If you grew up with a manual toothbrush, you probably learned to scrub. Electric toothbrushes are designed to work with light pressure, and a pressure sensor is there to break the scrubbing habit.
What it does
A pressure sensor detects when you push the brush too hard against your teeth and gums, then lets you know so you can ease off. Different brushes signal it in different ways:
- Oral-B iO2: a light on the handle turns red, and the brush slows down.
- Oral-B iO3: a light ring shows three states: too soft, just right (green) and too hard (red).
- Philips Sonicare 5300: the handle changes its vibration and makes a pulsing sound.
- SURI 2.0: a pressure sensor was added for the 2.0 version.
Not every brush has one. Entry-level models such as the Oral-B Vitality Pro leave it out to keep the price down.
Who benefits most
- New electric brush users. It takes a few weeks to stop scrubbing, and the sensor speeds that up.
- Heavy-handed brushers. If your brush heads splay out quickly, you're probably pressing too hard.
- Anyone whose dentist has mentioned brushing too hard. A sensor gives you feedback every time, not just at check-ups.
Do you need one?
You can brush well without a sensor. Hold the brush lightly, as you would a pen, and let the bristles do the work. But if you're choosing between two similar brushes, a pressure sensor is one of the more useful features to pay a little extra for, alongside a two-minute timer.
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your dentist. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, speak to your dental practice.
