Research shows that replacing your manual toothbrush with a power model will increase brushing efficiency, reduce stains, and improve your oral health. For older adults struggling with arthritis or mobility issues, a power toothbrush can make brushing much easier.
All power toothbrushes are not created equal. If you're thinking about investing in one, you'll want to choose a model that offers the best mix of features and performance for your budget.
High-End Sonic Toothbrushes
1. Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with Sanitizer. The Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Toothbrush features three cleaning modes and two built-in routines for improved stain and plaque reduction, increased gum health, and a quick full-mouth clean. The Flexcare's UV sanitizing function keeps your brush 99% bacteria free.
2. Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 4000 Rechargeable Toothbrush. Start with all the basic features you'd expect from the #1 dentist recommended toothbrush brand, then add in an in-handle "SmartDisplay" which gives interactive feedback on brushing style, along with four distinct cleaning modes, and a pressure sensor to ensure you're not harming your gums, then you've got the SmartSeries 4000.
3. Oral B S-320 Sonic Complete Rechargeable Power Toothbrush. The Oral B S-320 has three settings (clean, soft, and massage) and an innovative brush design with crisscross and power-tip bristles for between-teeth cleaning and reaching those hard to reach places. Its two-minute digital timer beeps every 30 seconds, so you're always sure you're brushing effectively.
Mid-range Power Toothbrushes
4. Oral-B Pulsonic Sonic Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush The Oral-B Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush offers a slim and lightweight design with gentle yet powerful cleaning. This model includes a two-minute professional timer that beeps every 30 seconds, two customized brushing modes, and comes with a second precision cleaning brush for removing plaque and stains between teeth.
5. Philips Sonicare Essence 5300 Power Toothbrush. With 31,000 brush strokes per minute and a wide sweeping design, the Sonicare Essense 5300 will help you improve the whiteness of your smile, improve your gum health, and reduce gingivitis and periodontal pockets. Includes a two-minute timer and powerful battery that can go two weeks between charges, making it great for frequent travelers. Replacement heads are inexpensive.
6. Philips Sonicare Essence e5500 Power Toothbrush. Like the Essence 5300, the e5500 combines a lightweight, compact, and quiet design with good battery life and a two-minute timer. The e5500 also adds a second contoured brush head, and includes a recharging stand and travel case.
7. Oral-B Professional Care 1000 Power Toothbrush. The Oral-B Professional Care 1000 comes with a precision clean brush for deep cleaning, and a dual-clean brush head for everyday cleaning and freshening. Both brush heads are designed to cup each tooth for a thorough clean that removes plaque, fights gingivitis, and stimulates gum health. Also features a two-minute timer, and a full- and low-charge indicator.
Best of the Budget Power Toothbrushes
8. Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. The Oral B Vitality Precision Clean Toothbrush has a comfortable, compact design with interdental bristles that cup each tooth individually for a thorough, powerful, but gentle cleaning. The two-minute timer helps you maintain good oral health, and the brush's indicator bristles fade over time so you know when to replace your brush head.
9. Oral-B Vitality Dual Clean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. The Vitality Dual Clean's two-element brush head features a round spinning brush coupled with the back-and-forth motion of the square brush segment. Simply move the brush along your teeth and the Vitality does the rest. Includes a two-minute timer that revs the motor to let you know you're done, indicator bristles, and a charging stand. The battery will hold a charge for up to five days of brushing.
10. Oral-B Vitality Sonic Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. Good design and reliability mean you can't go wrong with the Vitality Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush. The unit's 20,000 movements per minute and crisscross design mean you'll get a full-mouth clean you can count on. Includes the Oral-B's standard two minute timer and indicator bristles, and can go 20 minutes/5 days between charges.
