The quest for a healthy-looking smile begins and ends with taking care of your teeth. Not to state the obvious, but taking care starts with brushing, and brushing starts with, well, a toothbrush. Similar to choosing beauty tools, selecting a toothbrush is equal parts essential and, at times, overwhelming if you’re trying to discern which will give you the sparkliest smile. “Rule of thumb: An electric toothbrush with soft bristles is always better than a regular toothbrush,” insists New York City-based aesthetic dentist Michael Apa.
Marc Lowenberg, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, agrees on the electric toothbrush front — especially if you don’t always clock in the recommended number of brushing sessions. “If you’re not one who is good with keeping up with brushing twice daily, it’s great to get an electric toothbrush to make sure all spots are reached and plaque is removed before turning into tartar,” he advises.
Brushing may not be your favorite task of the day, which is all the more reason to invest in the best tool. “If the patient is not good at manually brushing their teeth, then an electric toothbrush will do a better job. Electric toothbrushes remove plaque and stains more effectively, while still being gentle on tooth enamel and helping to prevent gum recession,” Lowenberg adds.
We asked the pros to fill us in on the latest brushing buzz. Below, the crème de la crème for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.