The Best Toothbrushes
If you've been using the same grubby toothbrush for months and months on end, it's probably time to invest in a new one. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or even sooner if the bristles are frayed. That being said, when it's time to get a new brush, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the wide range of options available. Most dentists will tell you to switch to an electric toothbrush if you haven't already, although there are plenty of good manual toothbrush brands, too. In the end, it's your brushing technique (and frequency) that truly matters. Regardless of which type of brush you prefer, you're bound to find a new favorite on our list.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best toothbrushes are user-friendly, reliable, and give your teeth a thorough scrub. That’s why Oral-B’s electric brush is our top pick. It claims to remove 300% more plaque than a standard toothbrush, so it’s no wonder why dentists have been recommending this model for years. However, if you’d prefer a manual toothbrush, you can’t go wrong with Nuve Dent’s bamboo option. It’s sustainably sourced and infused with charcoal for whiter teeth. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite picks.
Oral-B White Pro Electric Toothbrush
There’s no doubt about it: This Oral-B brush removes plaque more thoroughly and efficiently than any other. The brush head rotates 44,000 times per minute (whoa), which offers a seriously deep clean, breaking up and sweeping away plaque before it becomes a problem. All of the other dentist-recommended features are there, too: a built-in timer (which pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when to switch areas of the mouth), a pressure sensor, and soft bristles that are angled at 16 degrees. All in all, this brush reigns supreme: Don’t be surprised if you get a gold star from your dentist at your next cleaning.
Pros:
- Super effective at cleaning away plaque, thanks to the powerful brush head speed.
- Has every single feature recommended by dentists, including soft bristles, a timer, a pressure sensor, and superb 3D cleaning action.
Cons:
- It’s definitely on the pricey side.
Nuva Dent Reusable Bamboo Toothbrush
Green and clean
Green-ify your dental routine: The Nuva Dent Reusable Bamboo Toothbrush is fully biodegradable and made from sustainably sourced bamboo, so there’s no need to purchase single-use plastic ever again. It’s also highly effective at deep-cleaning your teeth, with extra-soft, charcoal-infused nylon bristles that massage your gums and help to whiten your teeth.
Pros:
- Made from biodegradable bamboo.
- Lightweight, durable design.
- Super-soft bristles that massage gums, whiten teeth, and provide a deep clean.
Cons:
- It’s a tad too bulky for smaller mouths.
AquaSonic Black Series Ultra-Whitening Toothbrush
Shine those pearls
Are you feeling self-conscious about your brown, discolored teeth? The AquaSonic Ultra-Whitening Toothbrush can help. This sleekly designed brush features an ultra-powerful motor that produces 40,000 vibrations per minute, removing 10x more plaque along the gum line than a manual toothbrush. The brush’s whitening mode sets it apart: This mode actually helps whiten teeth by using inverted frequencies to totally dissolve surface stains. Conveniently, this brush also comes with eight brush heads and a travel case.
Pros:
- If you want whiter teeth, this is the brush for you: The whitening mode is highly effective at dissolving stains and removing plaque.
- Has a bevy of hi-tech features, like a four-mode operation, smart vibration timer, eight brush heads and bristles, and a custom travel case.
- Top-rated waterproof design.
Cons:
- Noisy when compared to other brushes.
Oral-B Genius Pro Electric Toothbrush
The Oral-B Genius brush may be expensive, but you get what you pay for. It’s excellent quality, with cutting-edge features: This tech-savvy brush pairs with your smartphone to enable facial recognition to help you know where you’ve brushed, so you never miss a spot. In addition, the pressure sensor technology automatically slows the brush speed and alerts you to protect your gums from over-brushing. There are also six cleaning modes so that you can brush based on your specific needs. And, with a lithium-ion battery that lasts two full weeks on a single charge, the Genius brush has a longer-lasting charge than most other brushes.
Pros:
- The hi-tech features don’t stop: there are six different cleaning modes, a customizable Smart Ring that provides real-time coaching on brushing, smart facial recognition, and specialized pressure sensor technology.
- Comes with a smart travel case so you can charge your brush and your phone simultaneously.
Cons:
- The decadent price tag.
Doctor Plotka’s Silver Flossing Toothbrush
A deep clean
Though brushing alone can’t replace flossing, you can get as close as possible with this Doctor Plotka’s brush. This effective, antibacterial flossing brush naturally eliminates bacteria, with long, soft bristles that effortlessly remove plaque, preventing tartar buildup and cavities. The ergonomic grip handle is a plus, too.
Pros:
- Because of this brush’s ability to eliminate bacteria, it’s like using a sterile brush every time.
- Bristles are long, thin, and soft (as close to floss as possible), thus awesome at removing plaque.
- Comfy handle.
Cons:
- Your gums might be slightly sore after the first few uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose the right toothbrush?
The best way to choose a toothbrush is to ask your dentist for a recommendation. Beyond that, you should take the size and bristle variety into consideration when selecting the best brush: For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush is best, and in terms of size, you should make sure that the toothbrush head allows you easy access to all surfaces of your teeth.
Should I buy an electric toothbrush or a manual one?
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at cleaning teeth, provided you use the proper technique. However, an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier, which could result in more effective plaque removal. Most dentists will recommend switching to an electric brush for this reason.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
You should replace your brush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed and damaged.
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