The 11 Best Electric Toothbrushes for a Deep Clean

An electric toothbrush, or sonic or powered toothbrush, is a battery-powered gadget that makes bristle motions automatically at a high speed to clean the teeth. The motions are either rotation oscillations or back-and-forth motions. They improve oral hygiene and brighten the teeth, and some devices are highly budget-friendly at the same time.

These brushes are more effective than manual brushes. A large-scale review study sponsored by Cochrane Oral Health Group noted an 11% reduction in plaque formation in the short term and a 21% reduction in the long term compared to the manual toothbrush. However, given the large number of brands in the market, it becomes difficult to choose a single gadget.

Selecting a suitable gadget requires understanding one's oral health needs and thoroughly appreciating what the market gadgets offer. Some standard criteria for choosing electric brushes are power source (battery rechargeable or replaceable), timer availability, battery timing, number of available modes, noise level, cost of device and cost of replacement of heads—some personal preferences for colour and design do matter for some people.

The top 11 electric brushes in the market

Based on these criteria, we have chosen 11 of the best products from the market. We have thoroughly tested all devices on all available settings. The sound level was measured using a decibel meter and compared to the other sound-producing devices. The difference in duration and intensity between different settings was compared. The devices were fully charged and discharged to see the speed of both processes.

Finally, the water resistance of each device was judged by submerging each device in a deep tub of water for a long time. The products that qualified our strict scrutiny are;

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000

Product Specs

Modes available: 6 

Timer: Available 

Cost: 179.99$ (at Philips.com)

Cost of replacement heads: 31.99$ for a pack or three heads 

Warranty period: 2 years 

Battery: Rechargeable with two weeks battery life. 

Customer rating: 4/ 5 (based on 156 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/5

Pros: It is offered with an automatic pressure sensor that provides a personalised experience. Allow synchronisation of heads with different modes. 

Cons: The app offers limited functionality, no extra brush heads with the device, and limited colour choices.

Why do we choose it?: This stylish and sleek product provides four modes: gum health, deep clean+, clean and white+. The range of brushing experiences is widened by an option to alter the intensity of each mode. The free app lets users track oral hygiene and helps them decide when to change the brushes. It has the option of automatic reordering to facilitate the users. Another strength is that the product comes with a USB charging case that is helpful while travelling and can be used in the office. 

Shortcomings: The price is relatively high and discouraging from some users; however, the features offered are worth the money. 

Oral-B Pro 1000

Product Specs

Modes available: 1

Timer: Available

Cost: 49.99$ (at Oral-B)

Cost of replacement heads: 12.99$ for pack of eight heads

Warranty period: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable with one-week battery life.

Customer rating: 4.5/ 5 (based on 928 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Affordable, have a pressure sensor, compatible with different types of heads offered by Oral-B.

Cons: Only one cleaning mode, a bit noisy, and takes 20+ hours to charge fully.

Why do we choose it?: It is a budget-friendly and popular gadget that offers most of the features of its other high-end competitors. It offers little in terms of variety; however, it provides simplicity. The built-in pressure sensor informs the users when they are brushing too hard, and the timer allows timely shifting to the next quarter of the mouth. 

Shortcomings: However, people with sensitive teeth and gums and those who wish to massage the gums and whiten the teeth must look for another option.

Oral-B Genius X

Product Specs

Modes available: 6

Timer: Available

Cost: 199.99$ at Amazon)

Cost of replacement heads: 19.99$ for pack or four heads

Warranty period: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable with two weeks battery life.

Customer rating: 4.4/ 5 (based on 124 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Stylish and Sleek with intelligent features and better connectivity

Cons: Bit noisy, some users find the app to be problematic. 

Why do we choose it?: Genius X is the best next-generation alternative to Oral-B Pro 1000 for a person looking to improve oral hygiene. The high-tech app monitors the brushing patterns and habits with AI. Its features include coaching tricks, and tips, allowing users to set and achieve oral health goals quickly. Besides the standard cleaning mode, it offers modes for teeth whitening, gum cleaning, improving sensitivity and tongue cleaning. A charging case fits the travel needs of some models.

Shortcomings: Its 70-decibel machine causes noise similar to the washing machine or a dishwasher. However, it is still a healthy option for someone looking to improve their brushing technique. Our testing found the pro-clean mode a better choice to give a better feeling after brushing.

Oral-B iO Series 9 

Product Specs

Modes available: 7

Timer: Available

Cost: 299.99$ (at Oral-B)

Cost of replacement heads: 37.49$ for a pack of two heads

Warranty period: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable with two weeks battery life.

Customer rating: 4.1/ 5 (based on 304 reviews)

Our rating: 4/ 5

Pros: With a charging case and seven modes available, have an AI-powered app.

Cons: Both the device and replacement heads are expensive. 

Why do we choose it?: The Oral-B iO Series 9 delivers an excellent cleaning experience due to its high-tech pressure sensor that gives a red signal as soon as the pressure exceeds the safety limit, and its seven modes offer versatility for all types of oral cleaning procedures. The app allows data tracking for months or even years. Its magnetic charger is super fast and completes the charging in 3 hours. A travel charging case and an extra brush head improve its suitability as a travel partner. 

Shortcomings: Our tester found its pressure too high, even for the super-sensitive. So, a person with sharp teeth and gums should have other gadgets. However, it is a superb choice for people looking for a high-pressure and high-tech app that offers a 3D experience during cleaning and ensures that no areas are missing. 

Foreo ISSA 3 Sonic Toothbrush

Product Specs

Modes available: 16 different level settings

Timer: Available 

Cost: 189$ (at Foreo.com)

Cost of replacement heads: 24.90$ for a single head that lasts six months 

Warranty period: 2 years 

Battery: Rechargeable with a one-year battery life. 

Pros: A sleek design, supreme battery life, better control and easy to use. 

Customer rating: 4.2/ 5 (based on 104 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/ 5

Pros: A sleek design, supreme battery life, better control, ease of use

Cons: Its silicon brush takes some time to adapt, manual cleaning is needed, and no built-in pressure sensor exists. 

Why do we choose it?: Its sleek and innovative design offers a curved, ergonomic handle that better controls gums, teeth, cheeks, and tongue cleaning. Its silicon bristles are gum-friendly, resist the development of bacterial films and offer a refreshing feeling of deep cleaning. Its 16 different level settings give a highly personalised experience, and its extended brushes and angled head allow access to the otherwise complex access areas of the mouth. The rigid panel at the back side of the head allows the cleaning of the tongue and cheeks.

Shortcomings: Our testing notes its intensity to be lower at the same levels as other models, and we recommend it to be a valuable choice for people with sensitive teeth and gums. Its high battery timing saves money and time, and its innovative design adds to the beauty of the washroom selfie.

Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 

Product Specs

Modes available: 3

Timer: Available

Cost:139.99$ (at Waterpik.com)

Cost of replacement heads: 22.77$ for a pack of three heads

Warranty period: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable with one-week battery life.

Customer rating: 4.4/ 5 (based on 132 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/ 5

Pros: A combination of 2 devices, it comes with many extra accessories and a sleek and beautiful design.

Cons: No built-in pressure sensor; needs socket in the bathroom. 

Why do we choose it?: The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 combines a water flosser and a sonic toothbrush. Other accessories in the bundle are a travel case, a storage case, two changeable brush heads and five water-flossing tips. Our tester noted the massage mode as highly impressive as it delivers the massage pulse to the gum area with a deep, clean feeling.

Shortcomings: Some users found its low-feature design disappointing, and it needs to be plugged into the socket close to the wash basin. However, it saves money as no separate purchase of the flosser is required.

Bitvae R2 Rotation Electric Toothbrush

Product Specs

Modes available: 5

Timer: Available (2 minutes)

Cost: 24.99$ (at Amazon)

Cost of replacement heads: Currently not available

Warranty period: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable

Customer rating: 4.4/ 5 (based on 4,517 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/ 5

Pros: The packing has a whole year supply of heads, USB charging with 30 days of battery life

Cons: No option to buy replacement heads or charging cable in travel case, the brush must lie down to charge

Why do we choose it?: The product is available in 3 different colours, and according to the manufacturer, it causes 3 to 4 times more deep cleaning of plaque than a regular toothbrush. It offers all the expensive options like a handy travel case, built-in pressure sensor and best cleaning modes at a small price. Thus, It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy or experiment with the election toothbrush but don't want to invest heavily for the first time. A super fast charging in less than 3 hours, in combination with the significant battery life, makes it even more attractive.

Shortcomings: There is no option to replace heads.

Oclean X Pro Digital

Product Specs

Modes available: 3

Timer: Available

Cost:159.99$ (at Amazon)

Cost of replacement heads: 24.99$ for a pack of 6 heads

Warranty period: No warranty

Battery: Rechargeable with 30 days life

Customer rating: 3.9/ 5 (based on 48 reviews)

Our rating: 4/ 5

Pros: Option of personalised brushing modes in addition to the three default, equipped with a touchscreen

Cons: It produces more noise than other models, the wall mount is loose, the app sometimes confuses, and the price is relatively higher than other Oclean brushes.

Why do we choose it?: It is the best among other clean brushes, giving a powerful wash without damaging the gums and providing several brushing recommendations in its app. It has two specific brushing heads, one for sensitive teeth and the other for plague removal. It is available in attractive and sleek designs and metallic shades. Shortcomings: Some users complain that the wall mount is relatively loose and only holds it briefly.

Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush 

Product Specs

Modes available: 3 

Timer: Available 2 

Cost: 66£ (at Spot Light Oral Care)

Cost of replacement heads: 30 for three heads 

Warranty period: N/A 

Battery: Rechargeable with 70 days life. 

Customer rating: 4.8/ 5 (based on 690 reviews)

Our rating: 5/ 5

Pros: Have three different settings, nine-month supply of replacement heads included in the pack

Cons: No brand warranty

Why do we choose it?: It is affordable and suitable for people who want to shift from manual to electric toothbrushes. Its sonic technology ensures a deep clean and the gentle feeling of a manual toothbrush. Its elegant design and availability in three colours increase its appeal to customers. The travel case has a sturdy dock. Our trial noted that the white setting offered the best results and effectively removed discolouration and plaque.

Shortcomings: None

Hum by Colgate Product specs

Product Specs

Modes available: 3

Timer: Available 

Cost: 66.99$ (at Colgate.com)

Cost of replacement heads: 9.89$ for two heads

Warranty: 2 years

Battery: Rechargeable and replaceable

Customer rating: 4.4/ 5 (based on 372 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/ 5

Pros: Attractive and funny app, smart app, ergonomic handle

Cons: The app is available only in the USA.

Why do we choose it?: It is Colgate's response to the Market's demand for an affordable yet smart electric toothbrush. It is available in three colours and has a changeable or replaceable battery option. The smart Hum app allows the users to access their progress and focus the brush on the least accessible areas. Its battery fully charges in 5 hours, which is impressive compared to the other models with similar price tags.

Shortcomings: The battery lasts only ten days. So, a charger is needed if going on an extensive tour. Overall, we rate it as an excellent value for money. 

AutoBrush Sonic Pro

Product specs

Modes available: 3

Timer: Available 30, 60, 90 seconds

Cost: 74$ at (AutoBrush.com)

Cost of replacement heads: 12$

Warranty period: 2 years (Brush head subscription plan offers lifetime warranty

Battery: Rechargeable

Customer rating: 4.5/ 5 (based on 98 reviews)

Our rating: 4.5/ 5

Pros: Good for beginners, three light modes Cons: New style of brushing is somewhat tricky.

Cons: None

Why do we choose it?: Its unique and innovative U-shaped design thoroughly cleans the mouth in 30 seconds. The three Washing modes available are gentle care, deep clean mode and massage mode, and LED lights are a helpful inclusion. Shortcomings: Its brushing mechanism is different, and it takes some time to get used to it.

Besides toothbrushes, mouthwashes are also helpful in achieving oral health targets. They fight the bacteria causing oral health infections and bad breath. We have summarised the 13 best mouthwashes in the market in another article. Click here to read. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one recommended electric toothbrush by dentists?

Many electric toothbrushes fulfil the criteria. However, Oral-B Pro 1000 is the most recommended. Users and dental health professionals equally like it.

Which is better, Philips or Oral-B?

Both brands have their pros and cons. However, Oral-B is a more specialised brand of oral healthcare products. Users and dental professionals alike top-rate its products.

Which is better, the vibrating toothbrush or rotating toothbrush?

Rotating electric brushes operate at a lower power than vibrating ones. The rotating head is highly potent to remove plaque. However, the vibrating toothbrush is highly excellent for regular mouth cleaning. It all depends upon purpose and personal choices.

Do electric toothbrushes remove tartar?

Yes, electric toothbrushes' vibrating or rotating heads are very potent to soften and remove the tartar. For rugged and old tartar, a visit to the dental clinic is necessary.

Are there any side effects of the electric toothbrushes?

Electric toothbrushes are generally safe and effective. However, a 2017 study noted that electric toothbrushes, particularly the powerful ones, abrade the dentin, the tissue under the enamel. Once the gums recede or the enamel wears down, the dentin is exposed, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Bottom-lime

Various brands of electric toothbrushes are available in the market, each having its features and pros and cons. The choice must be tailored to the personal needs and budget. The washing heads need to be replaced regularly for optimum results.