Electric Toothbrushes

By Cailin, RDH

I know picking the right electric toothbrush can be overwhelming. There are so many choices nowadays! These are the most common powered toothbrushes and my thoughts on each:

Sonicare

Sonicare brand toothbrushes are my personal favorite. I have used dozens of electric toothbrushes, and none have compared! With Sonicare, I find that I get that “dentist cleaning” feeling after every brush. Brushes in this range utilize sonic vibrations similar to those produced by the cavitron your hygienist uses during a cleaning. They also provide few options to time a 2-3 minute clean. There have been clinical studies proving their effectiveness at removing plaque and improving gum health. Sonicare offers a brush head subscription service for convenience. This toothbrush is best for patients whose gums need a little extra TLC or those patients who love a squeaky clean mouth!

Oral B

Oral B electric brushes are another excellent option. These brushes are slightly different because they use an oscillating motion to move in tiny circles rather than sonic vibrations. Like Sonicare brushes, Oral B brushes have been shown in clinical studies to offer more thorough plaque removal than a manual toothbrush and improve gum health. Their heads are rounder than a traditional toothbrush head, making them easier to fit into hard to reach places. Oral B brushes are great options if you have a smaller mouth or find Sonicare vibrations too powerful.

Quip

These toothbrushes are newer to the market. You can find them all over NYC, and you’ve probably seen them pop up on your social media too. The brushes are compact and battery-operated, so they are handy for travel. Like our picks above, they also time your brush for two minutes, which is very helpful. Quip also a subscription program that sends you a brush head, toothpaste, and batteries at an affordable price. While super convenient, these brushes don’t use the same technology as more established electric toothbrush options. Instead of using sonic vibrations or rotating, they vibrate at a lower frequency. This motion might not be as effective when it comes to loosening plaque. The bristles are also a little firmer and thicker, making it more difficult for the brush to reach and clean slightly below the gums. Quip brushes are best for people who want more than a manual brush can offer but who don’t need all the therapeutic benefits of a more traditional electric toothbrush.

When it comes to electric toothbrushes, I usually recommend my patients use Oral-B or Sonicare for their therapeutic benefits. If your gums are already in tip-top shape and you’re just looking for a little more, then the Quip is a fine option.

*The information contained in this post should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately licensed health care provider. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.