I’ve Discovered the Ultimate Lazy Girl Toothbrush: The Philips One By Sonicare
Value: 18/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 18/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Brushability: 18/20
TOTAL: 93/100
I’ll be the first to admit that I never put too much thought into purchasing a toothbrush—as long as it got the job done—electric or not—I added it to the cart.
So when I received the Philips One by Sonicare toothbrush, I just assumed it was another vessel that, per usual, four out of five dentists recommend. But…there was one thing that piqued my interest: the timer function.
Yep, a simple and straightforward option kinda changed my oral hygiene game. Here’s how it works. One click of the button automatically starts a cycle brought to you by my new best friend, “SmarTimer.” The whole cycle lasts two minutes. But it’s the intermittent pulses that really had me sold on this function. Every 30 seconds, the vibrations lightly rumble, signaling it’s time to work on another area. How genius is that?
Speaking of vibrations, they are very subtle. Since there are no speed settings, don’t expect it to be quick, fast or hard on your teeth. It would’ve been nice to have different speed settings (there’s only one standard pace) but one reason why I tend to favorite regular toothbrushes is because the vibrations on some electrics can be too much. However, the Philips One isn’t overpowering at all. It might take a few attempts to spot the difference between the regular vibrations and the 30-second pulses, but I got the hang of it soon enough. Once the timer is up, the brush automatically shuts off. No more of my usual guessing game. If this isn’t the lazy gal toothbrush, I don’t know what is.
See, in the past, I’d just guesstimated my brushing time, thinking I landed somewhere around the recommended two-minute mark. But boy, was I wrong (and semi-ashamed) that I wasn’t spending enough time cleaning my teeth before. In reality, I was probably a minute or so off from what I was going for. Now, the timer keeps me accountable and gives me the nudge I need to give all areas the same amount of attention.
While the timer is obviously a major selling point for me, the brush has other qualities that make it superior to other electric brushes I’ve tried. First off, the brushing experience was very comfortable—thanks to the soft bristles. I didn’t have any issues with pain or discomfort (a bonus for people with sensitive teeth and/or gums). It also didn't seem to have the usual rounded-shape bristles that I'm used to seeing on regular electric toothbrushes. The shape of the bristles are curved and contoured (with two small dips in between) to ensure it reaches hard areas with ease.
Aside from functionalities (aka doing a great job at cleaning my teeth), its look is a nice bonus too. Aesthetics aren't everything to me, but I have to give it brownie points for how sleek, lightweight and minimalistic the Phillips One is as opposed to typical, bulky electronic brushes that resemble something more like a light saber than a toothbrushing device. The sleek design also makes it easier for traveling and small bathrooms. Plus, it’s cordless. (Replace the AAA batteries every 90 days—ya know, the time when you’re supposed to be changing your brush head anyways.)
The brush comes in four colors: Miami Coral, Midnight Navy, Mango Yellow and Mint Green (and FYI, the brush heads can mix-and-match to make it your very own colorful design). Oh yeah, and it even has a matching portable case with tiny holes on the bottom to keep it dry. I’m not traveling anytime soon, but I still place my brush in it when I’m done.
Overall, the price tag isn’t that bad either. For a one-time purchase, the Philips One is $25—not bad compared to the $50+ ones I see online. It would be nice to have more features on the brush (like some of their competitors have Bluetooth tracking options and more brushing and vibration modes), but if you're just looking for a standard timer brushing tool, this price can’t be beat.
The brand also offers a subscription to re-up your brush heads every three months. If you’re not committed to a subscription, you can order a regular two-pack brush head set for $10.
Maybe it’s the cabin fever, but yeah, I weirdly I look forward to brushing my teeth now. I feel like I’m making a difference in my dental hygiene routine with an aesthetically-pleasing toothbrush to boot. When it comes to flossing? That’s a different conversation entirely.
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