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Here’s why you should make the switch to an electric toothbrush

Besides the obvious reason of not having to physically brush.

Photo of Marisa Losciale

Marisa Losciale

are electric toothbrushes better

For the sake of our dental hygiene, let’s clear something up: are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no but if it was, the answer would be yes.

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You see, as long as you take proper care of your pearly whites – brush twice a day, floss, use mouthwash, see the dentist, etc – You shouldn’t have many dental problems (if any at all). But, that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, some of us were born with weakened enamel and weirdly shaped teeth that seem to welcome cavities in every crevice. But even with the odds seemingly against our favor, passing a dental exam with flying colors doesn’t have to be a mere pipe dream–it’s actually as simple as switching your toothbrush.

ADA guidelines suggest that both manual and electric brushing practices prevent the same amount of cavities in theory. However, manual brushing can provide an opportunity for more mistakes. It’s easier to miss places, brush too hard, or not brush long enough—all of which lays a nice foundation for cavities and gum problems.

Most electric toothbrushes feature a spinning head that pulsates at a faster and more consistent rate than your arm could ever compete with. This is why automated brushes remove more plaque and fight cavities better than manual ones. Not to mention how much easier electric toothbrushes make reaching hard to clean places – especially for people who already have an issue with brushing.

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When it comes to upgrading your toothbrush, you’ll want to pick one that’s right for you (that’s not to say you should pass up on the fun gadgets like a water flosser). Listed below are some top-rated electric toothbrushes that won’t crack your budget.

Best electric toothbrushes on Amazon

1) Philips Sonicare Essence

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Amazon rating: 4.1 stars 

This rechargeable electric toothbrush features a timer, soft contoured bristles, a battery strong enough to last two weeks on a single charge, and patented sonic technology to gently remove plaque. Reaching up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute, this electric toothbrush removes up to two times more plaque than a manual one. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty.

Price: $34.99

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2) The KIPOZI Sonic electric toothbrush

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars

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With three different cleaning modes to choose from and reaching up to 40,000 strokes per minute, you can get that fresh, dentist-clean-feeling every day of the week. Additionally, this kit comes with three replacement heads and a USB charger that is guaranteed to give you enough juice to power through 30+ days of brushing.

Price: $23.95

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3) Oral-B Pro 7500

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars

Brushing your teeth is a personal experience, so why not get a toothbrush that customizes the experience to fit your needs? This rechargeable toothbrush does just that and more with five modes for you to choose from: Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening, and Pro Clean. Plus, the 3D Cleaning Action oscillates, rotates, and pulsates to break up and remove plaque better than manual brushing alone. And, it has even been awarded the ADA seal of acceptance.

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Price: $128+

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4) Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100

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Amazon rating: 4.4 stars

Unlike most other electric toothbrushes, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 features a built-in pressure sensor that lets you know if you’re brushing too hard. This is really helpful when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums! The QuadPacer lets you know when you’ve spent the right amount of time cleaning each part of the mouth, while the Smartimer tells you when you’ve brushed for the recommended amount of time. And when it comes to needing a charge or replacement head, your toothbrush will let you know with a warning light. It’s even been awarded the ADA seal of acceptance.

Price: $49.95

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5) Oral-B White Pro 1000

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars

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The Oral-B PRO 1000 features the CrossAction brush head, which is specially designed for a tooth-by-tooth clean, and its CrissCross bristles are angled so they’re able to reach deep between teeth to lift plaque along the gumline. This brush even features a timer to let you know when it’s time to clean a different quadrant, and it’ll signal you when you’ve reached the recommended brushing time of two minutes. Additionally, this toothbrush has also received the ADA seal of acceptance.

I actually purchased this toothbrush about a year or so ago and ever since, I’ve had fewer cavities, stains, bouts of gingivitis (thanks, birth control), and better dental checkups overall! 

Price: $39.94+ (regularly $49.94)

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