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

Cost: $8 | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft, medium, hard | Head size: Regular | Color options: Black with red, yellow, blue or purple | Special features: Built-in tongue and cheek scraper

If you're searching for that just-from-the-dentist clean with a manual toothbrush, the Colgate Advanced 360 Plus Floss Tip is your best bet. The magic lies in its soft, tapered bristles that can dive deep between teeth and around the gum line, ensuring a thorough clean. One standout feature is the built-in tongue and cheek scraper, which left my mouth feeling exceptionally fresh, allowing me to forgo a separate tongue-scraping tool.

The price point is fantastic for those with big families like mine, especially with the convenient two-pack option. Plus, the variety of color combinations ensures no confusion about which brush belongs to whom.

Overall, the Colgate Advanced 360 Plus Floss Tip is a stellar choice for anyone wanting a superior clean without breaking the bank.

Cost: $380 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Regular | Color options: Champagne, pink, limited edition pink, midnight blue | Special features: Anti-scrub and pressure sensors

Yes, our best overall electric toothbrush pick is pricey, but it's also one of the most incredible toothbrushes I’ve ever used. "Incredible" isn't a word you'd usually associate with a toothbrush, but once you experience what the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige can do, you'll understand why.

This electric toothbrush leverages an AI-powered app to suggest optimal brushing duration, coverage and pressure. Each session is automatically recorded, helping you monitor your teeth and gum health over time.

I'm often guilty of brushing too hard, so I particularly appreciate the sensor light that alerts you if you're applying too much pressure. After using it for six weeks, I've noticed a significant improvement in my teeth and gum health. And as a bonus, the travel case is chic and portable enough to fit into any cosmetic bag.

One 5-star Amazon reviewer noted, "The toothbrush is phenomenal but pricey. If you don't mind spending the money, or find it on sale, you won't be disappointed in the performance of the toothbrush. It does an excellent job at cleaning your teeth and removing stains."

Cost: $10 | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft, medium, hard | Head size: Compact | Color options: Yellow, orange, purple | Special features: Quad grip handle

Sometimes you need a reliable toothbrush that won't break the bank. Whether for your travel kit, a backup at the office or to save a few bucks without compromising on quality, the GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush is your best bet.

GUM continues to be ranked as the number one brand by dental professionals, which is why you often see it in those post-dentist goodie bags. Naturally, the GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush tops our list for the best budget manual toothbrush. It delivers a solid clean at a great price.

One happy Amazon reviewer said, "These were given out at my dentists office and feel they are the best brushes for cleaning my teeth and gum line. They are sturdy enough to deep clean but gentle on the gums. I won't use anything else."

The key feature is the quad-grip handle, designed to help you hold the brush at the optimal 45-degree angle, which Perry explains is essential for achieving the best results. "Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions," she advises. "Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth— the outer surfaces, inner surfaces and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh."

For an affordable toothbrush that doesn’t skimp on performance, the GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush is a standout choice.

Cost: $13 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Regular | Special features: Colorware bristles

If you don’t have much to spend but still prefer the deep clean of an electric toothbrush, the Spinbrush Pro+ does the job.

This wallet-friendly, ADA-recommended toothbrush delivers a deep clean that rivals more expensive models. It features double-action spinner and scrubber brushes that effectively remove plaque between teeth and around the gum line.

Reviewers love this brush. One said, "I switched to another brand and missed this more than I want to admit. This gets my teeth cleaner and brighter. I will never switch again. Great price."

The Colorware bristles are a handy feature for those who often forget to change their toothbrush heads on time. They fade to remind you when it's time for a replacement. I also appreciated that this toothbrush is cruelty-free and completely BPA-free.

The only downside is that removing the base to replace the batteries can be tricky, a common issue noted in user reviews. However, the convenience of using regular AAA batteries instead of hard-to-find watch batteries is a significant plus.

Cost: $20 for handle and 3 brush heads | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft, medium | Head size: Regular | Color options: green, pink, arctic blue, purple, ocean blue, gold, black | Special features: Built-in tongue and cheek scraper, recyclable brush heads

Think of the Nada Toothbrush as you think of reusable razors — the high-quality, heavy aluminum handle is intended to be kept indefinitely, but the brush heads can be removed and disposed of after they've run their course (about every three months). But here's the innovative (and sustainable) part — instead of chucking the brush heads in the trash, you place them in Nada's pre-addressed envelopes to be sent back to the company and recycled into plastic pellets. 

The handle and the brush heads hold their own in terms of quality. The heads include a tongue scraper on the back and ultra-fine, soft bristles to provide an effective clean. The handle is heavy and lies flat, so you don't have to worry about it rolling over if you set it on your sink. It also rinses clean, so you won't get gross toothpaste buildup. 

You can choose from a variety of handle colors, and the brand also offers a kids' version. The only downside? Having to pay the postage to send the brush heads back for recycling. It's a small price to pay, honestly, but it's one extra step that could be considered an annoyance. 

Cost: $92 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Medium, soft | Head size: Compact | Color options: Midnight fern, morning waves, sea mist, winter fern | Special features: Mirror mount for easy storage

Many electric toothbrushes are wasteful, using excessive plastic and few reusable parts. The SURI Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush, however, is crafted from plant-based materials and offers an eco-friendly way to maintain oral hygiene.

An Amazon reviewer commented, "Not only is this amazing toothbrush more environmentally sustainable, it even works better! Seriously! I was a bit concerned that maybe I would be sacrificing function for the sustainability features. But, nope, not even the slightest. The vibrations seem even stronger than the conventional sonic toothbrushes I had before. And, it is much quieter than the conventional ones too."

Despite its smaller motor, this toothbrush delivers powerful vibrations, claiming to remove up to 300 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

What truly sets this toothbrush apart are its two cleaning modes: one for daily cleaning and another for polishing. I appreciated having the option to switch between the two, using the polishing mode once a week for an extra shine. Plus, the company offers free recycling for used brush heads, a fantastic way to contribute to environmental conservation — just remember to take advantage of the service!

Cost: $125 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Small | Color options: White, black | Special features: Three gum-friendly cleaning modes

The right toothbrush is crucial for those with sensitive teeth and gums. The Oral B Sensitive Gum and Teeth rechargeable electric toothbrush is an excellent choice, offering three settings: daily cleaning, gum care and sensitive mode.

Like the Sonicare 9900 Prestige, this toothbrush features an AI-powered app to guide your brushing routine, which is especially beneficial for those with gum disease. The built-in 30-second timer signals when to move to the next quadrant of your mouth, ensuring optimal brushing technique. This feature, combined with its gentle yet effective cleaning modes, makes it ideal for anyone needing extra care for their teeth and gums.

While the storage case is bulkier than some other portable electric toothbrushes, the other features compensate for this minor inconvenience.

Cost: $64 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Compact | Color options: Satin and metallic finishes | Special features: Wireless charging

A whitening toothbrush can make a significant difference if you're a coffee or tea lover or just looking to brighten your smile. The AquaSonic VIBE series Ultra Whitening Electric Toothbrush is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to whiten their teeth and remove stains effectively.

My husband tested this toothbrush, and as a big coffee drinker, he noticed a difference in his teeth's whiteness after just a week. The ADA-backed claim of preventing and reducing gingivitis was another draw for us, given his susceptibility to gum issues.

This toothbrush offers excellent value as well, as the kit comes with seven replacement heads, which should last a single user more than a year. We also appreciated the wireless charging feature, which is perfect for those with limited counter space. However, the on/off button is quite sensitive, and we did find it buzzing in the cabinet a couple of times after getting jostled.

Despite this minor issue, the AquaSonic VIBE Series delivers on its promise of a whiter, brighter smile, making it an excellent choice for those focused on teeth whitening.

Cost: $12 | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft, medium | Head size: Regular | Color options: White, silver, blue, purple | Special features: Cross-action bristles

Plaque is the unsightly, sticky film that forms on your teeth when you do a less-than-stellar job at brushing. It's full of bacteria and is a cause of halitosis, or bad breath. The Oral-B CrossAction All-in-One manual toothbrush is a top choice for those serious about combating plaque.

This toothbrush is designed explicitly for deep plaque removal. After the first use, I noticed the smoothness of my teeth, and the built-in cheek and tongue scraper contributed to fresher breath. The bristles effectively reached those hard-to-access areas, ensuring a comprehensive clean.

While some reviews mentioned the bulky handle, I appreciated the heavier feel, which provided a more comfortable and controlled grip. Additionally, the price is unbeatable — less than $12 for a pack of four toothbrushes.

Overall, the Oral-B CrossAction All-in-One manual toothbrush is a solid option to reduce plaque and improve oral hygiene.

Cost: $29 | Type: Electric | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Small | Color options: Blue, white, pink | Special features: Brushing timers

Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging, but the Philips Sonicare for Kids makes it fun and engaging. My 10-year-old son loved this toothbrush because it turned brushing into a game rather than a chore. With its advanced AI-powered app, he learned proper brushing techniques while guided by a cute, fuzzy avatar named Sparkly.

This toothbrush is safe and gentle on his gums yet effective at reaching those hard-to-brush spots. The built-in brushing timer ensures he brushes for the appropriate amount of time and spends the right amount of time on each quadrant of his mouth.

One thing to note is the importance of rinsing the brush thoroughly after each use. Some reviews mentioned mold growth between the brush head and handle if not adequately rinsed and dried. However, we didn't encounter this issue.

Cost: $10 | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Regular | Color options: Silver, rose gold | Special features: Orthodontics-friendly bristle shape

Braces are a significant investment, and the right toothbrush is crucial for maintaining them. The OrthoBrush from SuperMouth is a fantastic manual option with an innovative bristle shape that effectively cleans around braces hardware.

My son recently got braces and prefers this manual toothbrush over the electric ones he's tried. He likes the control it offers, allowing him to easily adjust pressure on specific areas. Despite their softness, the bristles clean thoroughly, and his dentist even praised his oral hygiene, saying, "Keep up the good work!"

I recommend using this toothbrush with a water flosser for the best results.

Cost: $10 for set of 2 | Type: Manual | Bristle options: Soft | Head size: Regular | Color options: orange or blue | Special features: foldable design, nano-silver infused bristles

In terms of innovation, this travel toothbrush from Mouthwatchers checks all the boxes. First, it folds into itself, saving space in your toiletry bag while also negating the need for a separate toothbrush holder or cap. Its bristles are also infused with nano-silver, which some studies indicate can act to fight bacteria buildup on the brush head (though probably not as well as toothbrush brands would like to claim). Finally, the soft, polyester bristles are 10 times finer than the average toothbrush, making it easier to clean along the gum line and between your teeth, leaving you with a squeaky-clean feeling.

Truly, I have loved using this travel toothbrush as my primary toothbrush because it really does leave my teeth feeling clean. That said, I'm not the biggest fan of the handle design. It works as a travel toothbrush, but for day-to-day use it's probably best to go ahead and buy the brand's standard model.