The Best Electric Toothbrushes

Regularly brushing your teeth is the foundation for excellent oral care and prevention of dental issues. While we may be accustomed to using a regular toothbrush, you may want to consider an electric toothbrush for a deeper clean.

The bristles of electric toothbrushes automatically vibrate or rotate to get rid of plaque buildup from teeth and gums, making them more efficient at removing plaque than manual ones. The market offers different types of electronic toothbrushes, and we are here to help you narrow down your options.

Below is a quick round-up of our best picks, but keep reading to learn more about our selection criteria, why our top picks made the cut, as well as our runner-up picks.

Summary Picks | The Best Electric Toothbrushes

Best Sonic Toothbrush: The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush has three main modes for different brushing intensities and lasts up to 70 days on one charge.

• Best Oscillating Toothbrush: The Oral-B iO9 Black Ultimate Clean Electric Toothbrush is equipped with 3D Teeth Tracking and AI Recognition technologies that gives users insight into their brushing patterns.

• Best Electronic Toothbrush for Kids: The Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush with Sensitive Brush Head and Timer has a soft grip and is equipped with two brushing modes ideal for oral care needs of kids aged three and up.

• Best Electronic Toothbrush for Seniors: The Philips Sonicare HX9690 ExpertClean 7500 comes with two different brush heads and has a BrushSync feature that adjusts the brushing mode into its optimal settings according to the type of brush head inserted, reducing the need to adjust controls manually.

• Best Electronic Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth and Gums: The PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush can produce 25 intensity variations, thanks to its five precision brush heads and five cleaning levels available.

• Best Electronic Toothbrush for Travel: With the Fairywill Electric Toothbrush P11 with Travel Case, travelers will not need to worry about this electronic toothbrush’s power. Its battery life lasts up to 30 days in just two hours of charging.

Why Pick An Electronic Toothbrush?

A regular toothbrush helps keep the teeth clean but an electronic toothbrush offers more benefits. First off, an electronic toothbrush helps in lessening plaque up to 21% and gingivitis up to 11%. This is because an electronic toothbrush can create tens of thousands of strokes per minute compared to a manual toothbrush wherein the individual’s average number of strokes is 300 per minute.

We tend to brush too hard when using a regular toothbrush. This can result in enamel wear and gum recession. You won’t have this problem with electric toothbrushes, which typically come with pressure sensors that either warn you or turn the brush movements off should this happen. As a user, all you have to do is move it around your mouth while the bristles do the brushing for you.

Another benefit of electronic toothbrushes is you get to save the environment from acquiring waste. In most cases, you only need to replace the electronic toothbrush’s head compared to a manual toothbrush where you have to throw away everything after its bristles have worn out.

These toothbrushes are also a good option for people suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel, or developmental disabilities as it does most of the brushing work for you. Most electronic toothbrushes have a built-in timer allowing users to brush within the recommended two minutes.
Electronic toothbrushes are not only safe for adults but also for children. Using an electric toothbrush can make teeth brushing a fun activity for kids and can be a good foundation in establishing a healthy dental care practice. Electronic toothbrushes also help kids with braces clean in and around any metal parts.

That said, electronic toothbrushes also come with some cons. Probably one of the biggest disadvantages of electronic brushes is the cost. The price of an electronic toothbrush ranges between $60 to $100 and up. That is a lot of money compared to a regular toothbrush that only costs a few dollars. What’s more, these toothbrushes are also bulky. It can be difficult to put it inside your purse and may take space in your suitcase instead of fitting in some clothes and other essentials.

Overall, the benefits of an electronic toothbrush overpower its disadvantages. Electronic toothbrushes are worth the investment because they are highly effective in eliminating plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Although you can achieve similar results with a regular toothbrush, an electronic toothbrush minimizes the need to exert effort in brushing or brushing too hard compared to using a manual toothbrush.

What’s the Difference Between Oscillating and Sonic Toothbrushes?

Electronic toothbrushes have two main categories: oscillating and sonic. The main difference between the two is the way they clean. Oscillating brushes oscillate, rotate, and pulsate through a 3D cleaning action that helps adjust to the teeth. Meanwhile, sonic brushes pulsate side-to-side through a distinct dynamic action that gently reaches between the teeth and along the gum line.

Oscillating brushes typically have a circle on their head. Their brushing action ranges between 2,500 up to 7,500 rotations per minute. Some models come with brush settings and a 2-minute and interval timer.
Sonic brushes look like regular toothbrushes as they also have an oval brush head. Compared to oscillating brushes, the sonic type has an estimated 30,000 brushes per minute. Because it vibrates at a high speed, it generates micro-bubbles of water that clean the teeth better.

The truth is that both these options will be better at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. When it comes to deciding between the two, personal preference does play a huge role: some users may find sonic toothbrushes to be a bit painful, while others may feel the same about oscillating brushes.

How We Chose The Best Picks

Choosing which electronic toothbrush to buy can be overwhelming most especially since there is a broad range of selection in the market. It’s important to take your time in browsing through each product’s features, so you know you’re making the right choice. As we did our research, we narrowed down our picks according to features that play a big role in promoting overall dental health while addressing user experience.

Brush Speed

This is the biggest difference between manual and electric toothbrushes. Most electric toothbrushes have a standard speed of about 30,000 strokes per minute; the higher the number, the more effective it is at removing plaque. Aside from effectively brushing your teeth, higher rotational speeds also move water and toothbrush around your mouth, in turn creating a kind of foaming sensation that also helps lift dental plaque.

Brush Heads

Most brands offer replacement toothbrush heads for a specific model. However, some brands may offer entirely different toothbrush heads that can be used with one electric toothbrush model. These brush heads are made to tackle different dental concerns, be it intensive plaque removal or sensitive cleaning. As such, you’ll find that these specialized brush heads will come with different bristles and shapes. This may be an important consideration for those who are looking to really improve their dental health.

Grip

A good grip is also crucial in selecting an electronic toothbrush. This usually depends on the user, whether the person is an adult or a child. Handles can be narrow or wide: a wide grip is recommended for those who are used to having a firm grip when brushing, as well as for children as it requires less muscle coordination. On the other hand, a narrow grip type of electronic toothbrush suits those who prefer a precise and gentle brushing technique.

Battery Life

You would want to have an electronic toothbrush that you can readily use and not something that you constantly charge. This is an essential factor, most especially if you travel a lot. Some electronic toothbrushes last up to 7-10 days while others up to 3 weeks after charging. In general, rechargeable toothbrushes should be charged 12-24 hours before using them the first time. They usually come with a standard USB charger. Some electronic toothbrushes are non-rechargeable and battery-operated, which can be useful for those who don’t want to deal with the trouble of charging yet another electronic device.

Brush Head Compatibility

Most electronic toothbrushes require that brush heads be replaced every 3 months. The main two types of brush heads are snap/click-on and twist/screw-on. The snap/click-on type is compatible with most rechargeable electronic toothbrushes. The screw-on head, on the other hand, usually fits old models of toothbrushes. As such, when purchasing replacement heads, make sure to check its compatibility with your own brush. Some types of electronic toothbrushes do not have a replaceable head so when the bristles wear out, you will need to replace the entire brush.

Warranty

Electronic toothbrushes should come with a warranty. A higher warranty period is a good factor in choosing between electronic toothbrushes, which is why we made sure to include brushes with warranty periods that last at least one year. Warranty can be good for months or can last up to a year. Getting a warranty with your purchase gives you peace of mind knowing that if something happens with the electronic toothbrush or any of its parts that is not your fault, you are covered.

Bonus Features That Almost Made Our List

Because competition is tough in the marketplace, manufacturers have integrated miscellaneous features into electronic toothbrushes. Aside from the key considerations we’ve listed above, we’ve also considered some factors that are nice to have in an electronic toothbrush. At the end of the day, these bonus features are just “icing on the cake” and will still depend on your own preference and needs.

Pressure Sensors

For individuals who have sensitive gums or thin enamel, an electronic toothbrush with pressure sensors is ideal. These sensors are also beneficial for those who brush too hard. Through a light, buzzer, or beeper, pressure sensors give a signal to the individual indicating that they are brushing with too much force. Some types of pressure sensors control the rotating speed of the electronic toothbrush.

Subscription

Toothbrush subscription services can help you save time in going to a store to get your needed replacement brush heads or batteries. The subscription allows users to customize when the items will be delivered and gives them an option when to cancel if needed. Sure, you can always buy online. However, the good thing about a subscription service is that you’ll still get to replace what needs to be replaced in an electronic toothbrush, even if you forget about it.

Smart Features

Some manufacturers have developed an application that electronic toothbrush users can download on their smartphones. The application collects data regarding each brushing session of the user. The data is transmitted to the application via Bluetooth. This information analyzes the way you brush or tracks teeth that you have or have not brushed. Overall, app integration and Bluetooth capabilities can help you improve your brushing experience.

The Best Sonic Electronic Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes employ a back-and-forth motion that allows users to just glide the brush along their teeth. This mimics the way that most users use a manual toothbrush.

1st Place: Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush

What we liked: This electronic toothbrush is overall powerful with its different brush movements and strong battery life that can last up to 70 days.

What we didn’t like: This electronic toothbrush produces a high-pitched noise and its power button is highly sensitive. Some users have also reported very mild gum bleeding on their first use.

This electronic toothbrush uses sonic technology that gently removes plaque and discoloration. It's fitted with technology that produces high-frequency brush movements. It is equipped with three different speed settings: the White setting with 48,000 movements per minute, the Clean setting with 41,000 movements per minute, and the Sensitive setting with 31,000 brush movements per minute. The Clean setting generates a deep scrub onto the teeth while the Sensitive setting is ideal for those who have gum issues.

For those who need serious stain removal, the White setting of this electronic toothbrush provides an intense clean compared to its Sensitive and Clean settings. A full charge of its lithium-ion battery will take 15 hours. Its battery life will last up to 70 days with twice usage daily. The package also comes with a protective travel case, a base, and a charger.

Runner-Up: Philips Sonicare Power Electric Toothbrush 9900 Prestige

What we liked: The SenseIQ feature protects users from having gum problems by automatically adjusting brushing intensity when users brush too hard. The whole product looks luxurious, even the leather travel case.

What we didn’t like: Unlike the previously mentioned electronic toothbrushes, it doesn’t have replacement brush heads included. Some also reported issues with the application.

This sophisticated-looking electronic toothbrush comes in three colors: champagne, midnight, and pink. It also comes with SenseIQ technology that detects motion, pressure, coverage, frequency, and duration up to 100 times per second. So, if ever you brush too hard, it automatically adjusts its intensity.
'It also offers personalized guidance as to how to brush better through the AI-powered Philips Sonicare application, with the trick being that users can only control the brush’s settings through this app. This electronic toothbrush has five brushing modes, including Clean (default), Deep Clean, Gum Health, White+, and Sensitive. It can produce up to 62,000 bristle movements. One full charge can last up to over two weeks of battery life. The package includes a USB charging case, one USB-C charger cable, and a charger base.

The Best Oscillating Electronic Toothbrushes

Oscillating toothbrushes move at a slower pace than sonic toothbrushes, only around 2,500 up to 7,500 rotations per minute, but still more beneficial than manual tooth brushing. The choice between the two goes down to preference and the specific needs of each user.

1st Place: Oral-B iO9 Black Ultimate Clean Electric Toothbrush

What we liked: The 3D Teeth Tracking and AI Recognition gives detailed insights into users’ teeth brushing patterns. Its warranty lasts for two years.

What we didn’t like: You have to wait for three hours for it to be fully charged. It’s only compatible with Oral-B iO refill heads.

This is one of the best smart electric toothbrushes on the market. Its unique round brush head produces micro-vibrations and oscillating action when brushing. It is installed with 3D Teeth Tracking and AI Recognition technologies that, when accessed through the companion Oral-B app, shows users’ brushing patterns to help them achieve 100% coverage.

It also has a pressure sensor with a signal light that blinks red when you are brushing too hard and green when you are brushing with just the right pressure. You can personalize your brushing experience into any of its seven cleaning modes. Charging automatically begins when you lock it into its magnetic charger, and a full charge takes about three hours. The package comes with a charging travel case, magnetic charger, and two-year warranty.

Runner-Up: Goby Electric Toothbrush

What we liked: It delivers the basic functions of an electronic toothbrush available at a fairly modest price. The battery is also long-lasting as it only requires charging twice a month.

What we didn’t like: Replacement brush heads are not available on Amazon or a local drugstore, but through the company’s site.

This electronic toothbrush is made with an oscillating brush head and soft bristles that can be adjusted at two speed types. The two-minute built-in timer pauses in 30-second intervals to remind users to switch quadrants. The best thing about this electronic toothbrush is you only need to charge it twice a month. It comes with a magnetic USB charging shell.

Its colors, moonstone and white moonstone, are subtle and fit most bathroom counter designs. Goby also makes their toothbrushes more accessible to users by providing a subscription model that sends replacement brush heads on a monthly basis.

The Best Electronic Toothbrushes for Kids

There are specific factors to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush for children, their teeth are more fragile and susceptible to decay than adult teeth. At the same time, the model itself should appeal to kids with its design and colors.

1st Place: Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush with Sensitive Brush Head and Timer

What we liked: A variety of cute designs that will get children looking forward to brushing their teeth. Bristles are soft and sensitive to the growing teeth of kids.

What we didn’t like: Could have added more character designs. Some say that it’s making a bit louder sound than the adult version.

This is the electronic brush to get them. It comes with various cute designs featuring characters from the movies Frozen, Spiderman, and Star Wars. The features are ideal for children as this electronic toothbrush has a sensitive brush head with soft bristles.

It has two modes: Sensitive and Daily Clean. The grip is soft enough that the gentle hands of kids aged three and up can handle it. It also has a timer that ensures they will brush for a full two minutes. The product comes with a rechargeable handle, charger, brush head, four handle stickers, and a limited two-year warranty.

Runner-Up: Arm & Hammer Kid's Spinbrush

What we liked: The inclusion of the new SpinFast technology produces faster spinning action compared to its previous models. Kids will love the assortment of designs.

What we didn’t like: The toothbrush itself is not rechargeable. Some parents complain that the power button is tough to press and hold.

This electronic toothbrush has soft bristles that are safe for kids and a switch that can easily be turned on and off. This is available in a variety of designs, including Super Mario, Mermaid and Unicorn, JoJo Siwa, Marvel’s Avengers, My Little Pony, and Jurassic World.

In addition to having soft bristles, the manufacturer has upgraded the product with the new SpinFast technology that moves the brush back and forth to give a thorough clean while extending the lifespan of the bristles. Its Spinbrush SoftSwitch serves not only as a power button but also prevents water from leaking inside the toothbrush. It operates through an AA battery. One battery is included in the purchase.

The Best Electronic Toothbrushes for Seniors

Adaptability is key in selecting an electric toothbrush for more elderly users. The models selected are able to adapt to the specific needs of senior users, such as pressure control for gum sensitivity and soft bristles to avoid over-brushing.

1st Place: Philips Sonicare HX9690 ExpertClean 7500

What we liked: Using a specific brush head (i.e. the Gum Care head or the Plaque Control head) automatically

What we didn’t like: The smart application has no real-time tracking of brushing, but only generates a progress report that can be accessed through the app.

This electronic toothbrush comes with two kinds of brush heads: the C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head with soft, flexible bristles and the G3 Premium Gum Care that is smaller and targets the gums more. It also has built-in smart sensors that vibrate when overbrushing. Connecting it to the Sonicare app gives seniors a progress report about the way they brush their teeth. The electronic toothbrush comes in four modes: Clean, Deep Clean+, White+, and Gum Health.

To add more convenience to senior users, its BrushSync feature senses whether the Plaque Control or Gum Health brush head is attached and automatically adjusts the brush’s intensity accordingly. This technology also reminds users when it’s time to replace the brush head. A single charge of the electronic toothbrush will last up to two weeks. A USB charging travel case and a charger that can be plugged through a USB port or wall outlet come with the package.

Runner-Up: hum by Colgate Smart Battery Toothbrush Kit

What we liked: Simple and easy-to-use electronic toothbrush. The application offers real-time tracking and helps seniors achieve better oral care. Plus, they get to earn rewards through continuous app usage.

What we didn’t like: Lesser features, modes, and settings. It also has no pressure sensors which are helpful for seniors. Some complain about the brush head being too small.

For the seniors who are just new to the world of electronic toothbrushes, this brand is a good start. It is a battery-operated toothbrush that has two sonic vibration modes: Normal and Sensitive. It comes with a lower price tag compared to other models in the market.

Connecting it to the hum by Colgate mobile application (available on iOS and Android) gives users an overview of the frequency, duration, and coverage of their brushing. Keeping track of their progress through the app also earns users points to unlock rewards. The brush size may be smaller, but it does its job of deeper teeth cleaning. Together with the electronic toothbrush, buyers get two AAA batteries and one travel case upon purchase.

Second Runner-Up: Oral-B Pro 1000 Cross Action Electric Toothbrush

What we liked: It has a two-minute timer that vibrates every 30 seconds, which is helpful for seniors. Compatibility with other Oral-B brush heads.

What we didn’t like: It takes longer to charge and battery life is only a week-long compared to other models. There are no other cleaning modes.

This toothbrush is a good pick for seniors who want a thorough clean without the hassle of navigating It only has one cleaning mode, but it produces a 3D cleaning action that can reach all the corners of your teeth, which results in removing up to 300% more plaque compared to a standard toothbrush.

This toothbrush also comes with a pressure sensor that stops the toothbrush movements when triggered in order to prevent the elderly from brushing too hard. When it’s time to replace the brush head, seniors can opt to try other Oral-B brush heads as they are also compatible with this electronic toothbrush, such as the Precision Clean, 3D White, and Sensitive Gum Care heads. A full charge will take approximately 22 hours, and battery life can last up to seven days.

The Best Electronic Toothbrushes for Sensitive Teeth and Gums

The market offers many options for those with sensitive teeth and gums, with settings that can be adjusted to the user’s comfort. These models also come with interchangeable brush heads that can fulfill different cleaning needs.

1st Place: PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush

What we liked: Its five brush heads and five cleaning levels can be used interchangeably, producing a total of 25 intensity variations matching each individual’s specific dental care needs.

What we didn’t like: It has no rubberized grip, unlike other electronic toothbrushes. Its USB connector is not waterproof, so users have to take it away from the bathroom and charge the brush in a dry place.

With its 25 intensity variations, this is the ideal electronic toothbrush for those who have sensitive teeth or gums. It comes with five precision brush heads that are all safe and gentle to use. It also has five cleaning levels to choose from. This toothbrush works with the VarioSonic® V200B Orthodontic heads, which are suited to those who have braces.

Users can interchange brush heads and adjust them to the cleaning mode they prefer. For instance, those who have sensitive teeth and gums can use the V105 Feather soft brush head and start with mode 1—should you require more intensity, you can either press a button to go up in intensity or else switch the brush head. It comes with a rechargeable battery which makes the electronic toothbrush last for up to a month under normal use. Its warranty period lasts for a year.

Runner-Up: Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush with Adjustable Intensity

What we liked: The electronic toothbrush remembers the set intensity of the user. Great battery life that lasts up to 25 days between charges.

What we didn’t like: No travel case included. No pressure sensors alerting the user if they are brushing too hard.

On its basic setting, the brush pulsates at least 41,000 times for every single minute of brushing. Users can configure its settings to adjust the intensity of these pulses, and the brush will remember these settings. Its bristles are contoured to fit the natural shape of teeth, which helps ensure a thorough clean.

Its built-in timer vibrates every 30 seconds reminding the user to switch sections when brushing. The battery life is also great as it lasts up to 25 days between charges. In addition to the electronic toothbrush, the package includes two brushing heads and one charging base.

Second Runner-Up: DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

What we liked: The brush automatically adjusts its intensity level based on the type of brush head inserted. Its sleek glass holder also serves as a charger.

What we didn’t like: No USB connector for charging included. Users have to fully charge it before bringing it on travels or else they will have to bring the glass charger along.

This electronic toothbrush comes with three different brush heads, one of which is specially designed for gum care. It also has four cleaning modes (Clean, Deepl Clean+, Gum Health, and White) and three intensity levels (low, medium, high) to choose from. Its smart features bring convenience to users as it automatically selects the cleaning and intensity setting for the brush head in place.

For instance, when you select the Premium Gum Care mode, the smart feature adjusts its settings to deliver gentle cleaning on the gums. It comes with a travel case and a glass charger. When the electronic toothbrush is placed on the sleek glass holder included in the package, it instantly starts charging.

The Best Electronic Toothbrushes for Travel

Compact and reliable, an on-the-go electric toothbrush is necessary if you’re the type to always be on the road. These models offer long battery lives that can last any long-haul trip without needing a quick charge.

1st Place: Fairywill Electric Toothbrush P11 with Travel Case

What we liked: Impressive battery life that can last up to 30 days even in just two hours of charging. Eight replacement brush heads are already included upon purchase.

What we didn’t like: It has no pressure sensor. It only comes with a USB connector and no socket included.

Aside from having a handy travel case, this electronic toothbrush lasts up to 30 days with just two hours of full charging. It comes with a USB connector that can be easily connected with power banks, laptops, or any device that has a USB socket. The package also comes with eight brush heads with different colored rings, so, no need to worry about buying replacements within a year.

The toothbrush is fitted with a 3rd generation Maglev Motor that delivers 62,000 brush movements each cycle. It has three settings: Clean, Gentle, and Massage modes. This allows users to customize the brush intensity according to their preferences. The BPA-free, matte travel case can fit in two brush heads.

Runner-Up: Oral-B Genius Pro 8000

What we liked: While its battery can only last up to 12 days, it has a travel case that serves as its charger that users can bring on their travel. This can also charge smartphones.

What we didn’t like: The timer is not built-in on the toothbrush itself but is accessible through the application.

This electronic toothbrush lasts up to 12 days of regular use making it ideal for travel. Its travel case has a USB port included that charges not only the toothbrush but also the owner’s smartphone through one outlet. The electronic toothbrush has a circular brush head that can reach all corners of the mouth breaking up dental plaque effectively.

It has a customizable 360 SmartRing that provides users with real-time feedback regarding their brushing time and pressure. This feature can be accessed with the Oral-B smartphone application. It also has six cleaning modes, including Daily Clean, Whitening, Sensitive, Gum Care, Tongue Cleaning, and Pro-Clean.

Second Runner-Up: Philips Sonicare Essence 5600

What we liked: The battery lasts up to two weeks on a single charge. It comes with a two-year limited warranty upon purchase.

What we didn’t like: No other cleaning features were included compared to other models. Its timer has no 30-second reminders to switch quadrants when brushing.

Because its battery can last up to two weeks of usage on a single full charge, this electronic toothbrush makes for an ideal companion on travels. As long as it is charged fully, there is no need to bring its charger along.

Aside from its excellent battery life, it also boasts of a brushing action that delivers 31,000 brush strokes per minute. Its brush head is uniquely angled allowing it to remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. It is also gentle to use for those who have braces or who underwent dental restorations. The product is backed with a two-year limited warranty.

How Do You Clean an Electronic Toothbrush?

Electronic toothbrushes take care of our teeth. For it to continuously do its job, you also need to take care of it by cleaning it. An electronic toothbrush can last for a few days or weeks before it requires cleaning. Always consult the user manual (or check the manufacturer's website) to find out specific recommendations for how to properly care for your electronic toothbrush, but for some general tips, read on:

For daily maintenance, remember to disconnect the electric toothbrush head and give it a quick soak under warm water. Be sure to leave the brush head out to air dry before inserting it back into its handle. While you do not need to clean brush handles as frequently, wiping it down with a cloth and mild cleanser every week or so should do the trick.

Deeper cleaning should occur every two weeks. There are sanitizing solutions available that can be used to clean both the brush head and the handle.

Replace the brush head every three months or when you notice that the bristles are starting to fray or are not in their original tight formation. If there is old or dried grime on the electric toothbrush, you can use a toothpick, cotton bud, or mild detergent and apply light pressure to get rid of it.

Buying an Electronic Toothbrush: Final Thoughts

Although a regular toothbrush helps maintain one’s oral health, there’s no denying that an electronic toothbrush can do the job better. Don’t get overwhelmed with the wide selection of models available. It's important to check each electronic toothbrush's grip, battery life, brush head compatibility, and warranty period when checking out options.

Bonus features may be nice to have, but are only optional. You get to decide if these bonus features should be helpful or not. As such, knowing what to look for beforehand can make your informed decision. When in doubt, make this guide your source in finding the electronic toothbrush that best fits your needs.