Going to the dentist isn’t so bad, as long as you have problem-free teeth. Cavities are painful and expensive, and oftentimes, the culprit is plaque. It comes from sugary, starchy foods and clings to your tooth surfaces. After 12 hours, it hardens into tartar, and that can lead to tooth decay. That’s why I asked Dr. Joyce Kahng of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio to weigh in with the best plaque-fighting electric toothbrushes. She recommended popular brands like Oral-B and trendier varieties like Suri.
And of course, electric toothbrushes can be relatively expensive (trust us). However, these start at just $35—and ultimately, in the long run—good dental hygiene is priceless.
“Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes generally do a better job at cleaning because they compensate for that technique gap. I prefer an electric toothbrush because I feel like it helps me do a much better job,” she explains. “You don’t need the most expensive model to get a good clean; the pricier ones just offer extra features or a sleeker design.”
Best Electric Toothbrushes for Fighting Plaque
- Pressure Sensors: Lots of electric toothbrushes like Philips Sonicare DiamondClean have pressure sensors to ensure you aren’t brushing too hard on your gums. Dr. Kahng likes all the brands’ models, and says they all tend to use sonic vibrations to help vibrate off plaque. “Lots of models, basic ones work just as well as the fancy ones,” she explains. “The difference is mostly in features like modes or travel cases.”
- Consistency: If anything, Dr. Kahng says you can count on something like the Oral-B Pro because of the brand’s ADA (American Dental Association) seal. Each of the brand’s toothbrushes relies on an oscillating action that effectively fights plaque. “It’s the same deal [as Philips] but different versions,” she says. “The core cleaning mechanism is consistent.”
- Dual Action: Next, Dr. Kahng recommended Laifen, which has the Wave Electric Toothbrush. The high frequency vibrations go up to 66,000 times per minute, and it has an ultra-wide 60° oscillating motion.
- Dentist-Approved: Of course, all of these options are dentist-approved. But Dr. Kahng says she uses Suri. “This is the one I’m currently using I really like it,” she says. “Super cute design and the bristles are very soft.”
- Ultra Comfort: Is brushing your teeth a literal nightmare? If you need a little extra TLC, Dr. Kahng recommends Burst. “It’s a nice, more affordable alternative to Sonicare,” she says.
- A Solid Alternative: Even though Dr. Kahng doesn’t have personal experience with AquaSonic, she says it’s a valid option. “This one shows up on Amazon and has the ADA seal,” she reasons. “So I’d say it’s probably fine.”
