Electric toothbrushes: Features explained
Electric toothbrush types
There are several types of electric toothbrush on the market. We explain how each one works.
Heads of rotation oscillation brushes rotate in one direction and then the other
Rotation oscillation electric toothbrush
The head of these toothbrushes rotates in one direction and then the other. They have a round brush head that moves back and forth very quickly in quick bursts.
The small head is intended for cleaning each side of one tooth before moving on to the next. Examples of rotation oscillation electric toothbrushes include the popular Braun Oral B electric toothbrush triumph range.
Counter oscillation electric toothbrush
These electric toothbrushes have the same head shape as oscillating electric toothbrushes but the tufts of bristles rotate in different directions simultaneously, with each tuft rotating in the opposite direction to that next to it.
Counter rotational electric toothbrush
With a head that looks similar to a standard manual toothbrush, these electric toothbrushes have individual tufts of bristles which rotate in opposite directions to neighbouring ones.
Dual head electric toothbrush
As the name implies these electric toothbrushes have 2 heads – usually a counter-oscillating head combined with a traditional static one. The thinking behind these designs appears to be that more bristles means better cleaning, however Which? experts aren't convinced and think these toothbrushes are something of a gimmick.
Rotational heads are very popular
Rotation electric toothbrush
These comprise a large percentage of electric toothbrushes sold and as the name implies, rotation electric toothbrushes have a set of rotating bristles. The bristles can be arranged in a circle that rotates, or individual tufts of bristles can spin.
Side to side electric toothbrush
Rather than spinning, these toothbrushes vibrate from side to side. You hold the brush sideways against your teeth and it moves up and down. Examples of side to side electric toothbrushes include the popular Philips sonicare electric toothbrush range.
Vibration electric toothbrush
These electric toothbrushes vibrate at an ultrasonic rate – more than 1,000 vibrations per minute – against your teeth in order to remove plaque.
A 'Sonic' toothbrush doesn't guarantee cleaner teeth
Other electric toothbrush features
Sonic/Ultrasonic electric toothbrushes
These toothbrushes, such as the Philips sonicare electric toothbrush range, claim to emit sonic or ultrasonic vibrations to the teeth to break down plaque.
Ultrasonic frequencies start at 20,000 oscillations per second, but despite manufacturer claims, no electric toothbrushes currently on the market are anywhere even remotely close to achieving this.
Our dental experts are sceptical about whether they can transfer the vibrations to teeth and there is no proof that they remove plaque better than electric toothbrushes without sonic claims.
Electric toothbrush timers
Several electric toothbrushes indicate when 2 minutes have elapsed – the recommended time you should brush your teeth for – to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Pressure Sensors on electric toothbrushes
The toothbrush will beep at you to warn you that you are pressing too hard on your teeth while brushing.