Power Toothbrushes

After examining a host of power toothbrushes, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Classic ($148.77) emerges at No. 1 most often. Dentists recommend it for its overall ability to do the job at hand, and its multiple features make the price nice.


Most Americans purchase toothbrushes from the local supermarket, and the styles and varieties seem almost infinite. Toothbrushes come with a trio of power sources (manual, battery, electric), with a quartet of brush types (hard, medium, soft, extra soft), and also in a myriad of themes (Star Wars, rainbows, animals). So, which one is best?

Ask any dentist, and the first thing he or she will tell you is that the best toothbrush is one that fits easily in your mouth, is comfortable to hold, and allows the user to reach all of his/her teeth.

Most dental professionals will, above all, advise that soft bristles are superior to medium or hard ones, principally for the flexible manner in which they clean teeth and remove debris from along the gumline.

Finally, manual toothbrushes work fine, but powered ones are infinitely better. They make brushing easier and remove considerably more plaque than regular (or manual) toothbrushes.

So, in selecting a toothbrush, you are going to want power and soft bristles. A lot of electric and battery-charged toothbrushes meet those standards, but none more so than the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Classic ($148.77).

This remarkable instrument removes up to seven times more plaque (the killer of teeth) than any manual toothbrush, whitens teeth in one week, and also improves gum health within two weeks. It is the Total Gym for your mouth.

Sonicare is the No. 1-recommended brand by most dental professionals and this particular model includes five brushing modes: clean, white, sensitive, gum care, and also deep clean.

It also features a two-minute timer and a QuadPacer (a pause-and-beep indicator that signals when a quarter of the brushing cycle has elapsed) to ensure the recommended brushing time is met, as well as a consistent clean is achieved throughout the mouth

The package even includes a charging glass and premium travel case so you can take your toothbrush anywhere you go.

Power toothbrushes recommended

Philips Sonicare ($24.99): The brush removes more than twice as much plaque as a manual brush. It features a fluid action that pulses gently between the teeth and the gum line. The two-minute timer ensures the recommended brushing time. A single charge lasts two weeks.

Sonic Cleaning Electric Toothbrush ($25.95): The brush is ADA certified and includes 40,000 micro-brushes per minute. You will enjoy clean and healthy teeth and get a thorough cleaning with reduced noise. One 24-hour charge lasts 30 days. USB charging supports a long battery life.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 ($74.94): It is more expensive than other models, but it also removes more than seven times the plaque than a manual brush. The pressure sensor protects both teeth and gums from excessive brushing. The unit features a 14-day battery life and a battery life indicator light that lets you know when it is time to recharge.

Black Pro 1000 ($49.94): Of all the Oral B models, the Black Pro 1000 consistently elicits the most favorable reviews. It demonstrably removes more plaque from the gum line than regular toothbrushes. It includes a pressure sensor. The censor will cease if you brush too hard. The handle includes a timer that helps you brush for a dentist-recommended two minutes. A single charge lasts up to 10 days.

Waterpik Sonic-Fusion Toothbrush & Flosser Combo ($179.98): You can rush and floss simultaneously with this advanced, rechargeable unit.  The package includes two water flossing brush heads, a two-minute timer with 30-second pacer, 10 pressure settings, recharge indicator, deluxe toothbrush travel case, and global voltage (100 – 240vac, 50/60hz).