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Choosing The Best Toothbrush Brands
Have you ever wondered why the toothbrush aisle is so long? The LED lights flicker overhead, your eyes dart back and forth between the colorful selection branded ‘soft’, ‘medium’, or ‘hard’, the lady behind you is pressuring you to make a decision and you just can’t…
Well, those days are over because this article is going to take you through the ins and outs of the 10 best toothbrush brands. We hope that it helps you make faster and more educated decisions going forth!
In recent years, consumers have had a lot more options than the typical run of the mill toothbrush. Alongside the societal focus on being environmentally conscious, there has been a rise in the development of toothbrushes with replaceable heads, and ones that are compostable or recyclable.
Toothbrushes are an important everyday item no matter who you are. Good oral hygiene and health is maintained by brushing your teeth regularly in order to keep bacteria under control.
Without toothbrushes, things like cavities, oral infections, and tooth decay would be a lot more common.
Things to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
It seems simple enough: everyday, you brush your teeth after waking up, after lunch, and before turning in for bed. Maybe you have braces and like to scrub a little more often, or you just like that clean feeling after every meal.
Although it sounds straightforward, choosing the right toothbrush for this at-least-twice-daily task is crucial for your health and comfort.
Here’s a list of the top things to consider when buying a new toothbrush:
- Material and environmental impact
- Difference between electric and manual
- Extent of sensitivity and dental concerns
- Use, size, and grip
- Brush stroke speed and bristle shape
- Price and warranty
Meet the Expert: Dr. Tiffanie Garrison-Jeter, DMD
Dr. Tiffanie Garrison-Jeter has been practicing dentistry for over a decade. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
Dr. Garrison-Jeter serves her community through various volunteer activities. Her positive lease on life expands beyond her dental clinic, Definition Dental Studio.
She also served her country proudly as a dentist in the United States Army and currently in the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Now let’s take a deep dive into all the factors to consider when buying a new toothbrush.
Material and environmental impact
It’s important to replace toothbrushes around every three months. Whether disposable items are environmentally friendly or not is a popular topic for discussion.
As reusable straws and cotton rounds made their way onto the market, the pressure was on for disposable plastics like toothbrushes to follow suit.
Bamboo toothbrushes were one of the first options on the market, being biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Electric toothbrushes also cut down on overall waste, as you only need to replace the bristle attachment.
There are also now recyclable toothbrushes that are made from more eco-friendly versions of silicone.
Electric vs manual
“Both toothbrushes have pros in different situations. Electric toothbrushes are great for those with manual dexterity issues, crowded teeth, many restorations in the mouth, and they have timer/pressure controls so you brush the right amount of time with the right amount of pressure,” said Dr. Garrison-Jeter.
“A manual tooth brush can still get the job done and is okay for those who prefer them. Manual toothbrushes are definitely more economical.”
Whether electric or manual, choosing the perfect toothbrush also comes down to your preference. The spinning bristles of an electric toothbrush are gentle yet strong enough to clean your gums and teeth, but some people might find them tickly!
Classic toothbrushes are just as effective as long as you brush for the right amount of time and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Sensitivity, dental concerns
Personal dental concerns should also play a role in what toothbrush you choose because different tools will address them differently. If you struggle with oral sensitivity then you’ll want to choose something with softer bristles to avoid irritating your gums.
Use, size, and grip
Braces might require a toothbrush with a more compact head so you can fit it easily between the brackets, while a firmer toothbrush would be better for cleaning retainers and mouth guards.
There are also different designs for people with sensory sensitivities or those who experience difficulty holding and moving a toothbrush in the traditional way.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want to hold a perfectly straight toothbrush! You put a lot of pressure on your thumb for the two minutes you brush your teeth, so having a cushy spot to rest it as well as some ribbed grips for a firm hold will just make the whole process a lot easier.
Size is also something to consider when on the hunt for the best toothbrush! If you have small hands and a small mouth, a more petite toothbrush might be up your alley.
On the other hand, a bigger toothbrush might be great for kids or people who have trouble with fine motor skills—in that case, they might prefer something a bit bigger and easier to hold.
If you like to travel a lot, then a compact or foldable toothbrush is a good choice for easy storage. While they are typically small enough to fit into a resealable plastic bag, getting a loose toothbrush lost among all your belongings isn’t great! Attachable covers help keep it clean even if you find it at the very bottom of your purse.
Brush stroke speed and bristle shape
For electric toothbrushes, it’s important that the speed is not aggressively fast since it could irritate your gums, but if it’s too slow then cleaning might take too long.
The shape of the bristles is also important because different patterns (like waves) allow for better cleaning between your teeth and the surface, while the firmness of the bristles can impact your gum health.
Price and warranty
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you toss away every few months, but also want to be careful about not sacrificing quality, the best toothbrush should offer great value at a reasonable price.
If you splurge on a toothbrush that has a disposable head, a warranty is important so that you can feel assured about making a smart investment.
Having brushed on all the important things to consider when looking for the best toothbrush, this review will now take you through all of the top brands currently on the market.
11 Best Toothbrush Brands
Not only are regular visits to the dentist undesirable, they are expensive and can be painful. So, let’s take a look at some of the top toothbrush brands to help you decide what’s best for you!
#1: Dr. Brite Toothbrushes
Dr. Brite was founded by sister duo Dr. Paris Sabo and Dr. Pooneh Ramezani when they realized that conventional personal care products like toothpaste could significantly affect their patients’ overall health.
One day, when Dr. Sabo caught her son, Logan, eating children’s toothpaste with a poison control warning on the label, she knew something had to change. Today, Dr. Brite’s whole mission is to create effective, great-tasting, and toxin-free health and wellness products for everyone.
Everything Dr. Brite makes is free of toxic chemicals, inflammatory agents, and hormone disruptors. Each ingredient is naturally derived, plant-based, and tested for purity. In addition to household cleaning, body care, and pet products, Dr. Brite offers affordable oral care items, including whitening kits, toothpaste, mouthwash, oral health sprays, teeth pens, and of course, toothbrushes.
The brand’s 5-star rated Sonic Toothbrush is suitable for people of all ages and comes in two colors: white and black. This toothbrush comes equipped with Sonicare technology that does all the hard work of keeping your mouth clean for you, and it’s completely waterproof!
Although Dr. Brite’s Sonic Toothbrush comes with a fast-charging wireless base, the toothbrush has a long-lasting battery life, which is ideal for travel. Each brush comes with a handle, charging base, and toothbrush head for $150— or subscribe and get the whole package for just $99!
*Please note that toothbrush heads are sold separately for $10. If you subscribe to have them delivered to your door regularly, get them for $9.
Highlights
- Waterproof
- Long Lasting Battery
- Fast Wireless Charging Base
- Subscribe and Save Available
#1: Philips Toothbrushes
Philips is the name you choose for high-powered, efficient electronics and user-friendly home appliances. Founded all the way back in 1891 by Frederik Philips and his son Gerard, its line of electric toothbrushes is no exception on either front.
Offering a range of models to suit your high standards for clean teeth, they’ll leave you feeling dentist-clean daily.
Philips’ toothbrushes have built-in smart features like a QuadPacer and SmarTimer so you know exactly how long to brush your teeth. Pick from a full range of models from the more simple to the intuitive, each one accompanied by either a charging stand, extra brush heads, a sleek travel case, or even an additional toothbrush. All come with a 2-year limited warranty.
Prices start at $91 for a set of two sleek rechargeable electric toothbrushes and range up to $429 for the 9900 Sonicare Prestige model.
Highlights
- Affordable & advanced options
- Traditional toothbrush head
- Smart features
- Multiple speeds
- Sleek colors
- 2-year warranty
#2: Foreo
The Foreo story began in 2013 when Filip Sedic created a tool that created a new section of the beauty industry: antimicrobial silicone facial cleansing brushes.
These devices use T-Sonic technology which pulsates up to 8,000 times per use, making them great gentle exfoliators. So why not apply this idea to the toothbrush to help fight against plaque?
This beauty brand now sells all different types of silicone brushes, including toothbrushes! It took the world by a storm with the mentality to “inspire self-confidence and deliver professional level solutions for all. When you feel good, you look good, and our mission is complete.”
Related: Want to learn more? Check out our full Foreo LUNA Review
With this in mind, Foreo created the first ever silicone sonic toothbrush that comes with a selection of interchangeable tops that you can adjust to suit your needs. The replacements are also long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry for a year!
For “love at first brush” Foreo prices start at $25 for replacement heads and total around $200 for a toothbrush and extra head.
#3: Boie USA
Looking to try an inexpensive silicone-like toothbrush? Look no further because Boie USA is your brand. Founded by Manuel de la Cruz in 2015, the company values “getting more out of your personal care routine,” meaning self care is more than just brushing your teeth.
This is reflected through the environmentally friendly and long-lasting products, made from 100% recyclable, BPA free materials.
Boie USA’s affordability and stance on ethical production gained popularity through Instagram and the account only continues to grow, now having amassed over 76k followers. Their Insta feed is a perfect reflection of their products: bright and refreshing.
Apart from toothbrushes, you can also shop the brand for body and face brushes—all products come in compostable packaging. The toothbrush bristles are made from thermoplastic elastomer, making them flexible yet durable, and the head only needs to be replaced every six months.
You’ll find Boie USA brushes retailing for around $10.
#4: Burst
It’s all about having the best dental hygiene products at Burst, which was established in 2017 by Hamish Khayat. The mission was to “make quality dental care available to all.”
Beginning with a sonic toothbrush, the brand now carries toothpaste, floss, teeth whitening strips, products for kids, travel accessories, and replacement heads!
The brand has an impressive follower count of 94k on Instagram and over 30,000 dental professionals have commended the quality and effectiveness of the products. The toothbrushes are available at a reasonable price and the replacement heads are only $10 quarterly.
Related: Read our Burst Oral Care review.
At Burst, it all comes down to quality toothbrushes that have around 33,000 vibrations per minute, charcoal bristles to whiten your teeth, a month-long battery life, and a two minute timer. All of this only makes brushing that much easier.
Burst electric brushes retail for $70 to $100.
#5: GUM
If you’re looking for a toothbrush that is dentist recommended (and the one mine always gave me after every cleaning), then a GUM toothbrush is your go to.
The company was founded way back in 1932 by Dr John O. Butler, who had a vision to create a tool that could reach to the back of the mouth and properly clean every tooth. It may seem surprising, but a toothbrush was considered a luxury back then!
The brand has only gotten better with time. GUM now offers a broad selection of toothbrushes for adults and children with different qualities that cater to specific needs. They also offer other items you may need to maintain proper dental hygiene, like floss or mouthwash.
With a 4.7/5 star rating on Influenster, it is evident that GUM is a popular and affordable choice for many. It doesn’t matter if you need a soft bristle, a special brush for your braces, or something for scrubbing dentures, the brand has got what you need.
As we mentioned, GUM brushes are pretty affordable, costing only $1 to $5!
#6: Bruush
Bruush came to fruition in 2018 when Aneil Manhas chose to “raise the bar in oral health, providing luxury products to consumers at an accessible price point.”
Despite its fairly recent entrance into the world of self care, it already has a following of 23k on Instagram and a 4.9/5 star rating out of over 2,220 reviews, documenting the love customers have for the simple yet innovative product.
When you purchase a new toothbrush from Bruush, you receive three brush heads. So, you should be set for the next few months right off the bat! If you opt for the subscription, you will spend less on the brush heads every few months than you would on a new mechanical toothbrush!
It also has a month-long battery life so you don’t need to worry about remembering to charge it every few days, as well as six different modes for cleaning.
Related: For more information check out our BRUUSH Electric Toothbrush Review
Bruush sells electric toothbrushes with the promise of feeling like you’ve just returned from the dentist. The brand remains committed to perfecting their product, selling only the most updated version of their electric toothbrush and all the accessories it needs—like extra chargers, head replacements, and more.
You can add a Bruush to your routine for $79 to $95. Replacement heads retail for $18 to $24 (3 heads per pack) depending on whether or not you subscribe.
#7: Curaprox
Founded in Switzerland in 1972 by Hans Breitschmid, Curaprox believes that “Oral health is essential. It’s about more than white teeth and fresh breath. It’s also about healthy organs. And a healthy body.”
Customers rave about the super soft and fine bristles that effectively clean the gums and teeth without being too abrasive. The classic design of the handle falls in line with the brand’s belief that self care should be simple, and the large handle makes it easy to hold and therefore perfect at any age.
From babyhood to adulthood, Curaprox carries all your dental cleaning needs so you can say goodbye to painful and expensive visits to the dentist’s office. The brand strives to make brushing your teeth fun and easy so it doesn’t feel like a chore with bright colors and different head sizes to suit your preferences.
Curaprox toothbrushes retail for $8 to $30, though many options come in packs!
#8: Philips
Philips is truly a brand that carries any gadget you need, whether that’s a coffee machine, a new TV remote, or an electric toothbrush! With a focus on electronics, the brand was created by father-son duo, Gerard and Frederik Philips, in 1891.
With such a widespread collection of electronics, it is only fitting that Philips seeks “to improve people’s lives through meaningful innovation.” It has been a go-to for years for anyone who needs a quality piece to improve their home life, so why not expand to health as well?
You can choose from battery operated or rechargeable electric toothbrushes, so if you don’t like tangly wires and clunky charging ports, or prefer the money saving quality of the charger, you’ve got options!
It even comes with a travel case so you don’t have to worry about your face powder or lipstick getting into the bristles when you toss it in your bag. The power lasts for 90 days so you don’t have to charge your toothbrush with every use.
The brand’s toothbrushes retail for $30 to $199.
#9: Colgate
Oral health is a top priority if you want to live a long life. Colgate has a collection of some of the best toothbrushes and accessories to help you take care of your teeth and gums.
Founded in 1806 by William Colgate, the brand came out with one of the first toothpastes that freshened breath and cleaned teeth. With a commitment to “getting better every day in everything they do,” the brand continues to release innovative designs to improve dental health for everyone.
The millions of daily consumers are an identifier of the brand’s popularity due to their wide selection of toothbrushes, including manual and sonic, interchangeable heads, and fun options for kids.
Colgate toothbrushes are inexpensive options and all feature designs such as ergonomic handles, rubber bristles on the back of the brush for comfortable cleaning of your tongue and cheeks, floss bristles to fit in between your teeth, and soft bristles for sensitivity.
While these details seem small, they have a big effect on the overall health of your mouth. Visit your nearest retailer for pricing options.
#10: Oral B
If you’ve been using one toothbrush brand for years, chances are it’s Oral B. A tried and true, the brand was created by Dr Robert Hudson in 1949 and is on a mission “to help consumers achieve better lifelong oral health through a variety of teeth brushing and cleaning products for children and adults.”
As outlined by the brand’s mission, Oral B offers many different types of toothbrushes and oral care products. Because of this and their established role in the oral care market, Oral B is a popular choice for many households. You’re likely already aware of the brand (or own some of its products).
You can choose between manual, electric, or battery powered toothbrushes. The electric and battery powered options come with different speed options and round heads that conform to the shape of your tooth, allowing for a super close clean.
The manual toothbrushes are available with different bristles that are catered to your needs, whether you’ve got sensitive gums or looking for some whitening action.
With toothbrushes inspired by dentistry products, these brushes are sure to give you that super fresh and clean feeling every day. These brushes can be purchased in stores for around $200.
Electric vs Manual: Which Toothbrush is Better?
The electric vs manual toothbrush debate has been going on for years, but the truth is that it all depends on your preference and the quality of the individual product. Usually the cardinal rule is that you get what you pay for, but toothbrushes don’t have to be expensive.
There are often ongoing sales for manual and electric toothbrushes, so you can always find a good deal without compromising on features. Once you’ve found a brand you’re happy with, it also makes sense to subscribe to products you purchase on the regular.
While electric toothbrushes are more expensive off the bat, you usually only need to purchase replacement heads going forward (meaning you also only throw out the old head, which is better for the environment) which usually cost the same amount as a regular toothbrush.
Usually, both manual and electric toothbrushes will last the same amount of time when it comes to wearing down the bristles. If you drop a manual toothbrush, it should be fine and just need to be washed, but an electric toothbrush could break and the entire tool might have to be replaced, which is usually not covered under warranty.
Overall, both toothbrushes are easy to use and get the job done. An electric toothbrush might require less effort when it comes to effective cleaning and plaque removal. Additionally, this option is great for people who have limited mobility. But, if an electric toothbrush is not your thing, then a manual toothbrush will work just as well!
How to Correctly Brush Your Teeth
Oral hygiene is important for overall health. Properly brushing your teeth will save you from any expensive dentist bills.
According to Dr. Garrison-Jeter, teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for two minutes each time. “It’s best to have a little time in your bathroom to use while brushing, because most people do a quick brush and go, missing many areas in their mouth,” she said.
“A soft bristle toothbrush should be use and angled at 45 degrees where the tooth meets the gum and brush in a circular motion to brush the fronts of the teeth. Many people do the scrub technique, but circular motion is key to not abuse the gum tissue and cause receding gums.”
Dr. Garrison-Jeter points out that the biting surface of the teeth can be scrubbed in a back and forth motion. The backs of the front teeth brushed in an up and down motion.
And don’t forget your tongue! Brushing the tongue or using a tongue scraper is key to maintaining fresh breath.
Be sure to follow the steps mentioned above closely, and brush regularly!
How Often Should Your Toothbrush or Brush Head Be Replaced?
Replacing your toothbrush or brush head around every 3-4 months is crucial. Not only do the bristles wear down and stop being as effective, but bacteria can collect on the toothbrush.
Some brands recommend waiting for a longer time before switching up your toothbrush or brush head because of the materials used. Usually these materials fight off bacteria and don’t wear down as quickly, meaning you save money and no longer need to purchase a new one every few months.
Newer toothbrushes are better at removing plaque build up, while the bacteria on old toothbrushes can cause undesirable issues such as bad breath. Also, worn out bristles can be painful and cause gum bleeding. So remember to swap out your toothbrush when it’s time!
What Kind of Toothbrush Bristles are Best?
Wondering which toothbrush bristles would work best for you? There are three main different bristle types: soft, medium, and hard.
Soft bristles are the safest bet for most people because they will be comfortable while still offering a thorough clean. It’s also good if you have sensitivity because the bristles won’t be too abrasive on your gums. Medium and hard bristles can cause damage depending on how vigorously you brush, which can hurt your gums and wear out your enamel.
The shape of each bristle is also important when it comes to optimal brushing and the brush’s ability to reach between the teeth and gums. There are lots of different patterns, including crisscross, wavy, and tapered with polishing cups. A small rounded head shape that can easily fit in your mouth is usually the most comfortable choice.
While softer bristles are recommended and there are lots of options when it comes to size and shape, the toothbrush bristles and size that are best for you are the ones that make you feel most comfortable.
Check out these curated lists for more top brands:
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