Review of the best electric toothbrushes in the UK 2024

The market now offers a huge selection of electric toothbrush models. Basically, however, they can all be divided into the following three groups: 👇🏻

Oscillating-rotating toothbrushes

They are equipped with round brush heads.

Each tooth is cleaned individually with rotating movements. The bristles swivel back and forth at high speed. The number of rotations a toothbrush can make per minute varies.

On average, there are about 9,000 movements per minute.

With rotating-oscillating models, a distinction is often made between 2D and 3D technology.

While 2D models rotate and oscillate, 3D toothbrushes also vibrate.

These electric toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque.

A toothbrush with optical pressure control is designed to prevent tooth enamel or gums from being damaged by too much pressure. 😊

Sonic toothbrushes

Electric sonic toothbrushes look more like normal manual toothbrushes in terms of the brush head.

They do not work with rotations, but with vibrations.

On average, sonic toothbrushes create tens of thousands of vibrating pulses per minute.

Sonic brushes are generally slightly more expensive.

Ultrasonic toothbrushes

Ultrasonic toothbrushes are often confused with sonic toothbrushes, but they certainly differ. A normal sonic toothbrush works in a frequency range of around 250 hertz. The ultrasonic version works in an ultrasonic frequency range of more than 20,000 hertz.

This type of electric toothbrush works quite differently to the other two. Ultrasonic brushes are also much harder to find on the market in comparison. 💁🏻

We have already mentioned that electric toothbrushes clean in different ways.

But which cleaning method is actually best for you? 🧐

Before we get into it: Whether oscillating-rotating or sonic, electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes. They remove more plaque and provide noticeably cleaner teeth.

The right brushing technique for rotating toothbrushes

Rotating electric toothbrushes with their round brush heads often take some getting used to if you have previously only used conventional manual toothbrushes. They clean with a high speed and fast, pulsating movements. 🙌🏻

The brushing technique with a rotating or oscillating brush also requires some getting used to.

The following video shows in detail how to do it properly: 👇

So a little more patience is needed here.

Using sonic toothbrushes

If you want to make the transition from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush as easy as possible, a sonic toothbrush will serve you well. With its oval brush head, its shape is more reminiscent of the good old manual toothbrush. 👏🏻

A larger surface is covered and you don't have to change your brushing technique too much.

Sonic toothbrushes also perform around a thousand times more brushing movements than a manual brush. The fast movements even remove stubborn plaque at the gum line.

Differences between rotating and sonic toothbrushes

Sonic and rotating toothbrushes are not that different. They do have some things in common and, as we all know, you can get used to anything.

However, there are also differences to point out. 👇🏻

Just as a conventional manual toothbrush needs to be replaced regularly, so do the electric toothbrush heads. 💁🏻

Here you should pay attention to two points:

1. That the toothbrush is compatible with multiple brush heads.

2. That the replacement heads are not too expensive.

In our opinion, having to constantly spend a lot of money on new brush heads is very annoying.

Either way, the brush attachment must be replaced regularly, as bacteria and other dirt naturally collect in it too. And then the whole thing is no longer really hygienic. In addition, the bristles wear out over time and the cleaning performance decreases.

So it's smart to keep an eye on the prices of replacement brush heads for different electric toothbrushes before you buy them. These are part of the running costs. Meaning, costs don’t stop once you purchase your brush. 🤷

Of course, as with all other electronic devices purchased in the UK, electric toothbrushes come with a warranty. The standard warranty period in the UK is six months from the date of purchase, while you may need to prove you didn’t cause the fault after the first 6 months. ☝🏼

Some manufacturers also offer free extended warranties (usually for an additional year).

Again, the warranty only covers damage that is due to defects in workmanship or materials.

Even though the electric toothbrush has now replaced the manual toothbrush in many bathrooms, some people are still unsure about using one. Many people do not dare to use an electric toothbrush, especially when certain tooth or gum diseases are involved.

So, in this chapter we’ll discuss who exactly electric toothbrushes are suitable for. 🤔

Electric toothbrushes for gum disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, affects the soft gum tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. In the long term, the inflammation of the tissue can cause the teeth to become loose and even fall out.

People who suffer from gum disease often wonder whether an electric toothbrush will put too much strain on their gums.

This is because the latter removes plaque and thus bacteria more effectively. 👌🏻

In addition, electric toothbrushes are also better at preventing gum disease.

However, there is no clear answer to the question of whether sonic toothbrushes or rotating toothbrushes are better for periodontitis.

On the one hand, rotating brushes seem to remove plaque somewhat better. On the other hand, sonic toothbrushes are said to create micro-currents that can remove plaque virtually without contact. This means that they also clean under the gum line. However, this has so far only been proven under laboratory conditions. 😶

Are electric toothbrushes recommended for sensitive teeth?

Even if you have sensitive teeth, you can benefit from an electric toothbrush. Sensitive teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease. So it's even more important that you remove plaque thoroughly. And for this purpose, an electric toothbrush is your ideal partner.

If you have sensitive teeth, you should also make sure that your electric toothbrush has a sensitive setting. This allows you to clean your teeth thoroughly but gently. 😻

Electric toothbrushes for braces

Daily dental hygiene becomes a real challenge with fixed braces. Food residues and plaque easily accumulate under wires and brackets and are not so easy to remove.

To do this with a conventional manual toothbrush, you really have to be thorough and skilful.

Brushing your teeth with fixed braces is easier and even more efficient with an electric toothbrush. The rotating, oscillating or pulsating movements remove food debris even from small spaces. 😸

Using electric toothbrushes with dentures

Even if you have dentures, you can still use an electric toothbrush. It doesn't matter if you have removable or fixed dentures or even dental implants.

However, if you have removable dentures, don't forget to remove them first before brushing. This way you can clean your natural teeth thoroughly first.

Gaps and spaces are particularly common with fixed dentures and implants. The rotating, oscillating or pulsating movements of an electric toothbrush can also help to loosen plaque and food debris from these. 🙌🏻

Do children need electric toothbrushes?

Whether or not your child should use an electric toothbrush depends on several factors.

A child who brushes conscientiously and with the right technique does not necessarily need an electric toothbrush.

But the right age also plays a role here. 💁🏻

Tooth brushing should begin as soon as your child’s first milk tooth appears, but not with an electric toothbrush. Babies are sensitive, and the vibrations and volume of electric toothbrushes can overwhelm them.

So for children under 3 years of age, a normal children's toothbrush should be used.

Accordingly, both electric toothbrush manufacturers and dentists agree that these types of brushes are more suited to the hands of parents.

Dentists agree that parents should take care of their children's teeth until they are 8 years old. But even older children should have their teeth checked every now and then to make sure they are clean.

If you use a conventional manual toothbrush, you have to loosen plaque with up-and-down movements. You also have to use a little force.

Although cleaning your teeth with an electric toothbrush is much easier and more comfortable, there are still a few things to keep in mind. 👇🏻

This means that all you have to do is hold the toothbrush against your teeth and move it along each area without pressure. Don't forget the chewing surfaces or the outer and inner surfaces.

There are also differences in the brushing technique, depending on whether you use a rotating brush or a sonic toothbrush.

Brushing with a rotating brush vs. a sonic toothbrush

More tips on oral hygiene

Apart from brushing your teeth thoroughly, there are other things you can do to keep your teeth healthy.

Brush your teeth for the recommended minimum time

Even with an electric toothbrush, the minimum brushing time is 2 minutes twice a day.

Keep your toothbrush clean

After brushing your teeth, clean your toothbrush thoroughly under running water.

This prevents the build-up of bacteria and food.

Some models include a special ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning the brush heads.

Replace brush heads regularly

Replace the brush heads approximately every three months. Some brushes also indicate when it is time to replace them by a colour gradient.

Use dental floss

Plaque can also collect in the spaces between the teeth. Even with an electric toothbrush, as good as it may be, you cannot achieve adequate cleaning between teeth. That's why you should also use dental floss. 💪

Interdental brushes for the interdental spaces

Floss isn’t your only option for cleaning between teeth: interdental brushes are also available.

But which of these makes more sense?

Several studies have now found that interdental brushes remove significantly more plaque than dental floss. However, not everyone can achieve this result.

If your teeth are very close together, it is better to use dental floss. Floss can easily clean even narrow spaces. 🥳

Water flosser as an additional aid

Water flossers can also be useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Braces wearers in particular should think about purchasing one.

Tongue cleaner for even more oral hygiene

For an even cleaner mouth, you should also clean your tongue regularly. There are special tongue scrapers for this purpose. Some electric toothbrushes also have tongue cleaning programmes.

Buying an electric toothbrush is well worthwhile for most people. It makes cleaning teeth easier and removes plaque safely and thoroughly. 🥰

However, as there is a wide range of electric toothbrushes with different features and functions, you should figure out your requirements beforehand. Do you have sensitive teeth, receding gums or gum problems? Do you like tech gadgets? Or are bright white teeth important to you?

Suitable models are now available for almost all dental cleaning needs.

Generally speaking, if you have problems with your gums and teeth, a sonic toothbrush is often the better choice. They usually clean a little more gently and softly. 😌

If you suffer from dental problems or are unsure about the condition of your teeth, it is definitely a good idea to talk to your dentist. They can give you tips and help you choose the right toothbrush.