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Good oral hygiene starts with the right toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, brushing twice daily for two minutes is the key to preventing cavities and gum disease.But with so many toothbrushes on the market—both manual and electric options—it’s tough to know which is best for your dental needs. “The main things to consider when choosing a toothbrush are electric and manual, making sure they’re American Dental Association approved, and have soft bristles, '' says Lilya Horowitz, DDS, FAGD, founder of Domino Dental in Brooklyn, New York. Elizabeth Graves, registered dental hygienist and founder of Take Home Smile, a dental health education company, also recommends everyone use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing. "Medium and hard bristles will wear away at the gum line and lead to recession and tooth sensitivity," explains Graves. The best toothbrushes have a mix of features that make them easy and comfortable to use while effectively removing food, plaque, and bacteria from teeth. We consulted with dental professionals and tested a variety of toothbrushes, evaluating them for things like comfort, ease of use, and functionality. A general dentist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding types of tooth brushes, how long they should last, and the optimal hardness of their bristles. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Electric: Best for Sensitive Teeth: Best with Gentle Bristles: Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrushes at Amazon ($18) Best for Sensitive Gums: Best Soft Bristles: Best for Bad Breath: In This Article Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For We Also Tested FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Finely tapered bristles 45-degree angled handle Promotes professional-grade cleaning Cons Brush head doesn’t flex No cheek cleaner In our test, the GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush ranked best overall, thanks to its professional-grade cleaning power and 45-degree angled handle. Its design promotes easier access to hard-to-reach areas, and the finely tapered bristles are great for removing plaque and debris to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Our tester noted the toothbrush's gentle yet effective cleaning action, without digging into the gumline or causing discomfort. Our tester also appreciated its comfortable and easy-to-grip handle, which makes it maneuverable in tight spaces. The toothbrush's small head and fine bristles are also great for those with sensitive gums. Overall, the GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush is an excellent choice for those looking for a manual toothbrush that delivers a deep clean. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Nylon | Added Features: Tongue scraper, grippy handle, ergonomic design, travel cap Pros Six cleaning modes Tracks usage using the Oral B smart app Pressure sensors protect against over brushing Cons Pricey Somewhat loud Bluetooth can be unreliable The Oral-B Genius 9600 Electric Toothbrush impressed our tester with its six brushing modes (for instance, a light mode, whitening, and tongue setting) and pressure sensor, which protect against over brushing and gum damage. The three included brush heads allow you to customize your brushing experience, and the intelligent app tracks your usage and provides real-time brushing feedback via Bluetooth, so you know you're getting the most out of your time. Although on the pricier side, it includes the brush, charging base, charger, USB charging travel case, three heads, and suction cup phone holder, in addition to all the special features, so it has all the bells and whistles. Our tester noted that her teeth felt incredibly clean after using the brush, and she could reach hard-to-reach areas easily. She also loved the tongue-brushing setting, which gently scrubbed her tongue and helped freshen her breath. Overall, it is an top-notch toothbrush that will make you and your dentist happy. Type: Electric | Bristle Material: Nylon | Added Features: Smart app, pressure sensor, six brushing modes, interchangeable brush heads, USB charging case, suction cup phone holder, lithium-ion battery Pros Built-in tongue scraper Comfortable gripped handle Uses circular power bristles to remove plaque Cons Small brush head Rougher than average bristles An affordable toothbrush that doesn't skimp on quality, the Colgate Extra Clean Full Head Toothbrush uses circular power bristles to clean teeth effectively and remove plaque. The gripped handle is comfortable to hold, and the built-in tongue scraper helps remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Our tester liked its affordable price and overall cleaning power, but found the medium bristle to be a little tough on her gums. Fortunately, the Colgate Extra Clean Full Head Toothbrush comes in three different bristle options (soft, medium, and hard), so you can choose the one that's right for you. Other noteworthy features include an ergonomic design that helps you reach all areas of the mouth for a refreshing clean. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Nylon | Added Features: Tongue scraper, grippy handle, ergonomic design Pros Up to 62000 vibrations per minute Built-in pressure sensors 2-minute timer with pacing notifications Cons Small brush head not suitable for some 14-day battery life is less than some other models The Philips Sonicare 4100 is a simple electric toothbrush our tester found to be effective and gentle. Using ultrasound technology, it produces up to 62000 vibrations per minute, making short work of plaque and tartar. The built-in pressure sensors help protect your gums from over brushing, and the brush head replacement reminder alerts you when it's time for a new one. Compared to other electric toothbrushes, the battery life on this model is pretty average at around 14 days—some other models last for 30 to 60 days or more. Our tester noted the toothbrush left her teeth feeling clean and polished after a two-minute brushing session. Overall, our tester thinks this is a quality electric toothbrush with an affordable price tag. Its simplistic design makes it easy to use, and the included charging base keeps it neatly stored on your countertop. Type: Electric | Bristle Material: Nylon | Added Features: Waterproof design, brush head replacement reminder, smart timer, pressure sensor, lithium-ion battery Pros Ergonomic handle Duoflex brush neck 2.5 times better pressure control than standard toothbrushes Cons No tongue and cheek cleaner Some users report longer brush time for deep clean The Sensodyne Pronamel Medium Toothbrush is designed specifically for people with sensitive teeth and gums. It has an ergonomic handle, a solid grip, and a Duoflex brush neck that rocks and pivots to reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. The bristles are soft, gentle, and effective at removing plaque and debris. Our tester found the ease of use and pressure control excellent, and her teeth felt clean and fresh after a two-minute brushing session. Other noteworthy testing insights include the durable non-slip grip and surprisingly gentle bristles—the medium bristle brush was softer than most. With more pressure control than other models, this toothbrush is a good choice for people who have sensitive teeth and gums, or those whose teeth are sensitive after using a teeth whitening kit. The only downside is that it doesn't have a tongue cleaner. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Unknown | Added Features: Duoflex brush neck, ergonomic handle, non-slip grip Pros Rounded, angled bristles Gum stimulators improve blood flow Attached tongue and cheek cleaner Cons Gum stimulators may be bothersome Larger head not suitable for some Our tester recommends the Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrush for gentle cleaning action that still gets the job done. The rounded, angled bristles clean deep between teeth and along the gum line, while the gum stimulators help improve blood flow—leaving you with healthy, happy gums. The bristles are set at a 16-degree angle to reach those hard-to-get-at spots better than straight bristles. Our tester found the bristles soft and gentle on her teeth and gums but still effective at sweeping away plaque and debris. She also appreciated the extra features like the tongue cleaner for removing the lingering bacteria from the tongue surface and inside the cheeks. Overall, she thought this toothbrush was an outstanding choice for people looking for a gentle clean. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Nylon and rubber | Added Features: Cross Action bristles, tongue cleaner, gum stimulator, grippy handle Pros Recyclable Multi-height bristles Angled brush neck for precision Cons Small brush size not suitable for some Recycling facilities not accessible to everyone The Tom's of Maine Naturally Clean Toothbrush is made from natural, BPA-free materials that are recyclable when you're ready to replace them. Our tester found the toothbrush to be gentle yet effective, easy to maneuver around all quadrants of the mouth and an overall solid choice for people with sensitive gums. The bristles are staggered at various heights for precision cleaning around sensitive gums, and the angled brush neck helps you reach behind molars and into hidden crevices. You'll love this toothbrush for its eco-friendly construction with a handle made 99% from renewable castor oil plants. And, when it's time to replace, simply recycle the toothbrush at the nearest Tom's of Maine TerraCycle collection program. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Blend of castor-oil-based polymers and traditional petroleum-derived nylon polymers | Added Features: Multi-height bristles, angled brush neck, grippy handle, eco-friendly design, recyclable Pros Microfine, tapered bristles Helps stimulate the gums without damage Maintains shape longer than nylon bristle options Cons No tongue or cheek cleaner Large brush head not suitable for some The Nimbus Extra Soft Toothbrush features microfine, tapered bristles that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. The long outer bristles clean the gum line, while the shorter inner bristles support plaque removal from the tooth surface. Our tester found the brush exceptionally soft, yet its cleaning power and precision was excellent—especially in cases of damaged enamel and sensitivities that create hot spots. The toothbrush's ergonomic handle is designed for comfort and easy grip with a 45-degree angle. And its compact head can maneuver into the back of the mouth for a thorough clean. The Nimbus Extra Soft Toothbrush retains less water than standard nylon bristles, so it doesn't break down as quickly and can maintain its shape for longer. While it lacks a tongue or cheek cleaner, our testing team still recommends this toothbrush for anyone seeking an incredibly soft option. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: PBT fibers | Added Features: Ergonomic design, grippy handle, BPA-free Pros Slim, tapered bristle design Minimizes bacteria growth Contains tea tree oil and magnolia bark for freshness Cons No tongue or cheek cleaner No rubber grip on handle The Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush stood out during testing for its no-frills design and solid cleaning capabilities. This toothbrush helps fight bad breath at its source with infused tea tree oil and magnolia bark, which minimizes bacteria growth on the bristles and in your mouth. Our tester found the toothbrush to be gentle on her gums while still delivering a deep clean, and she appreciated the slim, tapered bristles that were able to get into all the nooks and crannies of her mouth. While it doesn't have any extra features like a tongue or cheek cleaner, the Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush makes up for it in terms of simplicity and freshness. Made from polyester instead of nylon, the bristles are less likely to harbor bacteria and hold up longer to wear and tear. The only disadvantage our tester noticed was the slightly awkward handle design, which may take some adjusting. Type: Manual | Bristle Material: Polyester | Added Features: Tea tree oil and magnolia bark infusion, non-slip thumb grip The Verywell Health team tested toothbrushes based on three main criteria: comfort, ease of use, and functionality. We ranked each toothbrush on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being the best. We also evaluated the toothbrushes for overall quality, including handle design, bristles, and added features. During testing, our testers unboxed the toothbrushes and added toothpaste. After setting a timer for two minutes, they began brushing all surfaces of their teeth, paying particular attention to areas that are typically difficult to reach. They took note of how comfortable the bristles were, how easy the toothbrush was to maneuver, and whether they felt like their teeth were adequately clean afterward. Our testers also assessed each toothbrush's design, paying attention to factors like ergonomics, grip, brush head size, and other factors that might affect comfort and ease of use. We also evaluated the bristles for hardness and flexibility to get a sense of how well they would comfortably clean teeth. This data was compiled and used to calculate our final ranking. We also consulted with dental professionals to get their expert opinions on what to look for when choosing toothbrushes. They include: There are two main types of toothbrushes on the market: manual and electric. While some electric toothbrushes use batteries, many now come with rechargeable bases. "While manual toothbrushes are more traditional, electric toothbrushes are battery powered," explains Dr. Horowitz. "They rotate to help remove plaque and clean teeth and stain more efficiently than a manual toothbrush." Dr. Horowitz recommends speaking with your dentist if you want specific toothbrush recommendations. Many toothbrushes come with either soft, medium, or hard bristles. While you may think stiff bristles are better at removing plaque, they can cause gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and damage to the mouth if used too aggressively. Soft bristles are gentler on the teeth and gums. "I always recommend that everyone uses soft bristle toothbrushes," says Dr. Horowitz. Not only do soft bristles clean just as well as more rigid bristles, but they also help prevent complications to the teeth and gums. "This is particularly important for people with sensitive gums as well as patients with worn teeth and thin and or missing enamel." "Soft bristle toothbrushes make it easier to move the bristles around your teeth when brushing, to get to hard-to-reach places," adds Dr. Horowitz. While the height and density of the bristles on your toothbrush can also affect its overall effectiveness, many toothbrushes have multi-level bristles designed to reach different areas of the mouth. "Typically, toothbrushes have different height bristles within them to reach different areas of the tooth surface," explains Dr. Horowitz. This helps ensure each area of the mouth is cleaned correctly, including the gum line and back teeth. Look for a toothbrush with bristles of varying heights to get the most complete clean. The size and shape of the toothbrush handle are essential for comfort and grip. Some toothbrushes have ergonomic handles that naturally fit your hand, while others have non-slip grips for added control. Rubber grips help to prevent the brush from slipping out of your hand while in use—even more crucial when the toothbrush is wet. Some may prefer smaller handles for easier maneuverability, while others find larger handles more comfortable. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. How often should you change your toothbrush? Experts recommend switching out their manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush heads every three to four months on average to get the best use from the device. “That’s largely because a worn toothbrush is not going to do much good in cleaning your teeth,” says Dr. Cooper. People should be on the lookout for frayed bristles, Dr. Cooper says, because that can indicate if the toothbrush needs replacing quicker than the recommended three to four months. What's better: a regular toothbrush or an electric toothbrush? A consistent debate regarding dental hygiene is whether an electric toothbrush is better for cleaning teeth than a manual toothbrush. But Dr. Cooper says it’s not necessarily about using a manual or electric toothbrush, but the technique the person uses when brushing their teeth. “Both are equally effective and thorough in cleaning your teeth if used correctly,” Dr. Cooper says, “and that's angling the brush at a 45-degree angle or so and sliding back and forth beneath your gums.” Proper toothbrush technique is twice per day for about two minutes, making sure to hit the top surfaces of the teeth as well as the back sides of the teeth. Can you clean your tongue with a toothbrush? Yes, you can clean your tongue with a toothbrush. However, a tongue scraper can reach further back on the tongue and may help prevent over-scraping, which can cause irritation. "While you can clean your tongue with a toothbrush, tongue scrapers are more effective," says Dr. Horowitz. "Tongue scrapers allow for a better clean of your tongue to get rid of more bacteria." Many toothbrushes now come equipped with a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head. You can also purchase a tongue scraper separately. Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.Best Philips
Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush
Best with Gentle Bristles
Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrushes
Best for Bad Breath
Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush
How We Tested
What to Look for in a Toothbrush
Toothbrush Type
Soft vs. Hard Bristles
Bristle Height
Comfortable Grip
We Also Tested
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health