

As the most gentle electric toothbrush that offered a near-instantaneous brighter smile with each use, the Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is the clear-cut winner among this list. Not only is it fairly priced between $35 and $50 on the market but its quality is second to none.

How much should you pay for an electric toothbrush? ›

The best electric toothbrushes for 2024 are:

Best electric toothbrush overall – Oral-B Pro 3: £43.99, Amazon.co.uk. Best budget electric toothbrush – Philips One: £19.89, Amazon.co.uk. Best sustainable electric toothbrush – Suri electric toothbrush: £80.73, Trysuri.com.

What is better, oral-B or sonicare? ›

Both Oral-B and Sonicare make excellent electric toothbrushes. Oral-B represents the better value; the brushes themselves and replacement heads are cheaper than those sold by Sonicare. And they're easier to use for beginners and kids.

Do dentists really recommend electric toothbrushes? ›

They found that sonic toothbrushes reduce the signs of periodontal disease and the number of teeth lost. Other studies have concluded that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones at removing plaque, one of the main culprits of cavities and gum disease.

Is the electric toothbrush market growing? ›

Global Electric Toothbrush Market size was valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 6.92 billion in 2023 to USD 43.40 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 25.80% in the forecast period (2024-2031).

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