This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
We're gonna assume that you already own an electric toothbrush. It's pretty much the standard for dental care these days and a must-have bathroom accessory. If you don’t own an electric toothbrush, your toothy-pegs need to get with the times. Because seriously: We're way beyond doing the job of brushing ourselves. We're not cavemen anymore, guys. And there are huge dental health benefits to electric toothbrushes.
Recent studies confirm that electric toothbrushes users have healthier gums and less tooth decay. That's especially true with electric toothbrushes that have “oscillating” heads, which rotate in both directions and sweep away even more plaque.
In addition to all that, electric toothbrushes are seriously advanced in 2025. The best models have multiple cleaning modes, Bluetooth and app control, pressure sensors, and more. All of which makes it harder to upgrade. How can you possibly know which model is best for you and your teeth? To help you out, here’s some information to brush up on electric toothbrush tech, plus a selection of the very best models.
What makes a good electric toothbrush?
We can get really detailed but there are some very basic things to look out for:
Action — There are different types of toothbrushes that provide different movements, such as oscillating (rotates in one direction and back again), pulsing (moving backwards and forwards against teeth), and rotating (bristles that actually turn).
Battery life — Thankfully, most electric toothbrushes come with a charging base, though some are powered by regular batteries (that all depends on how fancy the toothbrush is). But still check battery times. A few weeks’ worth of power is good.
Replacement heads — The head of your toothbrush will need replacing. That’s just a dentist-endorsed fact of life. Some toothbrushes come with a few heads, which is helpful. If not, look out for models that have readily available replacement heads.
Keep these things in mind when shopping around for a new model.
How often should you change your toothbrush head?
General advice is to change every three months, though the more specific rule says when the bristles are worn down. Some brush heads have bristles that change colour to let you know when it’s time to replace the head. While brands like Oral-B and Philips offer lots of different toothbrush models, the heads tend to be one-size-fits-all.
What are the best electric toothbrush features?
As well as the basics, there are lots of more specialised features to consider. Here are some key features that we think are are worth knowing about:
App connectivity — The most advanced toothbrushes will connect to an app via your smartphone, giving real-time feedback and advice on your brushing. These toothbrushes may also have AI capabilities that adapt to your bushing style.
Pressure sensor — Pressure sensors will alert you if you’re pressing too hard, which can lead to damage to your gums and tooth enamel. Oral-B includes this feature in its SmartRing, which lights up to warn you if you’re brushing too hard.
Two-minute timer — Exactly as it sounds, this alerts you when you’ve cleaned for the recommended two minutes. Some timers also pause every 30 seconds, helping you clean each “quadrant” of your mouth equally.
What is the best electric toothbrush?
There's a wide range of quality electric toothbrushes on the market, with models from big names in smart tech and personal care. Everyone's dental needs are different, and everyone's toothbrush needs are different too. All we can do is point you in the direction, helping you to upgrade to a toothbrush that suits you.
These are the best electric toothbrushes for 2025.
