Choosing the best electric toothbrush could make a marked improvement to your oral health. “The evidence shows powered brushes reduce plaque and gingivitis (gum disease) more than manual brushes, and the pressure feedback reduces the risk of excessive force on the gums, which can cause gum recession and abrasion cavities,” says dentist and clinic director Dr Hannan Imran.
Finding the best electric toothbrush isn’t as simple as opting for one that’s high in price and from a reputable brand, though. According to aesthetic dentist Dr Edoardo Felici, “Most dentists recommend oscillating-rotating or sonic brushes with pressure control. The brand matters less than the presence of a pressure sensor, a timer and consistent plaque removal performance.”
How to choose the best electric toothbrush
“Most dentists are looking for good plaque control with minimal damage. Look for:
- A two-minute timer (with 30-second prompts)
- A head that’s small enough to reach your back teeth
- Some form of pressure control if you tend to brush hard
The ‘smart’ extras are optional. They’ll be useful if they improve your habits, but irrelevant if they don’t,” says Dr Imran.
Armed with expert opinion, I set out to find the best electric toothbrushes for a range of budgets and needs, from tackling plaque build-up to supporting sensitive gums. Over six months, I combined hands-on testing with in-depth research, including analysing customer reviews and weighing up long-term value for money to find the electric toothbrushes worth buying.
Read more: Best water flossers, tried and tested
The best electric toothbrushes for 2026 are:
Best electric toothbrush overall: Philips sonicare 9400
Philips’ sonicare 9400 takes the top spot as the best electric toothbrush because of its combined value and superior performance. While it’s a little expensive at full price, it routinely retails for £200 (or less) and offers thoughtful design features, such as a mess-free charging cup. In testing, its sonic pulse technology delivered the most thorough clean of all the brushes I used, leaving teeth noticeably smoother. Ultimately, the 9400 hits a sweet spot between ticking all the essential boxes (pressure sensor and timer, for example) and offering excellent cleaning power.
Buy now £199.99, Amazon.co.uk
Best budget electric toothbrush: Ordo sonic+
The Ordo sonic+ is the best budget electric toothbrush, thanks to its deep, gentle clean, sonic technology and four brushing modes all at an affordable price. Lightweight, with long battery life and a USB travel case, it was easy to use. The soft bristles and a silicone polishing element were comfortable enough for everyday use, leaving teeth smooth and thoroughly cleaned.
Buy now £40, Argos.co.uk
Best dentist-recommended electric toothbrush: Oral B iO3
Not only did I find Oral-B’s iO3 one of the best mid-range electric toothbrushes, but it was also endorsed by both the experts I interviewed. It “strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality,” notes Dr Felici, while Dr Imran called it a “go-to recommendation.” With a quadpacer timer (30-second intervals), visible pressure sensor and useful modes including sensitive and whitening, it covers all the essentials without overcomplicating things.
Buy now £75, Boots.com
Best for sensitive teeth: Philips sonicare 7100
The Philips Sonicare 7100’s gentle yet thorough clean made it the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth. The built-in pressure sensor and adjustable intensities kept brushing comfortable and gum-friendly, while the soft vibrations left teeth polished without harsh scrubbing. The experts I consulted agreed it’s a safe, reliable pick, with Dr Imran noting the pressure feedback is “genuinely useful” for most people, even if you don’t need all the extra modes.
Buy now £129.99, Boots.com
What I looked for when choosing the best electric toothbrushes
With prices ranging from £20 to £800, electric toothbrushes live on a spectrum, and so do their features. When weighing up value, it’s easy to be distracted by extras like companion apps or leather travel cases, but I focused on the elements that genuinely make a difference to daily use. Here’s what made the cut:
- Improved brushing: Every model included here had to offer a clear step up from a manual brush. That meant no aggressive back-and-forth brushing, but rather a smooth glide and a superior clean.
- Targeted treatment: Concerns such as gingivitis, halitosis and weak enamel are common, so brushes that offered genuinely effective modes to tackle these issues ranked higher than those with a simple on-off function. Crucially, those settings had to feel distinct. For instance, if one model’s whitening mode performed no differently from another’s standard clean, it wasn’t worth highlighting.
- Useable feedback: While real-time app tracking may sound appealing, it’s not something most people will stick with. Instead, I prioritised intuitive, easy-to-implement feedback – from pressure sensors to visual cues on the charging base – that made improving technique feel effortless.
- Timing: Most electric toothbrushes now include a timer, but not all are equally user-friendly. Some offer quadpacer prompts every 30 seconds, while others interrupt brushing up to six times. In practice, fewer prompts proved more effective, and I decided a quadpacer struck the right balance between guidance and simplicity.
- Charging: Not every home is equipped with a two-pin shaver socket (mine included), so USB charging was a welcome addition. That said, convenience means little without longevity. I favoured models that delivered at least a week’s use per charge. If it can’t last a holiday, it’s hard to justify the price.
I also leaned on expert input from Dr Imran and Dr Felici throughout, ensuring each pick held up beyond their marketing claims.
Read more: Best at-home teeth whitening kits
Philips sonicare 9400 diamondclean smart
Best: electric toothbrush overall
Battery life: 28 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £8
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Clean, white+, gum health, deep clean with three intensity levels
Power: 62,000 brush movements/min
Why we love it
- Elongated brush head covers larger area of teeth when held in one spot
- Features useful and aesthetic 2-in-1 charger and toothbrush cup
- Leaves teeth feeling thoroughly cleaned
Take note
- A full charge can take up to 24 hours
The Philips sonicare 9400 toothbrush is a great all-rounder, combining a thorough clean, a thoughtful design and useful tech additions.
Why we love it
It has settings to suit everyone. It has four cleaning modes: a standard clean, a whitening function (which feels slightly more powerful), a gentle gum health setting and a deep clean (the most intense). As for the intensity levels, I loved the strongest setting and found combining it with the deep clean mode left my teeth feeling squeaky clean. Dr Felici corroborated my testing, noting that “the cleaning performance is very strong”.
You can change modes and intensities on the handle. Unlike Philips’s other premium models, where you’ll need to use the app to switch between modes, you can use the handle to navigate between settings, making it an easier brushing experience. For anyone with sensitive teeth, for example, you’d need to lower the intensity setting to one (this is done by pressing the mode button while brushing) and use the gum health mode (which you can access by pressing the mode button when the brush is lit up, but not actively pulsing).
The light-up pressure sensor sits perfectly within your eye line. Designed to minimise gum abrasion, the pressure sensor is positioned at the base of the handle and lights up when you need to ease up. By comparison, the brush head itself lit up on other models I tested, which was almost impossible to see.
The app is easy to navigate. It taught me that I neglect the inside of my teeth, favouring the outer, more visible surface and as Dr Felici notes, it is “excellent for patients who like data and real-time coaching”.
The brushing action feels superior to competitors. Overall, the Philips sonicare 9400 delivered a deeper, more thorough clean than Oral-B’s oscillating action – and I say that as someone who really likes the Oral-B devices. It delivered on my testing criteria, making it an easy recommendation.
Take note
It takes 24 hours to reach full charge. The first charge out of the packaging was tedious. But the two-in-one holder and dock prevent the need for a full charge going forward.
Buy now £399.99, Amazon.co.uk
Oral-B iO3
Best: dentist-recommended electric toothbrush
Battery life: Not disclosed, but our tests found it lasts for approx. 14 days of twice-daily brushing
App connectivity: No
Replacement head cost: Around £6
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Daily clean, sensitive, whiten
Power: 8,800-10,500 movements per minute
Why we love it
- Level of clean achieved rivals the most expensive Oral B models
- Reasonably priced
- Pressure sensor gives light-up feedback, which is easy to spot while brushing
Take note
- Battery life isn’t as impressive as the cheaper iO2
Oral-B’s iO3 electric toothbrush is the best dentist-recommended toothbrush after both Dr Felici and Dr Imran praised it. According to Dr Felici, it “strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality. It includes pressure sensors and a timer, which are two of the most important features I look for.”
Why we love it
It offers high-tech performance at an accessible price. After testing, I found its cleaning abilities to be comparable to the Oral-B iO10, without costing £800. At the other end of the spectrum, the iO3 is only slightly more expensive than the iO2, but I found it provided a noticeably smoother brushing experience.
It leans on all your senses to ensure a thorough clean. It vibrates when you should move to another section of your mouth (standard across the iO range), which I appreciated. There’s also a pressure sensor (a light below where the brush head meets the handle) as a visual cue to ensure you don’t brush too hard or not enough. Another handy feature is that the mode button turns amber when it’s time to replace your brush head – a nudge I’m guilty of needing.
Take note
Extras like an LCD screen aren’t included. All of Oral-B’s premium brushes (iO6 and above) include this visually appealing feature, but I found I rarely used it, so it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.
The battery life is solid rather than standout. It lasts around two weeks on a single charge, but this feels in keeping with the £100-ish price.
Pricing can be misleading. I’d hold off paying the full £160, as it’s regularly discounted to £75 or less. I don’t love this as a marketing tactic, but as long as you’re in the know, you won’t be ripped off.
Read more: Best Oral-B electric toothbrushes, tried and tested
Buy now £75, Boots.com
Ordo sonic+ electric toothbrush
Best: budget electric toothbrush
Battery life: 80 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: No
Replacement head cost: Around £5
Pressure sensor: No
Cleaning modes: Clean, white, sensitive, massage
Power: 40,000 movements per minute
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Long-lasting battery life, especially for price
- Silicone polisher leaves teeth feeling fuzz-free and thoroughly cleaned
Take note
- No pressure sensor
- Not all modes suitable for sensitive teeth
The Ordo sonic+ is the best budget electric toothbrush I tested. It’s a fuss-free, affordable model that provides a thorough clean, thanks to four brushing modes and a built-in timer.
Why we love it
It’s affordable, but doesn’t compromise on smart features. As Dr Imran notes, it’s “a good value, well-designed sonic brush with four modes, a built-in two-minute timer and four weeks of battery life.” The brush also encourages you to move the brush around your mouth, pulsing every 30 seconds – a useful, if not analogue touch in lieu of an app.
There are four brushing modes. Depending on your needs (from gum care to plaque removal), you can choose clean, white, massage or sensitive modes, which vary the intensity and focus of the brush movements. I favoured the massage and sensitive settings as the whitening and clean modes were too aggressive for my sensitive gums.
Take note
There is no pressure sensor. As Dr Imran says, “if you suffer from gum recession, you’ll need to be mindful and keep the pressure light”.
There is no app connectivity or advanced sensors. Although it may lack some of the technology found in more expensive models, the long battery life and easy-to-use features make it a practical upgrade from a basic toothbrush.
Tested by senior shopping writer, Daisy Lester
Buy now £59.99, Argos.co.uk
Philips sonicare 7100
Best: for sensitive teeth and gums
Battery life: 42 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £6
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Clean, white, sensitive, gum health
Power: 62,000 movements per minute
Why we love it
- Plenty of customisation options
- Useful app feedback on pressure while brushing
- Great battery life
Take note
- Could take or leave the app
Following a brief interlude with Suri’s viral toothbrush – which I controversially didn’t get along with (it’s style over substance) – I found the Philips sonicare 7100 to be the best electric toothbrush for sensitive gums and teeth. As someone who suffers from gum sensitivities, I found it delivers an impressive cleaning performance with a handful of smart features that don’t overcomplicate the simple task of brushing your teeth.
Why we love it
It’s the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums. Approved by Dr Imran, who said it’s a “very safe, gum-friendly pick” thanks to the “visual pressure sensor and multiple modes and intensities”. I’ve found that the low-intensity setting and gum health mode both perform well on my sensitive gums, and I have experienced no irritation. The built-in pressure sensor is also useful as it alerts you and reduces power when you press too hard.
It has four brushing modes: clean, white, gum health and sensitive. My favourite is the gum health for a gentle everyday clean, which runs for a total of three minutes, allowing time for both a thorough clean and extra focus on your gum line. There are also three intensity levels – the lowest setting was my preferred mode, providing a softer brush that still leaves my teeth feeling thoroughly clean.
It has excellent battery life. On a full charge, it lasted me well over a month, meaning it rarely needs to sit on its charging stand. This is particularly beneficial when travelling.
Take note
The app connectivity makes it feel premium, but it’s not necessary. I didn’t find the app overly helpful for a thorough clean – the main tech benefits come from the toothbrush itself – but I did appreciate the reminders on when to replace the brush head.
It’s expensive. Costing £350, there’s no denying the toothbrush is an investment. If you’re not concerned with apps or extensive functionality, it might not be the model for you – cheaper toothbrushes offer the same four basic modes. Saying that, the Philips model is nearly always on sale for less.
Buy now £329.99, Boots.com
Oral-B iO10
Best: AI-integrated electric toothbrush
Battery life: 28 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £6
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Daily clean, sensitive, whiten, gum care, intense, smart adapt, and tongue cleaner
Power: 8,800-10,500 movements per minute
Why we love it
- Attractive design
- Brushing feedback shows on charging dock, removing the need to rely on the app
- Smart adapt setting slows oscillations and vibrations to protect your gums
Take note
- Ludicrously expensive at full price (though it’s almost never on sale for that amount)
The Oral-B iO10 is a good example of AI technology that’s both clever on paper and in practice. Brushing feedback is brought from the app onto the magnetic charging dock to encourage consistent use (which also doubles as a clock – a surprisingly handy addition in my bathroom).
Why we love it
The AI feedback improves your routine in a way that feels realistic and easy to action at 6am. Unlike with the advanced Philips models, brushing feedback isn’t confined to an overly complicated app (though there’s still an app if you prefer). Instead, six blue bars circle the magnetic charging base, gradually turning white as you brush your way around your mouth. Keeping an eye on the dock might not be perfect either, but it’s certainly more practical. After each session, my teeth felt impressively clean.
It takes the guesswork out of pressure control. Oral-B’s smart adapt setting automatically reduces the brush’s intensity if you apply too much pressure. It caught me off guard at first with the vibrations feeling gentler than my usual toothbrush, the iO7. As it turns out, the iO10 was simply dialling things back to prevent the gum damage I was mindlessly inflicting.
It has thoughtful details for specific oral concerns. As someone overly conscious of bad breath, I particularly appreciated the dedicated tongue-cleaning mode.
Take note
The price feels hard to overlook. Ultimately, £800 for a toothbrush feels exorbitant, even for something this well-engineered. That said, it rarely sells at that price. The iO10 is one of the more expensive options, but the inflated RRP is somewhat misleading as I’ve seen it listed from £300 to £400, which is certainly easier to swallow.
Anyone with time constraints won’t be able to take full advantage of the features. The AI-driven brushing feedback occasionally advises longer brushing sessions (in response to the effectiveness of your clean), so anyone familiar with the chaos of a rushed school run might not glean its full value.
Buy now £300, Boots.com
Oral-B iO kids
Best: electric toothbrush for kids
Battery life: 28 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £6.50
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Super sensitive, sensitive, daily clean
Power: 8,800-10,500 movements per minute
Why we love it
- Musical alarm after two-minutes is a brushing incentive for little ones
- Oscillation mimics manual back and forth motion of parents brushing, while giving kids independence
- Disney Stitch design brings playful element to tooth brushing time
Take note
- Quadpacer vibrations are hard for parents to hear
- Would benefit from a wider base to prevent tipping (if not using charger base by sink)
- Replacement heads are expensive
The Oral-B iO kids electric toothbrush is an excellent first foray in powered brushing, giving kids an incentive to keep cleaning and parents just enough feedback to keep them in the loop.
Why we love it
The cheerful alarm and Disney’s magic timer app give kids an incentive to brush their teeth. My six-year-old niece was delighted to bring Disney’s Stitch into her brushing routine, and even more so when the Oral-B iO kids electric toothbrush rewarded her with an upbeat melody after two minutes. The Oral-B magic timer app also turns brushing into a game, unlocking characters and rewards the longer your little one sticks with it. This is an essential feature, as it helps “to keep them brushing long enough”, says Dr Imran.
It’s six-year-old approved. In my niece’s words, she liked “that it has Stitch because he’s [her] favourite” and enjoyed how the “fast” oscillations felt similar to how her dad brushes her teeth with a manual brush, while giving her a sense of independence. But you will “still need an adult to supervise technique until they have good enough manual dexterity”, says Dr Imran.
The settings take into account the mistakes children are likely to make. “The iO kids toothbrush is a solid kids brush (for children aged six and above) because it has a kid-friendly sensitive mode,” says Dr Imran. It also has one standout feature that similarly priced adult models lack. While the Oral-B iO3 electric toothbrush alerts users when they’re applying too much pressure, this version automatically adjusts oscillations if a child presses too hard, providing reassurance when dealing with sensitive gums and wobbly milk teeth.
Take note
Everything could be louder for parents to tune in. From a parent’s perspective, the vibrations are just about audible if you really strain, but increasing the volume would be helpful for parental guidance as kids move onto the next group of teeth. The end-of-brush tune could also be a touch louder, but there’s no doubt it helped encourage longer brushing sessions.
Brush heads are expensive, especially for parents with multiple children. While the brush is reasonably priced between £40 and £100, depending on promotions, replacement brush heads cost almost as much as the adult versions, which somewhat detracts from the appeal.
Tested by Aurelia, six years old
Read more: Best kids’ toothbrushes, tried and tested
Buy now £100, Argos.co.uk
Philips sonicare diamondclean 9900 prestige
Best: for app connectivity
Battery life: 28 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £8
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Clean, white+, gum health, sensitive, deep clean
Power: 62,000 brush movements/min
Why we love it
- Petite brush head makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach zones
- Feels like a hygienist-level clean
- Most aesthetic toothbrush
- Vibration guidance ensures a thorough clean
Take note
- Expensive both initially and for replacement heads
You don’t buy an electric toothbrush because it looks nice, but if that is your priority, the Philips 9900 prestige is a good choice. But beyond its looks, it’s a high-tech model that has an excellent app.
It provides excellent in-app cleaning feedback. It’s not realistic to bring your phone to every brushing session, but if halitosis (bad breath) or decay are concerns, the app’s 2D mouth mock-up is genuinely impressive. Gentle vibrations at 20-second intervals prompt you to move between six brushing zones, while on-screen visuals flag any areas you’ve missed. At the end of the two-minute clean, the optional TouchUp feature guides you back over any neglected teeth. “Due to the increased surface area of exposure of the bristles, it allows for more coverage of the tooth and brackets when cleaning. The narrow and slim elongated head is also useful to target those hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth (especially wisdom teeth,” adds Dr Imran. You can also log how often you floss, use mouthwash and clean your tongue in the app – although these extras will likely matter more to the hyper-diligent than the average brusher.
It dislodges bacteria and grime you won’t even be aware of. After use, my teeth had the same glossy feel you get after a hygienist appointment and, judging by how smooth everything felt, plaque I couldn’t see in the mirror (but was evidently there) must have shifted.
It produces much less mess than an Oral-B toothbrush. As someone who’s used an Oral-B iO-series toothbrush for more than three years, I was genuinely surprised by how different Philips’ sonic technology feels compared with Oral-B’s oscillating motion. It avoids the dreaded toothpaste dribble and, while the Philips brush head is technically larger, it felt easier to reach my wisdom teeth and molars.
Take note
It’s expensive both initially and for replacement brush heads. Costs can add up with Philips sonicare models, especially given the up-front cost of the 9900. If you’re looking to spend less, I’d recommend the Philips sonicare 9400 diamondclean smart if you can forgo the leather-style carry case and sensitive teeth settings.
Prices are moveable (and misleading). I often see this toothbrush drop to as little as £180. For some, this might be considered a positive, but I’m not overly keen on the deception.
Buy now £235, Amazon.co.uk
Foreo issa 4 hybrid silicone sonic toothbrush
Best: for receding gums
Battery life: 730 two-minute brushing sessions
App connectivity: Yes
Replacement head cost: Around £17
Pressure sensor: Yes
Cleaning modes: Deep clean, whitening, sensitive
Power: 11,000 movements per minute in whitening mode
Why we love it
- Incredible year-long battery life
- Silicone bristles are more hygienic than nylon
- Gentler than traditional electric toothbrushes
Take note
- Back and forth motion necessary
- Pulsations only really noticeable in whitening mode
From a brand better known for its LED facial devices, Foreo’s issa electric toothbrush range swaps traditional nylon bristles for silicone, making it the best electric toothbrush for receding gums.
Why we love it
Its silicone bristles are “proven to be more hygienic” than nylon. One brush head is expected to last for a generous six months. Dr Imran said he “would also expect them to retain their structural properties even after many weeks of usage, so they’ll continue to be gentle around the gums for months.”
The silicone bristles are gentler than nylon for sensitive teeth and gums. According to Dr Imran, this type of brush is more flexible, making it noticeably more gentle and “reduces the risk of excess abrasive forces when brushing,” which is what causes gum recession. The gentle bristles were immediately apparent in testing. The base level of force you can apply is far lower than with a nylon brush, be it manual or electric, so I felt in full control of the pressure on my teeth and gums. While the strongest setting (whitening) delivered a clean closer to what I’m used to, the sensitive mode was truly whisper-light.
Battery life is unrivalled. The brand promises up to 365 days of brushing from just one charge. While I didn’t put the Foreo Issa through a year of testing, I didn’t need to charge it once during my months of use.
Take note
It’s more like a manual toothbrush and doesn’t have the luxury gliding feel of most electric options. Rather than relying on oscillating or pulsating heads to do the work for you, it mirrors the motion of a manual brush. Unless I’ve been a bit overzealous with the flossing, I don’t typically struggle with sensitive gums, so I found the return to a manual-style back-and-forth motion slightly tedious.
The Foreo issa 4 toothbrush isn’t for you if your priority is an ultra-thorough clean. This toothbrush won’t obliterate every last trace of plaque. Rather, it’s an intervention for anyone dealing with sensitive, swollen or receding gums.
Buy now £89, Boots.com
Your electric toothbrush questions answered
What is the best electric toothbrush?
The Philips Sonicare 9400 diamondclean smart is the best electric toothbrush. My teeth felt noticeably cleaner, and my wisdom teeth were easy to clean and reach. Philips’ signature sonic pulses left my teeth feeling fresher than Oral-B’s oscillations, and at around £200 on promotion, this model – versus others from Philips – stood out for its thoughtful extras, such as its combined charger and sink holder.
For anyone on a budget, the Ordo Sonic+ also impressed with its excellent battery life, multiple modes and competitive 40,000 movements-per-minute clean. Meanwhile, the dentists’ pick is Oral-B’s iO3 electric toothbrush, which houses “two of the most important features” – a pressure sensor and timer – that Dr Felici looks for in a powered toothbrush.
What electric toothbrushes didn’t make the cut?
Colgate’s 360 slim sonic toothbrush didn’t quite measure up. While Dr Imran suggested it would “be fine as a budget option or if travelling light,” I found it delivered much the same level of clean as a standard manual brush, despite costing around £10 more.
I felt similarly about Oral-B’s iO2. Beyond its entry-level price point, it didn’t offer much to justify the spend. In my experience, savvy shoppers can often find the more advanced iO3 model for a similar price by keeping an eye out during sales periods. And without an alert to flag when you’re brushing too lightly, I found it harder to gauge the overall effectiveness of my brushing.
How I tested the best electric toothbrushes
I tested each toothbrush over several weeks as part of my day-to-day brushing routine, focusing on performance, value, aesthetics and usability. Specifically, I used the brushes in the following settings:
Is an electric toothbrush actually worth it?
“For many patients, yes,” claims Dr Felici, “Studies consistently show electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual brushing, particularly when patients struggle with technique.”
Is there a downside to an electric toothbrush?
“The ongoing cost of the heads on your wallet and the environment,” answers Dr Imran.
“Some people may brush too aggressively if they ignore pressure warnings; however, modern brushes are designed to minimise this risk,” adds Dr Felici.
What is the best electric toothbrush for gum disease?
“The Oral-B iO3 would be my pick,” says Dr Imran. “For gum disease, pressure control is essential,” states Dr Felici. “A brush with a visible pressure sensor and a gentle gum-care mode is ideal. Oscillating-rotating brushes such as the Oral-B iO range are particularly effective at plaque removal along the gumline, which is critical in managing gingivitis and periodontal disease,” adds Dr Imran.
Is an electric toothbrush better for periodontal disease?
“Yes, plaque is the biggest risk factor for periodontal disease and plaque control is proven to be better with an electric toothbrush,” says Dr Imran.
Dr Felici adds: “Electric brushes can provide more reliable cleaning for patients with reduced dexterity or established periodontal pockets.”
That said, Dr Imran stresses that “Periodontal disease requires multifactorial management, including professional ultrasonic cleaning, interdental aids and good lifestyle habits.”
Do electric toothbrushes cause gum recession?
“Electric toothbrushes do not cause gum recession when used correctly,” responds Dr Felici. “Gum recession is usually linked to excessive pressure or aggressive technique – which is why a pressure sensor is so important,” he details.
What is the 2-2-2 rule for brushing teeth?
“It’s a popular rule-of-thumb: brush twice a day for two minutes and see your dentist twice a year,” replies Dr Imran.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Having written reviews for IndyBest since July 2024, Lucy Smith has garnered a breadth of testing experience and ensures all the products that land a spot in her guide are genuinely worth your time and money. She’s reviewed the best teeth whitening kits and covered the launch of Oral-B’s iO10 electric toothbrush. What’s more, she’s been using an electric toothbrush personally since 2023 and has experienced tooth decay in the past – so she knows the value of a thorough clean.
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