The technology & features vary from brush to brush, and often indicative of the price point. While more inexpensive models may have one brushing mode and a two-minute timer, higher-end models can be outfitted with everything from facial recognition to pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity. The Oral-B Genius 9600 electric toothbrush stands out as the epitome of excellence among Oral-B's offerings, combining advanced features, efficient cleaning modes, and thoughtful accessories for an exceptional dental care experience.

Other notable features of the Oral-B Smart 1500 include a pressure sensor to protect your gums from aggressive brushing and a timer that lets you know when it’s time to move from one part of your mouth to another. The brush also runs on a long-lasting lithium ion battery which requires less charging to get your teeth and braces sparkling clean. If you or your child are tough on toothbrushes, you might not want to splurge on electric or manual options, instead opting for something that’s easily tossed and replaced when it’s worn out. But you still need to use a toothbrush that gets the job done, which is why we chose this v-trim double-ended brush by Dental Aesthetics. The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush, with its compact design and travel-friendly features, is an excellent companion for on-the-go dental care.

Pros: Eco-friendly, completely compostable, removable head for travel, strong bristles for a clean feeling Many toothbrushes come with either soft, medium, or hard bristles. While you may think stiff bristles are better at removing plaque, they can cause gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and damage to the mouth if used too aggressively. Soft bristles are gentler on the teeth and gums. Changing settings mid-brush requires stopping the brush, interrupting the flow of the brushing experience.

Features: Gum Protection Technology, Position Detection, 360˚ SmartRing, 2 brushing modes, Bluetooth connectivityCons: No special features (e.g., characters, accessories) that might attract a younger kid's attention Design, Functionality, and Features: Through every brushing session, we're paying attention to how easy the brushes are to hold and maneuver around our mouths. We note the size of the brush heads and how well they fit and get into all the crevices of our teeth and gums and whether they're comfortable or too stiff and firm. We go through all the settings, evaluating how helpful they are and whether they add or distract from the brushing experience. We use the built-in timers, note battery life indicators, and assess the "extras" it comes with (such as additional brushheads, chargers, travel cases, stands, and more). If the toothbrush connects to an app, we logged in, used it, and judged how helpful and/or clunky it was to navigate. The toothbrush’s handle felt just right and the small, round brush head was a refreshing change, allowing for better access to tight spots and crevices. The multiple settings and extra features (like the tongue cleaner) offered a diverse brushing experience. While navigating these settings might require more effort than some would prefer, for tech or oral care enthusiasts, it's a great addition. Post-brushing, teeth felt plaque-free, although the taste was less minty, likely due to the smaller brush head. While manual toothbrushes are more traditional, electric toothbrushes are battery powered," explains Dr. Horowitz. "They rotate to help remove plaque and clean teeth and stain more efficiently than a manual toothbrush." Dr. Horowitz recommends speaking with your dentist if you want specific toothbrush recommendations.

We found the setup of the Oral-B iO Series 5 toothbrush to be straightforward, but understanding the light-up buttons required reading the instructions, especially for first-time electric toothbrush users. The built-in timer with 30-second alerts and a 2-minute indicator worked well, though the toothbrush didn't auto-stop at 2 minutes as expected. The battery life indicator and pressure sensor were valuable features. The toothbrush can connect to a Bluetooth app, providing extra functionalities like a timer, ring color customization, and an AI display to monitor brushing.

Price: If you're opting for a manual toothbrush over electric, you probably aren't looking to spend too much money. And considering dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush head every 3 months, the costs are much lower for a manual. Soft bristle toothbrushes make it easier to move the bristles around your teeth when brushing, to get to hard-to-reach places," adds Dr. Horowitz.