Is there anything more important than oral hygiene? When it comes to how you look and feel, a clean, fresh and bright smile might be the main confidence booster. And it all boils down to the tools you use. Of course, a toothbrush is a very personal decision. Do you prefer a classic brush that costs a few bucks at your local drugstore? Or would you rather invest in an electric option that does some of the dirty work for you? That's a trick question. Of course you want an electric toothbrush. This is 2018 and the brushes now are a marvel of technical innovation.
According the American Dental Association, both the electric and standard work equally well to clean your teeth. But the powered brushes can really help you be a better brusher and ditch some of those hard-to-break habits such as not brushing long enough, not covering your whole mouth equally or pressing too hard against your gums. We did our research and consulted some top dental professionals for the best options to elevate the business of your daily brushing.
The
Sonicare DiamondClean Smart
Sonicare DiamondClean Smart
Celebrity cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman says this brush "is the gold standard I always recommend." John Comisi, a New York-based dentist, says that you should think of your toothbrush like a car—everyone has different tastes and needs. But this is the one he uses himself. "Personally, I like its small diameter toothbrush head," he says. "Plus, it comes with a very convenient travel charging case." What we appreciate about it are the various power settings and the Bluetooth connected sensors that send info on your brushing habits to an app where you can see how you might improve your technique.
$229.99 / $163.99
by Philips Sonicare
For
Lazy
Brushers
Foreo Issa 2
Foreo Issa 2
Innovative and ergonomic, this Swedish-designed toothbrush is a breakthrough in battery-operated toothbrushes, according to Gregg Lituchy, a dentist at New York's Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor. It features a hybrid silicone brush, which the company claims is 35 times more hygienic than standard bristles. The head only needs to be replaced once a year and the charge lasts between six to nine months. The adjustable eight-speed pulsations are pre-timed for the recommended two minutes, allowing it to efficiently clean between teeth while the gentle pulsing stimulates blood flow to improve gum health.
$169
by Foreo
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For
Design
Lovers
Quip
Quip
If you like things sleek and minimal, you won't find a better brush than the stylish Quip. What's more, it boasts the distinction of being one of the first electric brushes approved by the American Dental Association. We appreciate this Apple-like brush for more than just its looks though. It takes all the tedium out of oral care. The built-in timer ensures you brush each quadrant of your mouth adequately. Plus, Quip's subscription service will send you new brush heads (and even a supply of toothpaste) every three months, so you don't have to remember when to replace them.
From $30
by Quip
For
Sensitive
Mouths
Rotadent
Rotadent
Kourosh Maddhi, a Beverly Hill-based cosmetic dentist, often recommends Rotadent to patients. According to Maddhi, the brush's circular head has very soft bristles, thus minimizing damage to the gum. The bristles are actually "microfilaments," 4,577 of them to be exact, and they're a third thinner than traditional toothbrush bristles. This allows them to polish teeth better and get below the gumline without irritation. It's also recommended for patients with orthodontics or implants. While it's typically only available through a dental provider, you can find discontinued models online.
$124.99
by Rotadent
For
Hard
Brushers
Pro 1000 CrossAction
Pro 1000 CrossAction
If you've been told by your dentist or hygienist that you brush too hard, consider this model. The small, round brush head keeps you from pressing too hard and a built-in pressure sensor stops the pulsation movement if you happen to apply too much pressure. And because the unique angled bristles oscillate, rotate and pulsate to break up and remove 300% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush, your teeth will instantly feel smooth and clean. There's also a helpful in-handle timer that pulses every 30 seconds to signal that it's time to move to a different part of your mouth.
$65.99 / $49.94
by Oral-B
Move Over Marvis
The latest buzzed about luxury toothpaste is the imperial looking Theodent 300 Whitening Crystal Mint. Why is this celebrity favorite so damn expensive? The main ingredient is Rennou, a patented mineral derived from cacau, that can make your enamel twice as strong as traditional flouride can.
$99.99 by Theodent