Best electric toothbrush for periodontal disease 2022

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Toothpaste squeezed onto best electric toothbrush

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We've tested some of the best electric toothbrushes available on the market today to help you choose the right brush for your needs. Electric toothbrushes are an easy way to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level, with the ability to remove around 20% more plaque, while reducing your risk of developing gingivitis by 11%. Not only that, some models offer personalized features and brushing analytics, meaning you can see which areas of your mouth you might be neglecting and rectify it, leading to better dental health overall. 

If you want a brighter, whiter smile then models like the Oral B Genius X offer a premium clean from a company that has been making electric toothbrushes for decades. If you're looking for a slightly more budget friendly option, then older models like the Oral B Pro 1000 carry a lower price point but still offer an excellent clean. What's more, you can pick up many of these models at a great discount over Black Friday weekend this month — and many retails already have early Black Friday sales on now. 

Whether this is your first electric toothbrush, or you're looking for a new model to try, our guide on how to use an electric toothbrush can help you to ensure you're making the most of your brushing experience. 

Electric toothbrush technology has advanced exponentially and now the best electric toothbrushes offer even more than a thorough brushing experience, with app-pairing technology, coaching and brushing data as well as a range of cleaning and pressure modes. You can completely tailor your brushing to your needs with all these options and keep track of any oral issues you may have.

We’ve rounded up some of the latest models in our guide to the best electric toothbrushes below, including both oscillating-rotating brushes and sonic brushes too. Looking for a child-friendly option? Check out the best electric toothbrushes for kids too.

Best electric toothbrushes we've tested

Oral B Genius X

(Image credit: Joanne Lewsley)

Our favorite electric toothbrush overall

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 2 weeks

Timer?: Yes

Modes: 6

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $19.99 for a pack of 4

Reasons to buy

+

Sleek and stylish design 

+

Actively improves technique 

+

Connectivity and smart features 

Reasons to avoid

-

Noisy in comparison with sonic models 

-

Some users report problems with the app 

The Oral-B Genius X is the ideal next-level toothbrush for anyone wanting to improve and maintain good dental hygiene. An interactive app tracks and monitors your brushing habits and patterns using A.I. technology, while extra features help users set oral hygiene goals with coaching tips and tricks. 

And if you’re not interested in using the app, there’s plenty to like about the Oral-B Genius X itself. Featuring six cleaning modes, including tongue cleaning, sensitive, whitening, gum care and pro cleaning alongside standard daily clean, this toothbrush delivers on oral hygiene with a powerful oscillating-rotating brush head. A sturdy travel case is included, with a charging travel case offered on some models.

Users who prefer a quieter brushing session may find the Oral-B Genius X a little noisy, given that it isn’t a sonic toothbrush. Operating at around 70 decibels, it’s similar to a dishwasher or washing machine. But for anyone who’s been advised by their hygienist to improve their brushing technique - it could be a game-changer. 

In our testing, we found daily cleaning mode and pro clean mode to be very similar, but pro clean had the edge when it came to that clean-mouth feeling after brushing. Gum care mode had a gently massaging, rhythmic oscillation that moved up and down in intensity, while 3D white mode echoed that sensation of having a polish at the dental hygienist. 

  • Read our full Oral B Genius X review (opens in new tab)

Oral B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush

(Image credit: Kasandra Brabaw)

Best low-cost electric toothbrush

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 1 week

Timer? : Yes

Modes: 1

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $12.99 for a pack of 8

Reasons to buy

+

Compatible with multiple Oral-B brush heads 

+

Built-in pressure sensor 

+

Affordable price point 

Reasons to avoid

-

Just one cleaning mode 

-

Can be noisy during operation 

One of Oral-B’s most popular electric toothbrushes, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a budget-friendly electric toothbrush that does away with all the bells and whistles of its hi-tech neighbors and simply cleans well. 

One cleaning mode is all you get with the Oral-B Pro 1000, so it’s just as well the price point is low. But if you’re after simplicity, it could be the right toothbrush for you. Simply turn on and brush, without worrying about which cleaning mode to try, or how to connect your handset to your phone.

Despite its simplicity, this toothbrush also includes some helpful features, such as a built-in pressure sensor that alerts you to when you’re brushing too hard, and a timer that helps you remember when to move to the next quadrant of your mouth. It also alerts you when you complete the recommended two minutes of brushing time. Just like the handset itself, replacement brush heads are also very affordable.

Given that most people tend to use just one or two cleaning modes on even the most sophisticated brushes, the Oral-B Pro 1000 clears away the confusion and focuses on delivering a powerful clean with its round cross-action brush head. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may find it just a little too powerful. And if you want a toothbrush that promises to whiten teeth, or massage gums, you’d be better looking elsewhere.

  • Read our full Oral B Pro 1000 review

Phillips sonicare diamondclean 9000

(Image credit: Mina Frost)

This electric toothbrush is easy to personalize

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 2 weeks

Timer? : Yes

Modes: 4

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $31.99 for a pack of 3

Reasons to buy

+

Personalized brushing experience 

+

Syncs mode to brush head 

+

Automatic pressure sensor 

Reasons to avoid

-

Limited color options 

-

Extra brush heads not included 

-

App is limited in functionality 

Sleek and stylish, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 features no less than 4 brushing modes - clean, white+, gum health and deep clean+. Each of these modes can be further tweaked to an intensity setting that suits you, giving you a wide range of brushing experiences to choose from. 

We felt a definite difference between clean/deep clean+, the latter leaving our teeth feeling cleaner. However, over a few cleans, we didn’t notice an enormous amount of difference between the other modes, except that Gum Health was a bit softer on the gums.

The DiamondClean 9000, like the Oral-B Genius, also comes with a free app to help you keep track of your oral hygiene and help you keep track of when you need replacement brush heads. You can even set up automatic re-ordering to keep your bathroom cabinet stocked up. 

However, where the Oral-B Genius app helps users actively improve their technique by identifying areas they’ve missed during brushing, the DiamondClean 9000 app simply charts your brushing activity, and how much pressure you apply during sessions. So unless you need to be reminded to brush your teeth every day, or to ease up on pressure while brushing, you might not get as much from the app as you’d like. 

A huge plus point for the DiamondClean is that it comes with its own USB-charging case, perfect for travel, or if you like to brush your teeth after lunch, at the office. Its high price point may be a deal-breaker for many users, but the DiamondClean 9000 has enough features to impress, with or without the app.

  • Read our full Philips Sonicare DiamonClean 9000 review (opens in new tab)

Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 review: image shows Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 at home

(Image credit: Future)

Best electric toothbrush with water flosser

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 1 week

Timer?: Yes

Modes: 3

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $22.77 for a pack of 3

Reasons to buy

+

Combines two devices in one 

+

Plenty of extra accessories 

+

Sleek and well-designed 

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires socket in bathroom 

-

No pressure sensor 

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 delivers two oral hygiene must-haves in one fell swoop, by combining a separate sonic toothbrush and water flosser in one compact device, making it cost-effective and space-saving. 

Offered with a host of extras, such as 5 water flosser tips, 2 brush heads, a storage case and travel case, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 also features 3 cleaning modes and a bevelled tongue-cleaning feature. 

We tested each of the cleaning modes in turn several times. General clean mode operates at a slightly lower frequency compared to whitening mode, which adds extra polishing to a brushing session during the recommended two minutes. Massage mode was the most impressive mode to use, providing a gentle massaging pulse to stimulate the gum area, while giving that ‘deep clean’ feeling. 

Designed to be plugged into a bathroom socket near a basin, it may not be right for everyone, and a lack of extra features may disappoint some users. But when it comes to value for money, you could do worse than investing in the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0, rather than shelling out separately for an electric toothbrush and a water flosser.

  • Read our full Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 review (opens in new tab)

Oral B IO Series 9

(Image credit: Mina Frost)

This model boasts an in-depth app that will allow you to track your brushing data

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 2 weeks

Timer? : Yes

Modes: 7

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $37.44 for a pack of 4

Reasons to buy

+

A.I. powered tracking app 

+

7 modes to choose from 

+

Charging travel case 

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive price point 

-

Refill toothbrush heads are costly 

Marketed as the ultimate clean electric toothbrush, the Oral-B iO Series 9 offers a truly personalized brushing experience. 

The Oral-B iO9 also features an in-built pressure sensor which flashes red when too much pressure is applied, white when brushing is too soft, and green when it’s just right, giving brushers the full Goldilocks experience when it comes to brushing. No less than 7 brushing modes include daily clean, sensitive, gum care, intense+, super sensitive, tongue clean and whiten. 

Apart from a change in intensity between the daily, intense+ and sensitive/super sensitive modes, we didn’t notice a huge amount of difference between the modes. As this reviewer has sensitive gums, the only suitable mode was super sensitive mode. Even gum care was very harsh on our gums, and left us with an uncomfortable tingly feeling. If you’re looking for a toothbrush with a good amount of pressure, this is the choice for you, but if you’re a bit sensitive, there might be better options out there. 

A smart, connected app completes the brushing experience, offering a 3D A.I. view during brushing to ensure no areas are missed out on. Users can also track brushing data and gum health over weeks, months, and years. 

Available in 3 colorways, rose quartz, white alabaster and black onyx, the handset also features a magnetic charger for easy docking. The handle powers up quickly too, with a full charge in just 3 hours. The Oral-B iO9 also comes with a handy travel case that doubles up as a charger, and a travel refill holder, although just one brush head is provided with the starter kit.

If you’re after a super smart, connected clean, with a brush that looks sleek and stylish on the bathroom shelf, the Oral-B iO Series 9 could be the perfect electric toothbrush for you. 

  • Read our full Oral B-io Series 9 review

Foreo ISSA 3 sonic toothbrush review: image shows Foreo ISSA 3 sonic toothbrush

(Image credit: Future)

This silicone electric toothbrush has an impressively long shelf life

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable

Battery life: 365 days

Timer?: Yes

Modes: 16 level settings

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $24.90 (lasts 6 months)

Reasons to buy

+

Sleek design 

+

365-day battery life 

+

Simple to use and control 

Reasons to avoid

-

Silicone brush takes some getting used to 

-

Users have to manually clean teeth 

-

No pressure sensor feature 

Sleek and stylish, the Foreo ISSA 3 has innovated the design of electric toothbrushes. With a curved ergonomic handle and a 365-day battery life, this 4-in-1 toothbrush is designed to clean the teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Made from bacteria-resistant silicone and using silicone bristles as well as thermoplastic bristles, this sonic electric toothbrush goes easy on gums while delivering a whole mouth ‘deep clean’ feel.

16 intensity settings allow users to set the level of cleaning, while an angled brush head and extended bristles let you access those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. A ridged panel at the back of the toothbrush head allows for cheek and tongue cleaning. 

Although we worked our way through the 16 levels of intensity, we tended to find that the highest level setting gave the best results, or results closest to that of a regular sonic toothbrush, while the lower levels were largely redundant. However, users with sensitive teeth or painful gums may prefer operating this toothbrush at a lower setting. 

While it might not have the extra features found in Philips and Oral B models, such as a pressure sensor or a sturdy travel case, the Foreo ISSA 3’s futuristic style will certainly give your bathroom shelfie the wow factor. And the 365-day battery life cuts down on energy, time and money. 

  • Read our full Foreo ISSA 3 sonic toothbrush review (opens in new tab)

hum by colgate electric toothbrush

(Image credit: Kasandra Brabaw)

This app-connected toothbrush has an attractive design and price

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable: Option of both

Battery life: 10 days

Timer? : Yes

Modes: 3

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $9.89 for a pack of 2

Reasons to buy

+

Fun, attractive design 

+

Smart, connected app 

+

Ergonomic handle 

Reasons to avoid

-

Battery model has just 2 modes and lower sonic vibrations per minute 

-

App only available in the U.S.  

This sonic toothbrush is Colgate’s answer to providing an accessible smart brush at a low price point. Users can choose from a rechargeable or battery-operated model and a range of colors, including blue, green, purple and black. The design differs slightly from the rechargeable to the battery models.

Featuring three brush modes, normal, sensitive and deep clean, the brush also has an in-built timer and an ergonomic handle, designed for comfort and accuracy while brushing. 

The toothbrush also connects to the smart Hum app by Colgate, which allows users to track their brushing progress, and target brushing to neglected areas, helping you to brush your best. You can even earn points towards rewards, which you can redeem in the app’s shop towards replacement brush heads.

A starter kit comes with a toothbrush handle and head, a charger, a convenient travel case and an extra brush head for up to six months of brushing. 

It took our tester just five hours to fully charge the battery, which is impressive given other brands can take over 20. However, the rechargeable toothbrush does hold less charge than some other electric toothbrushes, lasting only 10 days when others might last weeks or months between charges. If you were going on a long holiday, you would definitely need to pack the charger.

Based on its low price point and connected, smart features, we think you could spend a lot more cash on a toothbrush and still get the same experience. The Hum by Colgate is great value for money and fun to use.  

  • Read our full Hum by Colgate review

spotlight oral care sonic toothbrush

(Image credit: Alice Ball)

A straightforward option for those who want minimal fuss

Specifications

Battery/Rechargeable : Rechargeable

Battery life: 70 days

Timer?: Yes

Modes: 3

Cost of replacement heads: $30 for three

Reasons to buy

+

Three cleaning modes

+

Hygienist-like clean

+

Sleek and minimalistic design

Reasons to avoid

-

Noisy on highest mode

-

No Bluetooth connectivity 

-

Adapter required 

The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush is an affordable option for those switching from manual to electric for the first time. Designed by dentists, it uses sonic technology to mimic the gentle feel of a manual toothbrush with a deep-clean effect.

Although fairly basic, there is plenty to like about the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush. It's has an elegant, minimalistic design, available in three stylish colors - white, graphite grey and rose gold (and a limited edition Pride print) and three cleaning modes (sensitive, clean and white). A sturdy travel case is also included, as well as a charging dock. One drawback is that whilst this toothbrush is widely available in the US, the charging plug is designed for the UK, so you will need an adaptor in order to use it. However, the brush does come with an impressive three toothbrush heads, with replacements costing only $30 for a pack of three.

We worked our way through all three cleaning modes in our at-home testing. Whilst sensitive and clean gave good results, we tended to find that the highest setting - white - gave the best results. However, users with sensitive teeth or painful gums may prefer operating this toothbrush on the sensitive mode. We found the brush to be highly effective in removing plaque and discoloration, providing a clean finish that felt not too dissimilar to a deep clean you might receive at a hygienist - and all for an affordable price tag. 

  • Read our full Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush review

oclean x elite electric toothbrush

(Image credit: Lou Mudge)

The Oclean X Pro Elite is an app-aided, sleek-looking electric toothbrush that monitors your brushing

Specifications

Battery/Rechargable : Rechargeable

Battery life: One month

Timer?: Yes

Modes: Four

Warranty: 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $19.99 for 4 (8 and 10 packs available)

Reasons to buy

+

App and touchscreen allow insight into brushing, particularly useful for parents 

+

Sound-dampening tech for quiet brushing

+

Long battery life and fast charging time  

Reasons to avoid

-

Limited color options  

-

‘Tongue cleaner’ on back of brush-head isn’t effective  

-

No particular grip design 

The Oclean X Pro Elite electric toothbrush is a budget-friendly option for those who want to try out a sonic toothbrush. The sleek gray design will compliment any bathroom, and the built-in touch-screen gives users insight into their brushing time. The app offers a more in-depth analysis of brushing and also offers the option to monitor children’s brushing through ‘family mode’.

With 32 intensity levels and four brushing modes, you can find a setting that works for you whether you have sensitive teeth, or want a deep clean. The standard brushing time is set for two minutes, but you can change this if you want, with the touchscreen giving the option to customize the mode, duration and intensity from the brush itself. The Oclean app has a quiz to help you find the right brushing settings for your needs. We had ours on white mode, intensity four and set for three minutes of brushing time.

The charger is USB compatible, which makes it convenient for travel, and the battery life lasts over a month, taking just 3.5 hours to reach a full charge from empty – one of the fastest brushes we’ve tested.

  • Read our full Oclean X Pro Elite review

Oral-B iO Series 10

(Image credit: Alice Ball)

The newest, premium offering in the Oral-B iO series

Specifications

Battery/Rechargable : Wireless charging

Battery life: 2 weeks

Timer?: Yes

Modes: Seven

Warranty : 2 years

Cost of replacement heads: $37.44 for a pack of 4

Reasons to buy

+

Visible pressure sensor

+

Seven intelligent modes

+

Wireless fast charging

+

Quieter than predecessor

Reasons to avoid

-

High price point

-

Expensive head replacements

-

Limited travel case

The Oral-B iO Series 10 offers more features and smarts than any brush the brand has created before. As such, it comes with a premium price tag that makes it one of the most expensive brushes we've tested. Spending that extra does get you new features like fast wireless charging, quieter operating, and smart tracking features. But does this model justify that extra expense over the competition? 

If you're a committed user who takes advantage of the tracking features, this can give you the best possible teeth and gum care. The new base with live feedback removed the need to rely on a connected phone for live feedback as you brush, which makes it less fiddly.

The round, rotating head on this brush also vibrates at a micro level, giving it the ability to provide the best clean yet. Combined with the iO specific heads, along with seven cleaning modes, this brush should be able to keep even the most challenging of mouths up to the highest dental standards.

The case has a lovely slim design which is ideal for compact travel but it only holds one extra head. This may be a negative for some who want different types of heads on the go. There is that extra case for carrying these though, so we see this as well addressed by Oral-B. Also, the case charges using the proprietary charger, not using your phone charger cable, to get this juiced up on the go, which we thought was a useful feature.

  • Read our full Oral-B iO Series 10 review

How do we test electric toothbrushes?

All of the electric toothbrushes in this guide have been through the same testing protocol by the Live Science team. First, we run the toothbrush on its various settings and measure how loud it is with a decibel counter app. We then compare these results to other appliances and noise levels. We run and use the toothbrush on its different settings and modes, noting any differences in intensity and durations between settings. We test the charging process, including how long it takes to reach a full charge, and for the battery to deplete. Finally, we submerge each toothbrush underwater for the length of a brushing cycle to test its water resistance.  


How to choose an electric toothbrush

There are several factors to think about when choosing the best electric toothbrush, but it’s worth thinking about comfort first as, if you’re caring for your teeth correctly, you’re going to be using the device a lot, up to twice daily or more. Look for an ergonomic handle that sits nicely in the palm of your hand and offers a firm but comfortable grip.

A key factor for many users is battery life. If your electric toothbrush spends most of its life in a charging dock by your bathroom basin, then battery life is not much of a problem. But if you travel regularly, then you may benefit from an electric toothbrush with a long-lasting battery. Look for toothbrushes that carry an internal lithium battery, as these can often hold their charge for several weeks.

Many electric toothbrushes come with additional features, and while these can be great, the simplest features are often the best. These are pressure sensors which alert you when you press too hard on your gums or teeth, and automatic timers which can be set to ensure you clean your teeth for the recommended amount of time, usually 2-3 minutes.

More advanced options tend to boost additional cleaning models and Bluetooth app connectivity. How useful you find these apps depends on the individual user, but the smartest apps can map your mouth to provide real time feedback and encourage you to make sure you don’t neglect any areas of your mouth. Kids especially can enjoy that kind of interactivity ⁠— although they may prefer a slightly smaller model from our guide to the best electric toothbrushes for kids.

Electric toothbrushes usually come in two forms: oscillating and sonic. Oscillating toothbrushes have been around longer, and feature round brush heads that rotate at high speeds – anywhere between 2500 – 7500 BPM (brushes per minute) – to remove plaque and buff teeth to a shine.

Sonic electric toothbrushes feature brush heads that more closely resemble traditional manual toothbrushes but employ sonic technology that vibrates the head up to an incredible 60000 BPM for a truly thorough clean. That said, there is little evidence to support one method over another, so your choice could come down to whether you enjoy the slightly less intense oscillating brush head over the sonic brush.

Two electric toothbrush heads laying side by side

(Image credit: GettyImages)

How long do electric toothbrush heads last?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months. This is because the bristles on the toothbrush head wear out or break down through everyday use. If you don’t replace it, you may not get the most effective brushing experience and could be at risk of bleeding gums and plaque build-up. 

Some people may need to replace their toothbrush head sooner if the bristles are beginning to fray. The good news is, lots of brands like Oral-B allow you to buy toothbrush heads in bulk.

Joanne Lewsley is a UK-based freelance writer and editor, covering health and lifestyle news and features. She mainly creates evidence-based health and parenting content and has worked with a number of global sites, including BabyCentre UK, Medical News Today, Fit & Well, Top Ten Reviews, and Yahoo!

What type of toothbrush is best for periodontal disease?

Electric Toothbrushes are Proven to be the Best for Gum Health. A consistent oral care regimen can help keep gum disease from taking root. When looking for the best toothbrush for your gums, consider switching to an electric toothbrush.

Should you use an electric toothbrush if you have periodontal disease?

These spaces hold more bacteria, which compounds the problem. Fortunately, combatting gum disease is possible through daily oral hygiene. Brushing teeth, particularly with an electric toothbrush, minimizes the risk of gum damage.

What is the best electric toothbrush for gum recession?

Philips Sonicare HX6631/02 3 Series Gum Health Rechargeable. Buy it, $93. ... .
Waterpik Complete Care Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush. ... .
GUM 516 Technique Sensitive Care Toothbrush. ... .
Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. ... .
Oral-B Pro 6000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush. ... .
Radius Scuba Soft Bristles Toothbrush..

Is Oral

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean with Premium plaque control brush head (SPC) was statistically superior to the Oral-B 7000 with CrossAction brush head (OCA) in reducing gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding, and supragingival plaque following 14 and 42 days of home use.”