You’re in the dental aisle of your local store, browsing through toothbrushes for the best battery-powered option for your children. But with every sleek box and buzzword you see, one question will inevitably keep coming back:

Which one is better?

If you’re stuck between an Oral-B or a Sonicare brush (as many today are!), we’re here to help you discern the subtle differences between the two brands.

The Specifics of Sonicare

Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrush heads are marked by their relatively traditional shape in comparison to that of Oral-B. Otherwise, smaller and more elongated than a manual toothbrush, these products use liquid pulsation and rapid side-to-side movements to powerfully remove plaque from multiple teeth at once — including in between the teeth.

Sonicare toothbrushes also offer a “smart” brushing experience, meaning that you can connect the brush to your smart device for a more thorough, guided brushing. This feature also comes with approximately five different brushing modes as well as three different brush heads.

Additionally, studies have affirmed that the Sonicare electric brush “is superior to the [Oral-B] brush in reducing gingival inflammation and probing depth.”

An Overview of Oral-B

While an Oral-B electric toothbrush is similar to a Sonicare brush in that it is smaller than a manual toothbrush, these products feature heads that are more rounded than they are oval or elongated.

That said, Oral-B toothbrushes also utilize an oscillating, rotating motion as opposed to Sonicare’s “sonic vibrations,” and some models are even capable of moving at a more rapid rate than Sonicare, albeit this will vary from model to model.

Finally, Oral-B also offers smart brushing options, in addition to Bluetooth® connectivity in certain models.

The Big Picture

At the end of the day, between the two brands, one is not inherently “better” than the other, as their effectiveness largely depends on the preferences of the toothbrush’s user.

After all, not only do both brands feature Seals of Acceptance by the American Dental Association (ADA) but, at the end of the day, electric-powered toothbrushes simply have an edge over traditional manual toothbrushes — no matter who it was manufactured by.

Additionally, the name on the packaging of your brush won’t matter if your family isn’t brushing effectively! Don’t forget to remind your children to brush twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time.And if you need help teaching your family about healthy oral habits — or if it’s time for your regular dental check-up and/or cleaning — don’t hesitate to contact Setzer, Cochran, and Soares Pediatric Dentistry! Our award-winning team of board-certified dentists is dedicated to ensuring your child’s smile is both happy and healthy. We look forward to seeing your smile!