7 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Receding Gums to Prevent the Problem

By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: August 26, 2023
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Are you worried sick for your receding gums? Well, fret no more. Gum recession is incredibly common and one of its main causes is frequent and vigorous use of a manual toothbrush or over-flossing. Using a quality electric toothbrush can help you maintain perfect oral health without over-brushing.

We rounded up seven best electric toothbrushes for receding gums to help you make an informed choice as there are multiple brands and models to consider. We included both sonic and oscillating toothbrushes, as both types are effective and choosing between the two is actually the matter of personal preference. We also looked at the modes available, which allows you to customize your brushing. Besides, a toothbrush with multiple cleaning modes and smart features will help you remove germs and food residues efficiently at different speeds and force that favor your sensitive receding gums. Finally, we gave higher points to the toothbrushes that have an in-built timer and pressure sensor. These ensure that you brush your teeth long enough to remove the plaque and gentle enough to not hurt the gums.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Oral-B Genius 9600
    "A toothbrush with plenty of features for the best brushing experience possible. 6 brushing modes. Gum Protection and Position Detection technology. Charging travel case included."
  • "A sonic toothbrush with up to 62,000 brush movements per min and smart features. 5 brushing modes. 3 intensity settings. Charging glass and travel case."
  • "More affordable than our top pick, this toothbrush comes with many premium features. 6 brushing modes. Multi-color Smart Ring. Charging travel case."
  • Best for Extra Accessories: Oral-B Pro 7000 SmartSeries
    "A toothbrush with an ergonomic stand, a timer, and a travel case. 6 brushing modes. Up to 800 brush movements per second. Visible pressure sensor."
  • Best for Braces and Crowns: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
    "An affordable sonic toothbrush with a smart timer and pressure sensor. 3 brushing modes. EasyStart feature. Travel case included."
  • Best Combo Model: Waterpik Complete Care 9.5
    "A budget-friendly combo model with a water flosser that ensures complete care. 3 brushing modes. 10 flossing settings. Travel case included."
  • "A sonic toothbrush that offers excellent value for money and long runtime. 5 brushing modes. Up to 30 days on one charge. 40,000 micro-brushes per minute."

7 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Receding Gums Review 2023

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Consumer Engagement
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9.8
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9.5
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9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Oral-B Genius 9600

Features
  • Type: oscillating
  • Modes: 6
  • Pressure sensor: yes
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 14 days
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: 3 brush heads and travel case included; Gum Protection and Position Detection technology; 360 Smarting with LED lights

 

This toothbrush tops our list for all the right reasons. It is equipped with the Oral-B 3D motion that pulsates, rotates, and oscillates to provide you with the ultimate oral cleaning experience. It is packed with multiple features and cleaning modes that will help you to take your dental care to the whole new level.

The toothbrush comes in a smart-looking design in a range of colors. Its handle features a grippy rubber on its ends for a comfortable and firm grip. It also has five icons that light up when selected.

The toothbrush comes with three brush heads so you can choose what suits your preference, and you can buy more separately if you want to have multiple options.

Essentially, the brush has six cleaning modes: gum care, sensitive, whitening, tongue cleaner, pro-cleaner, and daily clean. The modes work at varying speeds and power output to clean your teeth efficiently in favor of your oral health condition.

Also featured is a pressure sensor that illuminates red to warn you that you are brushing too hard and green on a quadrant change. The two-minute timer and quad pacer help you get the best of the cleaning modes.

The toothbrush is easily portable, thanks to the premium travel case it comes with. The case holds the brush and two brush heads. You can charge the brush in the case or on the new-style charging stand that has a detachable power cable. When fully charged, the brush can last you two weeks if you use the ‘Daily clean mode.’

What’s more, you can use the brush in the shower safely as it is waterproof, and it also comes with a smartphone holder that you can attach to your bathroom mirror. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can record your brushing history via the Oral-B app for iOS or Android.

In sum, with a 2-year warranty, this is one of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums out there. It offers more features, and you don’t have to hurt your wallet for it.

    What do we love it for?
  • 6 cleaning modes
  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof
  • Long battery life
  • Built-in timer
  • High-quality travel case with an in-case charging
  • High-quality build
  • Color options for the brush handle
  • 2-year warranty
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Some users might feel overwhelmed with features
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7723 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
Features
  • Type: sonic
  • Modes: 5
  • Pressure sensor: yes
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 14 days
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: 2 brush heads included; smart brush head mode pairing technology; 3 intensity settings; up to 62,000 brush movements/min

Brush smart with this fantastically versatile and premium quality toothbrush. The Sonicare 9500 is remarkably designed to offer you with options that will teach you to stop massacring your gums by brushing hard.

The brush adorns an elegant design with a handle equipped with attractive matte LEDs that signal various things that facilitate good brushing habits.

Unlike many brushes, Sonicare 9500 comes with 4 brush heads: for gum care, plaque removal, tongue cleaning, and whitening. When you change the head brush, the handle will be able to tell and instantly change the settings and regimen to work best with it.

It features five brushing modes: gum health, white+, clean, deep clean, and tongue care. These, together with three intensity settings, give you the ultimate oral care experience.

The brush heads are super comfortable as they feel soft but are pretty thorough when giving your teeth and gums a deep scrub. This rids your entire mouth of germs and plaque that could cause serious dental issues.

You can connect the brush to an app that can help you track your oral care regimen and habits to spot any problems. The app is very straightforward as it is thoughtfully designed.

What’s more, the toothbrush sets itself apart with 3-week battery life. It charges in a glass cap connected to a charging base or a travel charger which is meant to store and charge the brush when you go on a trip. This makes it one of the best electric toothbrushes for traveling. To prevent you from brushing too hard, the base of the brush flashes to notify you to reduce intensity.

Since the Sonicare 9500 is a smart brush, you can connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth to keep track of your oral care regimen as well as spot any problems.

Overall, this is a premium quality electric toothbrush worth considering. It costs a pretty penny, but it’s worth the buy.

    What are its best features?
  • 4 brush heads
  • Multiple cleaning modes
  • 3 intensity levels
  • 3-week battery life
  • 2 charging modes
  • Easy to use
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Attractive design
    What could be improved?
  • Premium price
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7003 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
3
Features
  • Type: oscillating
  • Modes: 6
  • Pressure sensor: yes
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 14 days
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: Bluetooth connectivity; smart USB charging travel case; multi-color Smart Ring; 60-day money-back-guarantee

This is by far one of the most powerful oscillating toothbrushes money can buy. It is carefully designed to offer you an easy and effective oral care experience. Apart from multiple cleaning modes, it has quite a lot of features, more than you’d ever need but all useful and a wide range of accessories.

The brush has a chunky but tough build and it will feel quite large in your hands. You get four color options to pick from and a black or white travel case. All its brush heads have a round head that oscillates when it is powered and they are all meant to serve different purposes.

One thing this brush is not short of is cleaning modes. It has six cleaning modes that all work with the professional timer that pulsates for each quarter to prompt you to move to a different section in your mouth. When you change the modes, a matching icon will light up.

To get the most out of these modes, you would need perfect brushes. Luckily, Oral-B provides a generous selection of 4 in the package. You can store the brushes in the compartments on the Oral-B genius stand whenever you are not using them.

On top of the regular stand, this brush comes with a solid travel case that can hold the brush handle and two brush heads. It also acts as a portable charger and you can use it to charge other devices (slowly though).

After a full 12-hour charge, the Genius Pro 8000 can last you up to 12 days. You can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth to make the most of the Oral-B app. There’s even a mount with a rubber sucker that you can stick on a mirror for a better view of your phone.

In sum, this is one of the best oscillating toothbrushes out there. It is an exceptional performer from a reputable brand and it comes with a 2-year warranty and a 60-day satisfaction warranty.

    Why is it special?
  • Solid build
  • 6 cleaning modes
  • 4 brush heads
  • Decent battery life
  • Durable travel case/portable charger
  • 2-year warranty
    What are the flaws?
  • Quite noisy
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5426 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
4
Best for Extra Accessories

Oral-B Pro 7000 SmartSeries

Features
  • Type: oscillating
  • Modes: 6
  • Pressure sensor: yes
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 10–14 days
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: 60-day trial; Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app; compatible with all Oral-B brush heads; up to 800 brush movements per second

This is another real deal from Oral-B for anyone with sensitive or receding gums. It has a myriad of features aimed at cleaning your teeth effortlessly and effectively.

The electric toothbrush is built to last with high-tech silicon-type material. It comes with three brush options so you can choose what suits you best. Its round brush head surrounds every single tooth to give it a premium 3D cleaning ensuring your entire mouth is super-clean and 100% free from plaque.

What makes the toothbrush stand out as one of the best for receding gums is its visible triple pressure sensor that prevents you from brushing vigorously. Plus, it has six cleaning modes including gum care mode, sensitive mode, daily clean mode, deep clean mode, tongue cleaner mode, and whitening mode.

You can bring the toothbrush on your vacation and work trips thanks to its premium travel case and its impressive battery life. After a full charge, it can last you a good 10 to 14 days.

As if that’s not enough, the toothbrush has a unique app (Oral-B) that gives you instant feedback, motivates you with exceptional oral tips, and notifies you when you brush too hard.

What’s more, you can use the toothbrush in the shower without worries as it comes with water protection. Plus, with its 2-minute timer, it will go off on its own when you are done using it.

With a 2-year warranty, this is one of the best Oral-B electric toothbrushes for receding gums.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Decent battery life
  • Multiple cleaning modes
  • Premium travel case
  • Unique app
  • 2-minute timer
  • 2-year warranty
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Battery takes a while to charge
  • Very bright flashlight while charging may bother you at night
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5183 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
5
Best for Braces and Crowns

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100

Features
  • Type: sonic
  • Modes: 3
  • Pressure sensor: yes
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 14 days
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: brush head replacement reminder; Brush Sync technology

If you have fillings, crowns, veneers or braces, this was made for you. It doesn’t have the automatic mode and power selection of its big brother Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500 reviewed above, but it has superior features that offer the best teeth cleaning at a low price.

Phillips makes some of the smartest and simple toothbrushes out there and this is not an exception. The Sonicare 5100 has a robust build with plastic that has a nice touch. It comes in two colors: white and black.

It comes with only three brushing modes: standard cleaning, gum care, and whitening mode. The cleaning modes are a bit ungenerous compared to other models, but you get what you pay for.

On the flip side, you get the BrushSync feature, which notifies you when you need to change the brush head. It chooses the right brush mode automatically. Additionally, Phillips has included the EasyStart feature which helps you get used to the toothbrush quickly. It gradually increases the power after the first 14 uses, and you can always disable it if you don’t need it.

Phillips is also a touch ungenerous with their accessories compared to Oral-B. You only get a standard wireless charger and a tough plastic travel case that houses the brush handle and two brushes.

When fully charged, the brush can last you up to two weeks depending on the modes you choose to use and how often. Its charging stand is nicely compact and easy to carry.

In conclusion, this is one of the best premium Phillips toothbrushes for receding gums out there. It operates quietly, pulls out debris, and polishes stains away from your teeth effortlessly leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

    What are our favorite features?
  • BrushSync technology-Reminds you to change the brushes
  • Decent battery life
  • Simple controls
  • Sturdily built
  • Pressure sensor and Quadpacer
  • Operates quietly
    What could be better?
  • Limited accessories
  • Only three modes
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3271 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
6
Best Combo Model

Waterpik Complete Care 9.5

Features
  • Type: oscillating
  • Modes: 3
  • Pressure sensor: no
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: not specified
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: toothbrush and water flosser combo; 2 brush heads included; magnetic cradle, and toothbrush charging dock

This is the G.O.A.T. for anyone on a tight budget but in need of superior quality oral care. It lives up to its name ‘Complete Care’, as it is a toothbrush and water flosser combo. It offers multiple features that will give you complete oral care. In fact, it is clinically proven to be one of the best for removing plaque around implants, and braces as well as improving gum health.

The combo includes a well-built water flosser and an oscillating toothbrush. It charges in the built-in charging base. The ultra-compact and convenient build saves so much counter space and power outlets.

Moreover, you can get a custom clean from the water flosser as it features 10 settings that range between 10 and 100 psi. It delivers 1400 water pulses every minute. The TripleClean toothbrush does not fall short either. It has three cleaning modes: high, low, and massage, and its round brush head utilizes a rotating oscillating action for effective removal of germs and food residue from your teeth.

The water flosser’s reservoir is high volume. It holds up to 22 ounces which is about 90 seconds of uninterrupted brushing. There is a convenient on and off handle switch that you can use to easily control the water flow. You can also travel with the toothbrush thanks to the premium travel case.

With a 2-year warranty, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.5 is unbeatable. It is super affordable and super convenient.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Can floss and brush
  • Easy to use
  • High volume water reservoir
  • Travel case for toothbrush and flossing tips
  • Convenient compact design
  • Affordable
  • 2-year warranty
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The toothbrush holder cannot actually be used as a toothbrush holder as it is a charger
  • Only three modes
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7365 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.7
Features
  • Type: sonic
  • Modes: 5
  • Pressure sensor: no
  • Timer: yes
  • Charge: 30 days
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 3 brush heads included; USB charging; 40,000 micro-brushes per minute; color reminder bristles

An incredibly low price is what makes this toothbrush stand out. It without a doubt offers excellent value for money as it is nearly impossible to get the features and performance it offers at such an attractive price tag.

The toothbrush is elegantly designed with a lightweight functional handle and a matte finish plastic. It doesn’t have many gripping points like other premium models on this list but you can figure it out.

The toothbrush features five cleaning modes and three brush heads. It gives up to 40,000 brush strokes per minute and its cleaning action, though not intense as that of more expensive brushes is quite satisfactory.

Using it is a breeze as the power button also controls the cleaning modes. It also shuts off automatically.

When it comes to battery life, the Fairywill 507 Electric Toothbrush comes second to none. It offers a whopping 30 days battery life and depending on the mode and frequency of use, it can last you up to 65 days which is about 130 brushing sessions.

There is a charging port on the base of the brush handle and you are provided with a USB cable for charging.

Overall, this is a well thought out package and it gives new electric toothbrush users a thing or two to be happy about like the superb battery life, a travel case, and built-in timer.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Offers excellent value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Long 30-day battery life
  • Travel case
  • Built-in timer
  • Elegant design
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Less intense cleaning action

Things to Consider

Now that you know why you need an electric toothbrush ASAP for your receding or sensitive gums, there are a few things you must consider to make the best buy. This section has all the essential details you need to make an informed choice. You will get to know more about receding gums, the essence of an electric toothbrush, and how to choose the best.

Receding gums: Causes and prevention

Receding gums or gingival recession is a condition whereby the gum lowers its position on the tooth, leaving the roots of the tooth exposed. The part of the tooth that is exposed is known as the dentine and it can cause tooth sensitivity. If you have gum disease, the gum could also be sore. Here are some of the causes of receding gums;-

Poor oral care: Not brushing regularly or brushing incorrectly (over-brushing and over flossing) is one of the major causes of gum recession.

Injury and gum disease: A sudden severe damage on your tooth or the surrounding tissues can and gum disease like gingivitis and periodontal disease also cause gum recession.

Genes: If your parents and siblings have gum recession, then it’s highly likely you will also suffer.

Grinding teeth: Have you been told you grind your teeth at night when you go for sleepovers? Yes? You are likely to suffer gum recession.

Irregular teeth positions: Abnormally positioned teeth stress the gums and predispose you to gum recession.

Brushing correctly and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent gum recession.

How do electric toothbrushes help with receding gums?

7 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Receding Gums to Prevent the Problem

An electric toothbrush is a must-have for anyone with receding gums. Here is why;-

Prevents over brushing: This is one of the main causes of receding gums. An electric toothbrush will notify you to reduce your brushing intensity or pressure as most of them have pressure sensors. Therefore, you will end up having a thoroughly cleaned mouth with fewer efforts.

Replaces bad breath with good breath: The toothbrush will notify you to change your brush head if the bristles have faded. It also has various brushing modes that give you a complete efficient oral care.

Travel cases: Most electric brushes come with travel cases which make it easier for you to carry them with you on your trips.

How to choose the best electric toothbrush?

Here are some of the key aspects to be extra keen on when choosing an electric toothbrush for receding gums;-

Brush head type: Oscillating or sonic

Go for an electronic toothbrush with an oscillating brush head as the oscillating technology can remove bacteria and germs. Oscillating and rotating brushes have also been clinically proven to remove plaque and gingivitis perfectly well.

Cleaning modes

Be sure to choose a toothbrush with multiple cleaning modes like the Oral-B Genius 9600 above. On top of the standard daily clean, whitening mode, gum care mode, and sensitive mode, additional cleaning modes like refresh mode, deep clean mode, and tongue clean mode come in handy in giving you a complete thorough oral care experience.

Pressure sensor

If you have receding gums or sensitivity, a pressure sensor is a must-have on an electric toothbrush. A visible pressure sensor to be precise is the best as it will notify you to reduce the intensity if you are brushing too hard. It can either light up or vibrate. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500 above is a perfect example of an all-around electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor

Built-in timer

This is another essential feature. It encourages you to brush properly in 2 minutes. Most brushes have the timer and a quad pacer that notifies you to move to a different section of the mouth every 30 seconds.

Some even come with a 3-minute timer, allowing you to brush for 2 minutes and 1 minute for massaging gums.

Battery runtime

This will mostly matter if you are a regular traveler. Battery life varies across different models and brands. Many can last up to two weeks after a full charge depending on the cleaning modes you choose to use and frequency while others like the Fairywill 507 Electric Toothbrush above can last a good 30 days.

Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app available

A brushing app will help keep your oral health care in check. It will help you track your regimen as well as monitor your cleaning. With the app, you can easily spot any problems that you can share with your dentist or get suggestions and tips for improving your oral health. To connect to a smartphone app, the brush has to be Bluetooth enabled. Luckily most recent brushes are highly advanced with Bluetooth connectivity.

FAQ

How do I know that I have receding gums?

Some of the signs of receding gums include; bleeding after flossing and brushing, swollen or sensitive gums, and bad breath. Also, you might notice your tooth is more exposed to its root.

Can receding gums grow back?

No. Unfortunately, receded gums can’t grow back. However, some treatments can help prevent it from getting worse. That’s why it is advisable to visit the dentist regularly.

How does oral care affect receding gums?

Proper oral care prevents gum recession in so many ways. If you brush, floss, and rinse adequately with an antibacterial mouthwash, you will keep bacteria and gum diseases that can cause gum recession at bay.

Overall Verdict

Receding gums are unpleasant and can’t be reversed, but you can prevent their progression by using the best electric toothbrush. The Oral-B Genius 9600 is the best all-around electric toothbrush you can get if you have receding gums. Its brush head is oscillating, thus it can remove plaque and bacteria and it has 6 cleaning modes for the ultimate oral care experience. And surprisingly, it is not as expensive as it looks.

If you are up for a premium oral health care experience, then you have got to go for the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500. You’ll pay top dollar for it but its features and performance will blow your mind. Its super-fast brush movement (62,000/min) and premium quality build set it apart. You can’t expect less from Phillips anyway.

The Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 is an alternative to the Genius 9600 especially if you mind your coins. They share so much in common including the extra accessories. Only that with the Genius 8000 you get a 60-day money-return guarantee on top of the 2-year warranty. All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of the toothbrushes on our product list as they are among the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums on the market.

9,8
Total Score
Oral-B Genius 9600 - Editor’s Choice
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