6 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Healthier Teeth

All products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase.

Regular teeth brushing is a crucial part of good oral health, as well as your appearance. But is an electric toothbrush really superior to a manual toothbrush when it comes to cleaning those pearly whites?

According to an analysis of 56 studies completed in 2014, international research organization Cochrane found that electric models may be slightly better than their manual counterparts at removing plaque and improving gum health. The analysis found that electric toothbrushes removed 21 percent more dental plaque and reduced gingivitis by 11 percent after three months of use, compared to manual toothbrushes.

While the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that both manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective at cleaning teeth, it really comes down to technique. They recommend brushing twice daily for two minutes with a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you go with an electric toothbrush, however, it will do most of the work for you, with some models even timing the session.

Electric toothbrushes cost as little as $5 for battery-operated units and up to $200 or more for feature-rich models, so there is a choice for every budget.

With so many options available on the market, how do you know which electric toothbrush is best for your dental needs?

Electric Toothbrush Features and Options

• When shopping for an electric toothbrush, you’ll want a model that is gentle on gums, without sacrificing cleaning power.
• Look for a handle with a soft-touch grip, which will make the toothbrush easier to maneuver when cleaning all those hard-to-reach places where plaque can build up.
• Consider the replacement brush head options (and their cost) when selecting an electric toothbrush. The ADA recommends replacing the brush head at least every three months.
• A splurge-worthy benefit worth considering is a built-in, two-minute timer, which helps ensure that users brush long enough.
• Additional features such as pressure-sensing technology and adjustable program settings can help improve brushing technique, but aren’t really necessary.

Here are our top six picks for the best electric toothbrushes.

Best Overall Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Power Rechargeable Battery Toothbrush

While the Oral-B Pro 1000 doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it does include two of the key features for properly cleaning teeth: a built-in, two-minute timer, and affordable brush head replacements. A single charge provides up to a week of twice daily brushings, and it features a built-in pressure sensor to help prevent overbrushing.

Available from Amazon starting at $40

Best Feature-Packed Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean

One of the most advanced electric toothbrushes available, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean, is loaded with features that track your brushing habits. It includes a pressure sensor, timer, choice of five brushing modes, and even a companion app for tracking your technique in real time. The price tag might be a little hard to swallow; but with promises of whiter teeth in as little as one week, healthier gums in two weeks, and a three-week battery life, it might be worth the investment for those who take their oral health seriously.

Available from Amazon starting at $200

Best Whitening Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare Healthy White + Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush

With a choice of three intensity levels, the Philips Sonicare Healthy White + is a good pick  for peoplewith sensitive teeth and gums. By brushing with the white mode, users report a noticeably whiter smile in as little as one week. There is an integrated pacer and timer to help you get the most out of your brushing routine, and a single charge powers up to three weeks of use.

Available from Amazon starting at $95

Best Travel Electric Toothbrush

Violife Slim Sonic Toothbrush

If you’re looking for the strength of an electric toothbrush without the hassle of having to drag along your full-sized brush while traveling, the Violife Slim Sonic toothbrush is just the ticket. It comes complete with batteries and an extra brush head, and easily tucks into your purse or carry-on for convenient brushing on the go.

Available from Amazon starting at $19

Best Non-Rechargeable Toothbrush

Oral-B Pro-Health Anti-Microbial Electric Toothbrush

If you’re not quite ready to take the leap with a pricey model, a battery-powered electric toothbrush is a good way to test the waters. The Oral-B Pro-Health Anti-Microbial electric toothbrush is available in a choice of colors, and the shield on the bristles helps prevent microbial growth for up to 90 days.

Available from Amazon starting at $12

Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids

Oral-B Kids Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

The Oral-B Kids rechargeable electric toothbrush aims to take the hassle out of brushing sessions. It comes in fun colors, with stickers, and a companion phone app that helps to keep little brushers engaged. It includes a one-minute timer that gradually increases up to two minutes, and is designed for small hands to hold.

Available from Amazon starting at $39