It’s Time to Upgrade Your Toothbrush

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Toothbrush

The best electric toothbrushes will power wash your mouth

Best electric toothbrushes in 2024
Best electric toothbrushes in 2024

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.

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The Best
Electric Toothbrushes
in 2024

Valet. editor's pick
Valet. editor's pick

The Editor’s Pick

We didn't think the small, round brush head could do as much as a standard brush, but we were wrong. Because the unique angled bristles oscillate, rotate and pulsate, they're able tackle hard-to-reach places—breaking up and removing 300% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Your teeth 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.

Notable Features

Two-minute brush timer, low battery alert and pressure sensor

Affordable replacement brush heads

ADA seal of acceptance

Pro 1000 toothbrush,
$65.99 / $45.99 by Oral-B

Best for
Gum Health

If you've been told by your dentist or hygienist that you brush too hard, or that your gums are receding, consider this model. It's designed to keep you from pressing too hard with a built-in pressure sensor. A "gum care" mode is gentle yet effective at utilizing the sonic vibrations to recirculate foam and water between the teeth and along the gum line. A handy "brush head replacement reminder" will also keep bacteria and other germs away.

Notable Features

Sleek, ergonomic design

Quiet operation and vibrations

Expensive replacement brush heads

ProtectiveClean 5100 Gum Health toothbrush,
$99.96 by Philips Sonicare

No-Nonsense Brush

This brush may not have the name recognition of some of the other brands, but that's because the customizable sonic brush is marketed to dentists, and many sell it directly to their patients. That's how we heard about it. The kit comes with five soft brush heads (and multiple power modes) to help you tailor the settings to your needs. There's no pressure sensor but there is a built-in timer.

Notable Features

Large brush head with soft, DuPont Tynex filament bristles

The battery will last over a month between charging

ADA seal of acceptance

VarioSonic Smart toothbrush,
$89.99 by Pro-Sys

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Brush/Water
Flosser Hybrid

Why have a separate electric toothbrush and a water flosser, when this two-in-one model combines the best of both devices? There are three functions—brushing, flossing and both—with two brush speeds. Compared to standard flossing, water flossing can be easier and more effective, especially for those with certain dental work, like braces or implants.

Notable Features

The rechargeable handle charges in the base

Set includes two flossing brush heads, brush head covers and travel case

ADA seal of acceptance

Sonic-Fusion 2.0 toothbrush combo,
$199.99 / $179.99 by Waterpik

Best for Travel

This is a basic, yet powerful, brush made by a well-respected brand. A lot of the research and development that goes into the high-end Sonicare brushes made its way into this one. The vibrations aren't sonic-level, but provide a thorough cleaning. But the best part is the lightweight body and slim profile. It's not much bigger than a standard toothbrush. Plus, when you're traveling, just flip the brush with its head down and pop it into the case. The top flap closes and it's protected and ready to go.

Notable Features

Streamlined travel case

Micro vibrations make for quiet, gentle operation

Long-lasting battery with a sleek USB charger

Sonicare One toothbrush,
$39.99 / $29.96 by Philips Sonicare

Best Subscription

If you like things sleek and minimal, or you don't want to have to worry about remembering when to replace your brush heads, you won't find a better brush than the stylish Quip. Available in both a rotary or standard brush style, the slim brushes offer timed sonic vibrations in a sleek package. Plus, the travel cover doubles as mirror mount. And every three months, a new brush head is delivered right to your door.

Notable Features

Minimalist design

Uses (included) AAA batteries

ADA seal of acceptance

Sonic toothbrush,
from $30 / $25.50 by Quip

Opalescence Opal whitening toothpaste

A Safe Way
to Whiten Teeth

This isn't your typical whitening toothpaste. Instead of using peroxide, the dentist-recommended gel removes surface stains by scrubbing them away with natural silica. It's highly effective but not dangerously abrasive. In fact, you can safely use it every day and the end result isn't just brighter, whiter teeth but smooth, clean-feeling teeth like just after a professional cleaning.

$38 / $34.20
(for a three-pack) by Opal

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