Electric toothbrush reviews: 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 those in the popular Oral B electric toothbrush 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.
Other electric toothbrush features
A 'Sonic' toothbrush doesn't guarantee cleaner teeth
Sonic/ultrasonic electric toothbrushes
Some electric toothbrushes, often with ‘sonic’ in their name, 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 even remotely close to achieving this.
Sonic or ultrasonic electric toothbrushes tend to be very expensive, and our dental experts are sceptical about whether they can transfer the vibrations to teeth. There’s no proof that they remove plaque better than electric toothbrushes without sonic claims.
As such, a 'sonic' toothbrush is not a guarantee of cleaner teeth.
Toothbrushes with timers
Some electric toothbrushes have a timer, which helps you to brush for the full two minutes recommended by dental health professionals to ensure a thorough cleaning.
The most basic timers let you know – either with a beep or a stutter - when you have brushed for the recommended two minutes.
Other timers go further by helping you to brush all the different parts of your mouth for equal amounts of time.
One type of sound or stutter will sound at 30 second intervals to remind you to brush all four quadrants of your mouth (left and right sides of both your upper and lower jaw) equally. A different sound or stutter will then let you know when you’ve been brushing for the professionally recommended two minutes in total.
Pressure sensors
Dental plaque is soft, and to dislodge it you need to brush for long enough in the right areas, using an appropriate technique.
Harsh scrubbing is not necessary – in fact, pushing too hard against your teeth can do more harm than good.
Some electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor that will beep to warn you if you’re pressing too hard on your teeth while brushing, so you can relax a little and reduce the pressure.
Electric toothbrush modes or settings
Some electric toothbrushes have a single mode or setting for brushing your teeth – this is simply a continuous motion that remains the same as long as the brush is turned on.
Other brushes offer a variety of different modes or settings to help with different types of cleaning. For example, these might be aimed at sensitive teeth, brightening/whitening or massaging your gums.
Easy-start options on electric toothbrushes
If you’re new to using an electric toothbrush, you might find that the vibration against your teeth feels a little harsh at first. To help with this, some brushes have an easy-start option where the toothbrush gently increases the power over a number of uses to let you get used to it.
All our Best Buy electric toothbrushes have an easy-start option.
Brushes with soft-grip handles
All the most comfortable electric toothbrush handles have soft grip which, in the right places, can make the brush significantly more comfy to hold and to use.
Soft-grip handles also lessen the vibrations you feel in your hand while brushing.
Charge-remaining indicators
These come in a variety of designs, usually different-coloured or flashing lights on the electric toothbrush’s handle, and tell you how much charge is left in the battery.
Travel case or caps for electric toothbrushes
Some brushes come with a travel case, which may include space for extra brush heads. These are handy to take your electric toothbrush on the go.
Others simply have a cap that you pop over the head of the brush to keep it clean when packing it away.