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Regular teeth brushing is a crucial part of good oral health, as well
 as your appearance. But is an electric toothbrush really superior 
to a manual toothbrush when it comes to cleaning those pearly whites?
According to an analysis of 56 studies completed in 2014, international 
research organization Cochrane found that electric models may be 
slightly better than their manual counterparts at removing plaque and improving  gum health. The analysis found that electric toothbrushes
 removed 21 percent more dental plaque and reduced gingivitis by 11 
percent after three months of use, compared to manual toothbrushes.
While the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that both manual 
and electric toothbrushes are equally effective at cleaning teeth, it really 
comes down to technique. They recommend brushing twice daily for two minutes with a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you go with an electric toothbrush, however, it will do most of the work for you, with some
 models even timing the session.
Electric toothbrushes cost as little as $5 for battery-operated units and
 up to $200 or more for feature-rich models, so there is a choice for
every budget.
With so many options available on the market, how do you know which 
electric toothbrush is best for your dental needs?

Electric Toothbrush Features and Options

  • When shopping for an electric toothbrush, you’ll want a model
  •  that is gentle on gums, without sacrificing cleaning power.
  • Look for a handle with a soft-touch grip, which will make the 
  • toothbrush easier to maneuver when cleaning all those
  •  hard-to-reach places where plaque can build up.
  • Consider the replacement brush head options (and their cost)
  •  when selecting an electric toothbrush. The ADA recommends
  •  replacing the 
  • brush head at least every three months.
  • A splurge-worthy benefit worth considering is a built-in, 
  • two-minute 
  • timer, which helps ensure that users brush long enough.
  • Additional features such as pressure-sensing technology and
  •  adjustable program settings can help improve brushing 
  • technique, but aren’t really necessary.
Here are our top six picks for the best electric toothbrushes.

Best Overall Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Power Rechargeable Battery Toothbrush


While the Oral-B Pro 1000 doesn’t come with all the bells and
whistles of more expensive models, it does include two of the 
key features for properly cleaning teeth: a built-in, two-minute
 timer, and affordable brush head replacements. A single charge
 provides up to a week of twice daily brushings, and it features 
a built-in pressure sensor to help prevent overbrushing.

Best Feature-Packed Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean


One of the most advanced electric toothbrushes available,
 the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean, is loaded with features
 that track your brushing habits. It includes a pressure sensor, 
timer, choice of five brushing modes, and even a companion 
app for tracking your technique in real time. The price tag might
 be a little hard to swallow; but with promises of whiter teeth in 
as little as one week, healthier gums in two weeks, and a 
three-week battery life, it might be worth the investment 
for those who take their oral health seriously.

Best Whitening Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare Healthy White + Electric Rechargeable 
Toothbrush


With a choice of three intensity levels, the Philips Sonicare 
Healthy White + is a good pick  for people with sensitive teeth 
and gums. By brushing with the white mode, users report a 
noticeably whiter smile in as little as one week. There is an 
integrated pacer and timer to help you get the most out of your 
brushing routine, and a single charge powers up to three weeks of use.

Best Travel Electric Toothbrush

Violife Slim Sonic Toothbrush


If you’re looking for the strength of an electric toothbrush
 without the hassle of having to drag along your full-sized
 brush while traveling, the Violife Slim Sonic toothbrush is
 just the ticket. It comes complete with batteries and an
 extra brush head, and easily tucks into your purse or
 carry-on for convenient brushing on the go.

Best Non-Rechargeable Toothbrush

Oral-B Pro-Health Anti-Microbial Electric Toothbrush


If you’re not quite ready to take the leap with a pricey 
model, a battery-powered electric toothbrush is a good 
way to test the waters. The Oral-B Pro-Health Anti-Microbial 
electric toothbrush is available in a choice of colors, and the 
shield on the bristles helps prevent microbial growth for up 
to 90 days.

Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids

Oral-B Kids Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush


 take the hassle out of brushing sessions. It comes in fun 
colors, with stickers, and a companion phone app that helps
 to keep little brushers engaged. It includes a one-minute
 timer that gradually increases up to two minutes, and is designed 
for small hands to hold.