So, your dentist or dental hygienist in London has recommended that you switch to an electric toothbrush and you’re wondering if it’s really worth it. The answer is yes, and here’s why.
Electric toothbrushes are more than just a techy upgrade. They offer benefits that can make a big difference in your oral health, especially when it comes to removing plaque and protecting your gums.
Why Electric Toothbrushes Are Better Than Manual Ones
Electric toothbrushes are designed with advanced features that make them more effective and easier to use:
Faster Bristle Movement: Electric brushes move much faster than your hand ever could, delivering thousands of movements per minute for a deeper clean.
Built-In Timers: Most models have integrated timers to ensure you’re brushing for the dentist-recommended two minutes. Do not buy a cheaper model without a timer!
Pressure Sensors: Over brushing can damage your gums and enamel. Pressure sensors alert you (often with a flashing light and a reduction in speed) when you’re brushing too hard.
Compact Brush Heads: The smaller heads make it easier to reach tight spots at the back of the mouth and along the gumline.
Correct movement: Especially useful for people who tend to be aggressive brushers or find the small movements challenging, let the brush do the work for you.
Types of Electric Toothbrushes: Oscillating vs Sonic
Not all electric toothbrushes work the same way. Here are the two main types:
Oscillating Toothbrushes: These brushes feature a small, round head that moves in a back-and-forth (oscillating) motion. You simply need to place the brush on the tooth and gum line, and let it do the work. They’re great for people who want a no-fuss approach.
Sonic Toothbrushes: These use high-frequency vibrations to clean teeth. They’re most effective when held at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, allowing the bristles to sweep under the gums. They can be a bit more technique-sensitive, especially on the inner (tongue-side) surfaces of your teeth.
Brookes Top 3 Electric Toothbrush Recommendations
Here’s a round-up of three electric toothbrushes our dental hygienist Brooke recommends to patients, based on features, effectiveness, and user experience:
Oral-B iO Series 6 from £130 – 10/10
Here’s my personal favourite. Part of the latest iO range by Oral-B, this brush combines oscillating technology with micro-vibrations, making it feel gentler than the older Pro series. The small round brush head is easy to manoeuvre, especially along the gumline.
Key features:
- Smart pressure sensor: Flashes green when you’re brushing correctly, red if too hard.
- Real-time feedback via the Oral-B app: It shows missed areas and helps improve technique.
- Digital timer and display to track brushing time.
- 5 cleaning modes, though I recommend sticking with “Daily Clean” for most users.
This brush essentially teaches you how to brush better, perfect for anyone wanting to level up their oral care. There are a whole range of iO brushes, we suggest iO3 upwards which start from around £70-£300+.
Philips Sonicare Protective Clean 4300 – From £54.66 – 7/10
This sonic toothbrush blends elegant design with powerful functionality. It includes an intuitive app, built-in pressure sensors, and guided feedback, all designed to help you develop a more mindful and effective brushing technique over time. It’s particularly efficient at removing plaque from the outer (cheek-facing) surfaces, delivering a smooth, polished feel after each use.
That said, it does come with a bit of a learning curve. To get the most benefit from this brush, it’s important to hold it at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, especially on the inner (tongue-side) surfaces, a spot many people unintentionally miss.
If you’re open to a bit of coaching or already confident in your technique, this brush can become a powerful tool in your oral care routine.
SURI Sustainable Toothbrush from £75 – 7/10
If you’re environmentally conscious but still want the benefits of an electric toothbrush, the SURI (which stands for Sustainable, Recyclable, Innovative) could be the perfect fit. It combines thoughtful design, effective cleaning, and eco-friendly values, something increasingly important to many of our patients here at Optimal Dental Health.
When patients are shown the correct technique and stick with it, I’ve seen noticeable improvements in plaque levels and gum health within just a few weeks. SURI is ideal for anyone who wants to align their oral care habits with their sustainability values, as long as they’re committed to proper brushing techniques.
Final Thoughts
Electric toothbrushes aren’t just a trend, they’re a proven tool to improve your dental hygiene. Whether you’re looking for high-tech guidance, a gentler clean, or an eco-conscious option, there’s a brush out there for you. The key is using the brush correctly and consistently. Combine that with flossing and regular dental hygiene appointments at our holistic dental practice in London and your teeth and gums will thank you.
Ready to Support Your Gum Health the Gentle Way?
We’d love to help. Book a biological dental clean with our hygienist Brooke Shipp at our holistic dental practice in London by calling 020 3921 1000 or emailing hello@optimaldental.co.uk. Your smile is part of your whole-body wellness, and we’re here to help you care for it.
