Electric Toothbrushes: Ratings of Sources
Total of 22 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Toothbrushes
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentFifteen staffers at ConsumerReports.org test 10 electric toothbrushes for a week. Each toothbrush is evaluated for comfort, convenience, ease of use and overall plaque removal. Editors say that the more expensive brushes tend to perform better, but comfort levels vary with each brand. Some models may require an adjustment period to get used to using them.
Clinical Assessment of Extrinsic Stain Removal Efficacy with a New Pulsonic Toothbrush
by G.T. Terezhalmy, et al.
Our AssessmentThis study compares the stain removal efficacy of the Oral-B Pulsonic and Sonicare FlexCare. After randomly assigning subjects one of the toothbrushes, which was then used twice daily for two weeks, researchers find no significant difference in efficacy between the Pulsonic and the FlexCare. Both toothbrushes showed "highly effective stain removal efficacy."
Clinical Evaluations of Plaque Removal Efficacy: An Advanced Rotating-Oscillating Power Toothbrush Versus a Sonic Toothbrush
by A.R. Biesbrock, et al.
Our AssessmentThis clinical study with 98 subjects compares plaque removal of the Oral-B Triumph (renamed the ProfessionalCare SmartSeries 4000 and now the Professional Healthy Clean Precision 4000) and the Sonicare Elite 7300 (now discontinued). After one brushing, the Oral-B Triumph removes more plaque than the Sonicare brush. This study is sponsored by the Procter & Gamble Co., makers of Oral-B toothbrushes.
Plaque and Gingivitis Reduction Efficacy of an Advanced Pulsonic Toothbrush: A 4-Week Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial
by NC Sharma, et al.
Our AssessmentIn this clinical trial, 129 subjects with evidence of gingivitis were randomly assigned to brush twice a day for four weeks with either the Oral-B Pulsonic or an ADA reference toothbrush. Both toothbrushes significantly reduced gingivitis, bleeding and plaque, but the Pulsonic was statistically more effective -- by as much as 62.3 percent.
Impact of a Novel Power Toothbrush with SmartGuide Technology on Brushing Pressure and Thoroughness
by K. Janusz, et al.
Our AssessmentIn this study, the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide (renamed the Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Precision 5000) was found to significantly improve brushing technique over the Triumph without the SmartGuide. Subjects got a more thorough cleaning and were more likely to use appropriate force with the SmartGuide than without it.
Plaque Removal Efficacy of Children's Powered Toothbrush versus Manual Toothbrush
by A. Ghassemi, et al.
Our AssessmentIn this randomized, examiner-blind study, 105 participants -- ages 8 to 17 -- were assigned to brush with either a manual toothbrush or the Spinbrush Globrush for two weeks. Plaque levels were scored and the process was repeated with the alternate toothbrush. While both toothbrushes reduced plaque significantly, the Spinbrush Globrush was more effective than the manual brush at removing plaque. This study was sponsored by Church & Dwight Co. Inc. which manufactures the Spinbrush line.
Comparing Efficacy of Plaque Removal Using Professionally Applied Manual and Power Toothbrushes in 4- to 7-year-old Children
by M. Taschner, et al.
Our AssessmentIn this study, 68 children between the ages of 4 and 7 brushed (with professional assistance) with both the Philips Sonicare for Kids and a manual Oral-B toothbrush for children. Plaque scores were evaluated after one and two minutes of brushing. The Sonicare for Kids removed significantly more plaque than the manual toothbrushes after one brushing.
Comparative Plaque Removal Efficacy of a Dual-Action Power Toothbrush and a Manual Tooth: Effects by Tooth Type
by S. Farrell, et al.
Our AssessmentThis clinical study with 50 subjects tests the Crest Spinbrush Pro Clean against a manual toothbrush in plaque removal. After one brushing, the Crest Spinbrush Pro Clean removes more plaque than the manual brush. This study is sponsored by the Procter & Gamble Co., former makers of the Crest Spinbrush Pro Clean. (This toothbrush was subsequently acquired by the Church & Dwight Co. and is now branded Arm & Hammer.) Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety warning for this product: It may cause choking or serious injury.
Best Electric Toothbrushes
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping tests eight electric toothbrush models. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean, Oral-B ProfessionalCare SmartSeries 5000 and BrushPoint Oscillating Clean Power top the list. Few details of the test are provided, however. We do not know which toothbrushes are tested, in what way they are tested or how many people participate in the testing.
The Plaque Removal Efficacy of a Novel Power Brush Head
by N.C. Sharma, et al.
Our AssessmentSubjects in this clinical trial were randomly selected to brush with either a manual toothbrush or the Oral-B Vitality with Precision Clean brush head. Plaque was assessed before and after brushing. Both toothbrushes significantly reduced plaque, but the Oral-B Vitality removed 28.8 percent more plaque from the whole mouth than the manual toothbrush. The study only examines the results after a single brushing, and it isn't clear how many subjects participated.
Evaluation of User Preferences for Power Toothbrushes in Dental Professionals
by J. Defenbough, et al.
Our AssessmentPhilips Sonicare Flexcare and Oral-B Triumph toothbrushes were sent to 267 dental professionals for in-home use. The dental professionals were asked to use both toothbrushes for a two-week period and report feedback. Dental professionals, overall, prefer the Sonicare Flexcare to the Oral-B for its ease of use and ability to access hard-to-reach areas. Note: this evaluation was sponsored by Philips Oral Healthcare, the manufacturers of Philips Sonicare toothbrushes.
Which Electric Toothbrush is Best for You?
by Lynne Heckert, DDS, JD
Our AssessmentPennsylvania dentist Lynne Heckert discusses electric toothbrushes, saying two brands stand out: Sonicare and Oral-B. The dentist and her staff prefer the Oral-B ProfessionalCare SmartSeries. For Heckert, sonic brushes cause an uncomfortable "tickle/vibration." She adds, however, that all brushes work well and that what is best for you comes down to personal preference.
Oral-B's New Electric Experience: The Smartest Brush We've Ever Used
by Erik Sofge
Our AssessmentThis review of the Oral-B Triumph focuses on the brushing feedback shown on the LCD display. Erik Sofge calls this brush "the best, smartest toothbrush I've ever used," but he does not offer any details about how the brush feels in use or how well it cleans his teeth.
Review: Oral-B Pulsonic Toothbrush
by Cat Lincoln
Our AssessmentOn this fashion website, Cat Lincoln gives her impressions of the Oral-B Pulsonic toothbrush. She says that the brush is very slim and light. She also appreciates the two speeds, regular and sensitive. No other toothbrushes are mentioned in this review.
A Novel Oscillating-Rotating Power Toothbrush with SmartGuide: Designed for Enhanced Performance and Compliance
by Patricia A. Walters, et al.
Our AssessmentThis article cites the growing consensus that powered toothbrushes with a rotation-oscillation motion are the most effective in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis. The article singles out the Oral-B Triumph as an innovative product that has proven effective in teaching good brushing techniques and increasing brushing time.
Power Toothbrushes
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentAmazon.com lets consumers post opinions on many major brands of powered toothbrushes, but most of the toothbrushes listed get high ratings overall, making it hard to determine which is truly better. Some are reviewed more frequently, giving some insight into overall popularity. Sonicare models are reviewed most often, but the Oral-B Pulsonic and Oral-B Professional Care 1000 also earn high ratings from more than 250 reviewers each.
Power Toothbrushes
by Contributors to Drugstore.com
Our AssessmentMany of the power toothbrushes at Drugstore.com get near-perfect ratings, but some are reviewed more often than others. The Philips Sonicare Essence and Philips Sonicare FlexCare earn high overall ratings from more than 230 reviewers each. The Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ also does well in reviews.
Toothbrushes -- Electric
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Our AssessmentSeveral electric toothbrushes are listed for sale at Walmart.com, but most are reviewed only a few times. Sonicare toothbrushes are reviewed most often -- upward of 700 times -- and receive favorable ratings overall. Oral-B ProfessionalCare toothbrushes get good ratings as well, but they aren't reviewed as often.
Electric Toothbrushes
by Contributors to Target.com
Our AssessmentMost of the electric toothbrushes reviewed at Target.com receive above-average ratings, but most are reviewed only a few times. The Sonicare Essence 5300 and Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Precision 1000 each receive high ratings from 20 or more reviewers.
Comparison of Rotation/Oscillation and Sonic Power Toothbrushes on Plaque and Gingivitis for 10 Weeks
by K. Williams, et al.
Our AssessmentThis randomized study conducted with 171 subjects found a rotation-oscillation power toothbrush to be more effective than a sonic power toothbrush at reducing gingivitis. Both toothbrushes produced "statistically significantly lower plaque scores." The study was conducted over a 10-week period with subjects brushing with an assigned toothbrush twice a day. The specific toothbrushes used in the study are not reported.
Electric Toothbrush Review - Oral B versus Sonicare
by Matthew Jeschke
Our AssessmentIn this video review, Matthew Jeschke compares the Oral B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 to the Sonicare Flexcare. He says that both models work well, but he prefers the Sonicare because he likes the way it feels in his mouth. He says that the extras that come with the most expensive models aren't necessary. The best electric toothbrushes, he says, have a timer with 30-second intervals and a sensitive brushing mode.
Product Review: Philips Sonicare for Kids (Rachelle)
by "The411Mommas"
Our AssessmentIn this video review, Rachelle from The411Mommas describes the features of the Philips Sonicare for Kids. She says she hasn't used the toothbrush long enough to know long-term pros and cons -- like durability -- but she is pleased with the brush overall. She says the toothbrush is quiet and fun for kids to use. She compares it briefly to a Colgate battery-operated toothbrush and says the Sonicare is better-suited for kids because of its size. She also likes the soft bristles which are gentle on gums.