11 best electric toothbrushes: Whiter teeth in less time

Do you follow all your dentist’s instructions and still not see whiter, brighter teeth? The odds are that the best electric toothbrush will make a difference. With advances in dental technology such as sonic and oscillating bristles, each electric toothbrush has unique features designed to boost your oral hygiene.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end electric toothbrush with all the bells and whistles, here’s what to look for and which models to buy.

How to choose an electric toothbrush

An electric toothbrush is a long-term investment, unlike a regular toothbrush that you can replace immediately if you don’t like it. To make the right decision, know which features are most important for your convenience and oral hygiene.

Here are some key features to look for.

Brushing Technology

• Rotating vs. Sonic vs. Oscillating: Electric toothbrushes typically use one of these 3 technologies. Rotating brushes have circular brush head movements, sonic brushes use high-frequency vibrations, and oscillating brushes move in a back-and-forth motion. Choose based on personal preference and comfort.

Brush Head

• Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the brush head. It should be small enough to reach all areas of your mouth comfortably, including the back teeth.

• Replaceable Heads: Check if the toothbrush has easily replaceable brush heads. Dental professionals recommend changing brush heads every 3 to 4 months. Find out if replacement brush heads are readily available and reasonably priced.

Brushing Modes

Some electric toothbrushes offer multiple brushing modes, e.g., sensitive, whitening and massage. Choose a toothbrush that offers modes suited to your specific needs.

Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor is helpful to prevent excessive force during brushing. This feature can alert you if you’re applying too much pressure, which can lead to gum damage.

Battery Life

A longer battery life is convenient for travel and ensures that you won’t have to charge it frequently.

Charging System

Some electric toothbrushes come with charging stations, while others use USB charging or other methods. Choose a system that fits your lifestyle.

Water Resistance

You may be surprised to learn that not all electric toothbrushes are water-resistant. Buy a water-resistant or waterproof model, especially if you plan to use it in the shower.

Smart Features

Some electric toothbrushes come with Bluetooth connectivity and companion apps that provide feedback on your brushing habits. If you find these features valuable, consider a toothbrush with smart capabilities.

Cost

Consider your budget. While some high-end electric toothbrushes may have advanced features, there are also affordable options with good performance.

By considering these features, you can select an electric toothbrush that suits your specific dental needs and enhances your brushing routine. Remember to prioritise the features that are most important to you to make an informed choice.

11 best electric toothbrushes

With hundreds of models out there, it’s almost impossible to try and pick out just a single ‘best electric toothbrush’. Here are 11 models that we found are the most effective and give the best value for money, according to the criteria we listed above.

They are listed in no particular order.

1. PHILIPS Sonicare DiamondClean Smart H9362

With 5 brushing modes, a fully waterproof body and a very stylish glass charging cup, this is a well-rounded model for both looks and effectiveness at a good price.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean, polish, sensitive, whiten, gum care

• Charging: USB-C, inductive charging glass cup

• Water resistance: IPX7 full body – use in bath

• Others: 31,000rpm vibrating magnetic levitation motor, timer, colour-changing bristles, 14-day battery life

Buy from S$128 on Lazada  Shopee

2. PHILIPS Sonicare 9900 Prestige SenseIQ HX9992/22

The flagship electric toothbrush from PHILIPS senses pressure, motion and coverage 100 times per second to adjust itself in real time. The connected app shows you 3D mouth coverage, progress over time and other relevant info.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean, deep clean, sensitive, whiten, gum care

• Charging: USB-C

• Others: 62,000 brush movements/min, auto pressure & scrubbing adjust, live light indicators, 14-day battery life, with tongue brush & vegan leather case, connected app

Buy from S$499 on Lazada  Shopee

3. SOOCAS Spark MT1

So compact you could mistake it for a regular toothbrush, the Soocas Spark MT1 still brings to the table IPX8 water resistance in a lightweight aluminium alloy body for a low price that’s perfect for travel.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean, gentle

• Charging: USB-C

• Water resistance: IPX8

• Others: 30,000 brush movements/min, soft DuPont bristles, timer, light indicator, 40-day battery life

Buy from S$99 on Tangs  Shopee

4. Oral-B Genius 9000

The perfect electric toothbrush for travel, this slim model comes with a smart case that will simultaneously also charge your phone and act as a smartphone holder.

• Type: Rotating, Oscillating, Pulsing

• Modes: Clean, pro-clean, sensitive, whiten, gum care, tongue clean

• Charging: USB

• Others: Timer, auto pressure adjust, live light indicators, 14-day battery life, smart dual-use travel case, connected app

Buy from S$199 on Lazada  Shopee

5. Oral-B iO Series 9

The Oral-B iO Series 9 comes with A.I. integration that will track 16 separate zones in your mouth to ensure that you reach and clean every corner while also regulating pressure.

• Type: Oscillation and micro-vibration

• Modes: Daily clean, deep clean, intense clean, sensitive, super sensitive, whiten, gum care, tongue cleaner

• Charging: Magnetic charger

• Others: Interactive colour display, 3D teeth tracking with AI monitor, smart pressure sensor, timer, magnetic charger, Power2go travel case, refill case

Buy from S$459 on Lazada  Shopee

6. Oral-B iO Series 3

The Oral-B iO Series 3 is the younger brother of the Series 9 and brings all the essentials to the to make this a very affordable electric toothbrush from the industry leader.

• Type: Oscillation and micro-vibration

• Modes: Daily clean, sensitive, whiten

• Charging: USB

• Others: Timer, smart pressure sensor, live light indicators, 14-day battery life, smart dual-use travel case, connected app

Buy from S$129 on Lazada  Shopee

7. Oclean X Pro Elite

The Oclean X Pro Elite features some of the most advanced features of electric toothbrushes such as a colour LCD screen, water resistance, quiet motor and wireless quick charge for a fraction of the cost of the bigger names.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean, sensitive, whiten, gum care

• Charging: DC with wireless charging stand

• Water resistance: IPX7

• Others: 84,000 movements/min, timer, full-colour LCD touchscreen, quiet <45dB motor, 100+ customised brushing plans

Buy from S$104 on Lazada  Shopee

8. Fairywill P80 Electric Toothbrush

The tooth fairy leaves money under your pillow but this Fairywill toothbrush will help you save money with the 8 (!) toothbrush heads included in this kit.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean, sensitive, whiten, polish, gum care massage

• Charging: USB

• Water resistance: IPX7

• Others: 40,000 vibrations per minute, timer, pressure sensor, travel case

Buy from S$79 on Lazada 

9. Oral-B Pro 100 Cross Action

A basic electric toothbrush for a very basic price, the Oral-B Pro Cross Action is also the only model on our list that’s powered by removable batteries.

• Type: Oscillation

• Modes: Clean

• Charging: None, 2 AA batteries (included)

• Water resistance: IPX7

• Others: Timer, angled bristles

Buy from S$22 on Lazada  Shopee

10. Colgate ProClinical 250R

Another exceedingly simple model for an affordable price, Colgate’s ProClinical 250R is slim and lightweight, making it easy to use and simple to store.

• Type: Sonic

• Modes: Clean; tongue scraper on back of head

• Charging: DC with charging stand

• Others: 30,000 strokes per minute, timer, LED charge indicator, 30,000 brush strokes per minute

Buy from S$37 on Lazada

11. Waterpik Water Flosser

Okay, make that 10 electric toothbrushes and 1 advanced water flosser. Water flossing is the less abrasive option in dental hygiene for those with sensitivity, braces and other dental implants. This model does it best.

• Type: Water flosser

• Modes: Triple pressure flosser

• Charging: DC with magnetic charger

• Water resistance: Waterproof

• Others: LED battery indicator,360-degree rotation nozzle, easy fill reservoir, travel bag, tip storage case, 4 accessory tips

Buy from S$135 on Lazada  Shopee

Electric toothbrush vs. manual toothbrush: Which is better?

All other factors such as brushing time, brushing style and toothpaste type being equal, an electric toothbrush beats a manual one because it adds its own rotational or vibrational cleaning movements to your hand movements.

As the whole basis of cleaning teeth is the contact time and frequency of contact between bristles and teeth, this additional brushing motion gives electric toothbrushes the advantage. With new technological advances incorporated into these devices, it’s impossible for a regular toothbrush to catch up.

Where a regular toothbrush does beat out an electric toothbrush are dexterity and pressure control. Their slimmer shape helps you maintain a better grip and with no buzzing motor, you can control the pressure perfectly.

The last factor is price— an electric toothbrush is more expensive than a regular toothbrush. But are you okay with compromising your hygiene and even the cosmetic advantage of whiter teeth?

How to use an electric toothbrush effectively

Using an electric toothbrush may seem straightforward, but there are some essential tips to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device. Follow these steps for the best electric toothbrush usage:

1. Wet the bristles: Before applying toothpaste, wet the bristles of your electric toothbrush to soften them and improve the overall brushing experience.

2. Toothpaste: Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the bristles. Using too much toothpaste can lead to excessive foaming and may reduce the effectiveness of bristle movements.

3. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle: Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gum line. This helps ensure that both the bristles and the toothpaste reach the gum line and clean effectively.

4. Brush in small circular motions: Move the toothbrush in small circular motions, gently sweeping the bristles along the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Avoid pressing too hard and let the bristles should do the work for you.

5. Brush each quadrant for 30 seconds: Divide your mouth into 4 quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right) and spend 30 seconds on each quadrant. Many electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers to help you keep track of this.

6. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas: Electric toothbrushes excel at reaching difficult areas, such as the back molars and behind the teeth. Ensure you spend adequate time cleaning these areas to prevent plaque buildup.

7. Rinse and clean the toothbrush: After brushing, rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water to remove any residual toothpaste or debris. Gently shake off any excess water and store the toothbrush upright to allow it to air dry. A well-maintained electric toothbrush will provide better dental care and last longer.

By following these steps, you can maximise the effectiveness of your electric toothbrush and ensure a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Consistency and proper technique are key to maintaining optimal oral health.

Electric toothbrush maintenance and care tips

To ensure that your electric toothbrush continues to perform at its best, it’s essential to practice proper maintenance and care. Here are some tips to help you keep your toothbrush in optimal condition:

1. Rinse thoroughly: After each use, rinse the bristles of your electric toothbrush under running water to remove any toothpaste or debris. This helps prevent buildup and ensures a clean brush for the next use.

2. Store upright and allow to air dry: Store your electric toothbrush in an upright position to allow it to air dry. This prevents moisture buildup and the growth of bacteria or mould.

3. Avoid sharing toothbrushes: Sharing toothbrushes can lead to the transfer of bacteria and germs. It’s best to use your toothbrush exclusively and avoid sharing it with others.

4. Replace brush heads regularly: It’s important to replace the brush head of your electric toothbrush every 3 to 4 months (or sooner if the bristles become frayed). This ensures optimal cleaning and prevents the growth of bacteria. Many electric toothbrushes have fading bristle colours to help you keep track.

5. Clean the handle: Regularly clean the handle of your electric toothbrush using a damp cloth or antibacterial wipe. This helps remove any dirt or grime that may accumulate over time.

6. Keep away from water sources: Although most electric toothbrushes are designed to be water-resistant,  avoid submerging them in water or placing them near water sources when not in use.

By following these maintenance and care tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your electric toothbrush and maintain its optimal performance. Regular cleaning and replacement of brush heads are essential for effective oral hygiene.

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