If you’re trying to upgrade your brushing routine, you’re not alone. With so many toothbrushes promising healthier gums, whiter teeth, and smarter features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? Brushing doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right technique and the right brush, you can make a big impact on your oral health.
Let’s take a look at what really makes the best toothbrush, and which options are worth your time (and money) in 2025.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual?
Short answer: yes. Studies consistently show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque and gum inflammation than manual ones, especially over time.
While it may seem basic, using a manual toothbrush is actually incredibly technique-sensitive. Electric toothbrushes help to compensate where your technique may be lacking. They’re also great for people with dexterity issues like arthritis, hand weakness, and limb differences.
A good electric toothbrush will do most of the work for you, so gently guiding the brush along your gum line may be all it takes to get great results. However, it’s important to understand that inexpensive, battery-operated toothbrushes aren’t up to snuff. For example, battery-operated toothbrushes you see at the store are not significantly more effective than a manual brush and create a lot of unnecessary waste.
Coupled with regular dental cleanings, daily brushing and flossing are the best way to protect your teeth and gums. No matter which toothbrush you choose, using it correctly will make the difference in how effective your home care routine is. Let’s review what good technique looks like!
Brushing Basics: Getting the Most Out of Any Toothbrush
Whether you go manual or electric, technique matters. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Brush for 2 full minutes, twice every day
- Use soft bristles
- Pay close attention to gently brushing the gum line
- Try to avoid scrubbing
- Replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3 months
For a manual toothbrush, use short strokes that only brush about two teeth at a time, then do a vertical “sweep” from the gums to the top of the tooth before moving to the next pair of teeth. For an electric toothbrush, you can gently massage the brush along the gum line, letting the brush do most of the work.
If you decide to go electric, you’ll find no shortage of options. To help you choose, here are our top picks for the best electric toothbrushes of 2025.
What Is the Best Electric Toothbrush?
The best electric toothbrush for you depends on your budget, preferences, and oral health needs. Most dentists recommend brushes with oscillating or sonic technology, both of which have been proven effective at cleaning teeth and reducing plaque.
1. Philips Sonicare
How it works: Uses sonic vibrations (over 30,000 brush strokes per minute) to disrupt plaque and clean along the gumline. Philips offers a recycling program for many components of their brushes.
PROS:
- Quiet operation
- Long battery life
- Proven very effective at removing plaque
- Reduces gum inflammation
- Gentle on enamel and gums
- Built-in pressure sensors and timers
- Bluetooth connects brush to app for detailed tracking
CONS:
- Can be pricier than other brands
- Can be difficult to choose the right brush head (lots of options)
- Some people find that it aggravates sensitive teeth
Best for: People with sensitive gums, those prone to gum recession, or anyone who prefers a gentler clean.
2. Oral-B Pro
How it works: Uses a rotating-oscillating motion that physically scrubs each tooth while also pulsating to loosen plaque. Recycling program available for many components.
PROS:
- Smaller round brush heads fit tight spaces more easily
- Affordable options available
- Built-in pressure sensors and timers
- Excellent cleaning power
- Some models have Bluetooth connectivity for enhanced features
CONS:
- Slightly louder than sonic brushes
- Brush head vibration may feel aggressive for sensitive users
- Brush heads have holes that can collect gunk
Best for: People who want a powerful clean and great value. Especially helpful for those with orthodontics (braces, aligners) or limited dexterity.
3. Suri Toothbrush
How it works: Offers sonic cleaning technology in an eco-friendly, minimalist package. The body is made from recyclable materials, and the company offers a brush head recycling program.
PROS:
- Sustainable materials and design
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Quiet operation
- USB charging with long battery life
CONS:
- Fewer high-tech features
- Higher initial cost compared to basic models
Best for: Eco-conscious consumers who want a simple, effective brush without extra bulk.
Not Worth the Investment: How the Feno Toothbrush Compares
The Feno toothbrush is a smart device designed to clean all your teeth in just 10 seconds using a mouthpiece-style design. Like the Sonicare and Oral-B, it connects to an app to track usage and progress.
However, it’s important to understand that no two smiles are alike and the Feno brush’s U-shaped design may not reach all areas of your mouth effectively, and can’t reach the back surfaces of the very last molars in many people. On the other hand, it may be too large for your mouth or impinge on the areas where your lips or tongue attach to the gums. The company also recommends using their proprietary toothpaste, which does not contain fluoride, increasing your risk for cavities.
The brush is innovative, but it’s also incredibly expensive and its real-world effectiveness is questionable. It gets mixed reviews, and limits your ability to address specific areas as carefully as you may need to. For the money, we believe you can get better results with a brush that has more clinical research backing it up.
Need Help Finding the Best Toothbrush for Your Smile? We Can Help!
There’s no one-size-fits-all toothbrush, but there is a right toothbrush for you. Whether you’re switching to your first electric toothbrush or just need help choosing a brush that fits your gum health goals, we’re here to help.
Ask us about the best brush for your specific needs at your next visit to our dental offices in Phoenix and Ahwatukee! A healthy smile starts with the right habits, and the right tools to support them.
