The Philips Sonicare 5950 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush changes how clean your teeth feel, and that’s largely because of its sonic cleaning method. Philips’ Fluid Action technology moves toothpaste around your teeth and along the gum line, reaching areas a manual toothbrush leaves untouched. Philips also states that its included C3 Two-in-one brush heads can remove up to 1,000 percent more plaque than a manual brush.
A sonic electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor and six settings
If you apply too much pressure while brushing, you’ll feel a small vibration in your hand as the handle’s built-in pressure sensor pulses. Plus, you can expect up to 21 days of use per charge. While a rechargeable electric toothbrush offers several benefits over a manual one, this model still provides a simple way to follow standard oral hygiene practices. It includes sonic cleaning, guided brushing time, gum protection, and six brush settings in a compact design. The box also includes two brush heads and a travel case, so you always have a replacement head and something to carry it in.
The key to Sonicare Fluid Action technology is its ability to use the action of its bristles as part of the cleaning process. Along with using the bristles to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth, it also creates high-frequency vibrations. These vibrations push both toothpaste and saliva toward your gum line where it’s needed most. Philips states that, compared with traditional brushing with a manual toothbrush, the sonic method provides up to 1,000 percent more plaque removal and up to 100 percent healthier gums.
Another potential advantage of using the Sonicare comes into play if you’ve developed the habit of brushing your teeth too vigorously. This vigorous motion can irritate your gums. Fortunately, the device’s pressure sensor has a built-in alert system to help prevent this type of damage. The sensor alerts you with a gentle vibration of the handle when you use too much pressure while brushing. Many people who brush by hand have developed the bad habit of applying far more pressure than needed. The brush offers six settings, so whether you need a gentle clean for sensitive gums or a more aggressive clean, there’s likely a setting that fits your needs.
The C3 Two-in-one brush heads are another highlight. These dual-purpose heads include bristles designed to clean along your gumline and stiff bristles for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth. That means one head can do two tasks at once. The brush also includes several features designed to guide you through your routine. BrushPacer alerts you every 20 seconds to switch to a new area of your mouth, and SmarTimer alerts you when the recommended two-minute brushing period has elapsed. Both help you spend enough time on each part of your mouth instead of rushing through the rear molars.
The handle is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the charging station takes up minimal countertop space. Because you only need to place the toothbrush on the base every few weeks, it doesn’t require a permanent spot near your sink like a daily-charge device.
With a battery that lasts up to 21 days under normal use, you don’t need to take the charger with you on extended trips. The Philips Sonicare 5950 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush includes a protective travel case to store the handle in your luggage.