The best toothbrushes for healthy gums and teeth, tested and reviewed

Ever think about how much time you spend brushing your teeth? Spoiler alert: It’s about 1,500 minutes a year if you brush for the recommended two minutes, twice daily! While brushing technique is crucial for optimal results, the toothbrush you choose is also important. So, it’s worth ensuring you’re using the best toothbrush — it can be a game-changer for your dental health.

“A good toothbrush should have bristles that are firm enough to clean effectively but soft enough to avoid damage. The handle should be comfortable to hold and maneuver,” says Chelsea Perry, DMD, founder of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass. “For electric toothbrushes, look for features like a timer to ensure you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes and pressure sensors to prevent brushing too hard.”

It’s tempting to just grab any toothbrush from the rack and hope for the best, but unless you’re comparing them side-by-side, how can you know which one truly rocks? That’s where we come in! We’ve compared toothbrushes for you, consulting dentists, oral hygienists and members of the American Dental Association (ADA) to get a good idea of what to look for in a high-quality toothbrush. We also meticulously reviewed user feedback and personally tested each toothbrush included on this list (plus some that didn’t make the cut). Get ready to discover the best toothbrush for every need: the best electric toothbrush, best manual toothbrush, best kids’ toothbrush, best sustainable toothbrush and best travel toothbrush — all at various price points to fit any budget!

Table of contents

Update, May 31, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. We tested five additional options and added a new category, “best automated for kids.” Our No. 1 picks for all other categories remain unchanged.

Best toothbrushes overall, manual and electric

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Other toothbrushes we like

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Types of toothbrushes

Choosing the right toothbrush is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. Each type offers unique features and benefits, making it essential to select one that fits your specific needs.

Here’s an overview of the various types of toothbrushes available.

Manual

Manual toothbrushes have a wooden or plastic handle with a bristled head that you operate using circular motions. This type of toothbrush gives you more control over pressure and placement.

People often choose manual toothbrushes because of their noiseless function, lack of charging hassle and portability.

Electric

Electric toothbrushes provide thorough cleaning with self-oscillating or rotating bristles. While they’re more expensive than manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual ones and help with accuracy and timing.

“About half of the patients I see in my practice don’t brush their gumline well, and this is where the electric toothbrush plays a big role in improving their oral health,” says Priya Mistry, DDS, the TMJ Doc in Vancouver, Wash.

Electric toothbrushes come in several types, each with unique features:

• Sonic toothbrushes: These toothbrushes use high-frequency vibrations to clean teeth. These vibrations create continuous waves of motion, effectively dislodging debris and plaque.

• Oscillating-rotating toothbrushes: These models have bristles that move back and forth in a sweeping motion, propelled by a motor. This action helps to clean teeth and gums thoroughly. A 2022 study found a “small but significant difference” in the efficacy of oscillating-rotating toothbrushes compared to sonic toothbrushes.

• Ultrasonic toothbrushes: Operating at even higher frequencies than sonic toothbrushes, these options are ideal for those needing extra help with plaque removal, stains and other dental issues.

Specialized

Not all toothbrushes are created equal, and purchasing a model that’s right for your needs is important.

• For braces: “If you have braces, you’ll want a toothbrush that can navigate around the brackets and wires. A toothbrush with V-shaped bristles, designed specifically for orthodontic patients, can help clean around braces more efficiently. Electric toothbrushes with orthodontic heads can also be very effective,” says Perry.

• For sensitive teeth: Perry explains, “People with sensitive teeth should also opt for soft-bristled brushes. Some toothbrushes come with extra-soft bristles designed to be gentle on both teeth and gums. It’s important to avoid anything too abrasive that might exacerbate sensitivity.”

• For kids: According to pediatric dentist Paul Allen, DDS, from All Kids Dental Pediatric and Orthodontics in Rifle, Colo., there are several features to look for in kid toothbrushes: a small head and soft bristles, which are suitable for smaller mouths and gentle on gums; fun and engaging designs or characters to encourage regular brushing; and timers to help ensure that they brush for the recommended two minutes.

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What to consider when purchasing a toothbrush

With so many options on the market, selecting the best toothbrush for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are key factors to consider when purchasing a toothbrush:

Bristle type: Soft, medium, hard

“Soft bristles are gentle on the gums and teeth, minimizing the risk of abrasion and irritation. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be too harsh on the enamel and gums, potentially causing damage and recession over time,” says Joyce Kahng, a cosmetic dentist at Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, Calif. That said, she explains there may be specific situations where a dentist may recommend a brush with harder bristles. For instance, for cleaning dentures or other dental appliances. “It’s essential to consult your dentist for personalized advice regarding the firmness level that suits your oral health needs,” Kahng says.

Head size: Small, compact, full-size

Always choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. “A good toothbrush should have the right-sized head to fit your mouth. Smaller mouths need a smaller head while larger ones need a bigger head,” says Jordan Albino, DDS, a dentist at Kids Dental Studio in Ontario, Canada.

Manual vs. electric

According to the ADA, manual and electric toothbrushes can each clean effectively. However, manual brushes must be used correctly to do the job well.

Electric toothbrushes leave less room for error. Features like built-in timers ensure you brush long enough in all the right places.

Use a manual if you can stick to a solid regimen without the reminders of an electric toothbrush.

You can find ADA-approved manual and electric toothbrushes online.

Special features

Extra features to consider include:

• Timers: You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Timers on children’s and adult toothbrushes can help ensure you meet this guideline.

• Pressure sensors: Applying more pressure doesn’t mean a better clean. In fact, too much pressure can harm gums and teeth and cause your toothbrush to wear out quickly. Many electric toothbrushes feature built-in pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard.

• Cleaning modes: Some electric toothbrushes have multiple cleaning modes. For example, the Oral B iO Series 5 includes a gum massaging mode to help reduce inflammation.

Price

“On average, you can spend around $5 to $10 on a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes, which offer additional benefits like oscillating or rotating bristles, can range from $20 to $200. Remember that investing in a good toothbrush is worthwhile for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems in the long run,” says Kahng.

American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance

“The number one thing you should look for in a good toothbrush is that it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This will let you know that the toothbrush has been tested for safety and efficacy,” says Collin Bowerman, chief dental officer at Risas Dental and Braces in Gilbert, Ariz.

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How we chose the best toothbrushes

For starters, this article involved a lot of toothbrushing. I received sample toothbrushes from various companies to find the best models on the market.

My family and I tried each and compared notes on efficiency, ease of use and unique features. I also considered pricing and consumer reviews.

Finally, I relied heavily on expert commentary from the ADA and dentists. I researched recent studies and findings from the ADA to weigh the pros and cons of each toothbrush.

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Other products we tested

Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush

Ordo is a U.K.-based company that produces a no-fuss, reasonably priced electric toothbrush. When I pulled it out of the box, I noticed a few errant bristles, and upon reading reviews, I found that shedding was a common problem.

Supermouth Electric Kids Toothbrush

There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with Supermouth’s electric kids’ toothbrush. It worked well, and my child seemed to enjoy it. The Philips Sonicare version was slightly better and had more favorable reviews, cementing its top spot on this list.

Quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic Toothbrush: Overall, I liked using this toothbrush. I tend to brush with too much pressure, so I appreciated the pressure sensor and customizable brush intensity. I didn’t love it as much as other electric options I tested, but it’s a solid toothbrush at a more affordable price ($110) than others that made our list.

Supermouth Ultim8 Smart-Brush System: I’ve tried many electric toothbrush brands, and this one deserves an honorable mention. It’s pricey, at around $300, but left my mouth ultraclean. Plus, it’s gentle on my sensitive gums, thanks to the pressure sensor and soft brush design. If you like to brush in the shower, this one is waterproof!

Cocolab Cocobrush: This manual toothbrush by Cocolab (formerly Cocofloss) has ultrasoft brushes that feel great on my sensitive gums. Although I enjoy using it, it doesn’t deliver the same level of clean-feeling as other manual toothbrushes on our list.

Brevi Nordic Inspired Nano Toothbrush: The supersoft design of this toothbrush makes it easy on the gums — perhaps to the extreme. I didn’t feel like I got a good clean at my gum line, and it almost felt like brushing my teeth with a sponge.

Reach Advanced Design Soft Toothbrush: If you’re looking for a manual brush that gets the job done and you prefer a larger-than-usual brush head, this one by Reach may be precisely what you’re looking for. However, I felt the size to be cumbersome.

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FAQs

What type of toothbrush is best for me?

“You want a toothbrush that fits your unique needs. If surface staining and plaque removal are your primary focus, find a toothbrush with an oscillating head,” says Fatima Khan of Riven Oral Care in Houston. “If you have gingival recession, you want a toothbrush that uses sonic waves (vibrations) to break off food or plaque at the gum line and has a pressure sensor to prevent further gingival damage.”

She also suggests that if the vibration sensation feels uncomfortable or awkward, you may want to try a different setting or mode. “If you are a speedy brusher, you may need a brush with a two-minute timer. Also, pay attention to the size of the toothbrush head,” says Khan. “A larger toothbrush head may look appealing, but it may be more difficult to maneuver in your mouth. A smaller toothbrush head can get around the back of your molar teeth more easily and do a better job cleaning your teeth.”

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

According to the ADA, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or when the bristles become frayed or matted.

Additionally, if you’ve been sick, you should change your toothbrush to prevent the spread of germs.

What’s the difference between soft, medium and hard bristles?

Soft, medium and hard bristles refer to the difference in firmness of toothbrush bristles. According to Khan, most dentists recommend soft toothbrushes, although some people just prefer the feel of medium or hard bristles.

“When it comes to bristle type, soft is the way to go. Soft bristles are recommended as they are gentle on enamel and help prevent gum recession. They effectively remove plaque without causing harm to your gums,” says Khan. “On the other hand, medium and hard bristles carry a higher risk of damaging gum tissue and thinning it out. However, the availability of medium- and hard-bristle brushes in the market is mainly due to consumer preference.”

Are electric toothbrushes really better than manual?

Electric toothbrushes leave less room for user error, which means most people benefit from their use. That said, manual toothbrushes can be perfectly effective as long as you’re using them the right way and brushing for a sufficient period of time.

“Electric toothbrushes have gained popularity due to their advanced features. The key advantage of electric toothbrushes is their oscillating, rotating and pulsating technology, which replicates the motions needed for thorough cleaning,” says Khan. “They often come with a built-in two-minute timer, different modes and dentist-inspired brush heads. Electric toothbrushes are especially beneficial for individuals with dexterity issues, weak grip or arthritis. However, some people prefer traditional toothbrushes due to the tactile feel and lower cost.”

What does the ADA Seal of Acceptance mean?

The ADA Seal of Acceptance signifies that a company has provided scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of its product. The ADA rigorously investigates this evidence to verify the product’s claims.

When you see the ADA Seal on a toothbrush or other dental product, it assures you that it meets high standards and is likely to perform effectively. More than 200 dental products have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, indicating their endorsement by dental experts for quality and reliability.

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Meet our experts

• Dr. Paul Allen, DDS, All Kids Dental Pediatric and Orthodontics, Rifle, Colo.

• Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio, Costa Mesa, Calif.

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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.