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If you have receding gums, you’re probably familiar with the zing of pain that can result from hitting the exact wrong spot when brushing your teeth. When gums pull away from the teeth, nerves can be exposed, leaving them vulnerable to accidental run-ins with toothbrushes, dental floss, and food — especially very cold or hot bites. Receding gums can happen to anyone, even if you’re diligent about flossing and brushing every day. Some people are simply more prone to this condition (including me!). Luckily, there are measures you can take to keep gum recession from getting worse — and using one of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums is one of them.
Below, we rounded up our favorite electric toothbrushes for receding gums. Keep scrolling to shop, or read more for answers to commonly asked questions about receding gums.
What are the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums?
- Best Sonicare electric toothbrush for receding gums : DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
- Best Oral-B electric toothbrush for receding gums : iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
- Bestselling electric tooth brush for receding gums on Amazon : AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush
- Best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth : Spotlight Sonic Toothbrush
- Best flossing electric toothbrush for receding gums : Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
- Best travel size electric toothbrush for receding gums : Brüush Electric Toothbrush
- Best whitening electric toothbrush for receding gums : BURST Sonic Toothbrush
- Most customizable electric toothbrush for receding gums : PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush
- Best charcoal electric toothbrush for receding gums : Boka Brush
- Best affordable electric toothbrush for receding gums : Quip Adult Electric Toothbrush
How to Stop Receding Gums
Before we go into detail about the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums, let’s talk about receding gums, what causes them, and how they can be prevented. According to the ADA, gum recession happens “when your gums recede or pull away from your teeth.” When this happens, it can lead to the root of the tooth being exposed, and therefore, more vulnerable. An exposed root can lead to more sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids, and is more prone to decaying, which could ultimately result in the loss of the tooth.
With this in mind, it’s super important to prevent gums from receding by regularly brushing and flossing — but not too hard! Brushing with too much force can actually cause gum recession. Other common causes are ill-fitting dentures, smoking, periodontal disease, and even genetics.
If you already suffer from receding gums, you’ll want to talk to your dentist about how to keep the recession from worsening. It could be as simple as changing your brushing habits, or, in the most extreme cases, having gum graft surgery. I recently had this procedure done on four teeth to help restore my gums, and while no surgery is exactly a walk in the park, I felt relieved knowing there was an option to reverse the damage.
Whether you’re looking to proactively prevent gum recession or currently have receding gums, having one of the best electric toothbrushes for gum recession can help maintain your overall oral health by giving your mouth a powerful, yet gentle deep-cleaning. (Click through to discover more gum disease self-care tips.)
What electric toothbrush is best for receding gums?
When shopping for the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few things. First, are there different intensity levels to choose from? Gum recession often causes more sensitivity, so you may want to have the option of using a softer vibration, at least to start. Intense brushing can also contribute to even worse gum recession, so you’ll want to make sure the electric toothbrush you choose isn’t too rough. It’s also helpful to choose one of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums with a timer, which allows you to make sure you’re giving equal coverage to all areas of your mouth.
While many electric toothbrushes on the market today have features specifically tailored to keep gums healthy, there are many other factors to consider when choosing one of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums. For instance, are you looking for an electric toothbrush that also focuses on whitening? Perhaps you have sensitive teeth and need an electric toothbrush that offers gentle yet effective cleaning. Or maybe you’re on a budget, and want a quality electric toothbrush that won’t break the bank.
Whatever you’re looking for, our list of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums is sure to have an option (or two!) that will have your mouth feeling the most refreshed it’s ever been.
Will an electric toothbrush help receding gums?
While electric toothbrushes won’t magically heal gum recession that has already begun, they can help bring more awareness to our brushing habits, which, in turn, can lead to a healthier mouth. “A healthy mouth should always be the goal,” says Dr. Bao-Thy Grant, a California-based oral and maxillofacial surgeon. “Not only will you have a nice smile and clean teeth, a healthy mouth means a healthier you. Poor dental hygiene can cause gum recession, oral disease, and other serious problems. Make it a priority to properly floss, brush your teeth, clean your tongue, and rinse with mouthwash to help eliminate the odor-causing bacteria often associated with gum disease.”
Even if your gums are in good shape now, it’s never a bad idea to be proactive when it comes to oral hygiene. “Preventative care is always the best care when it comes to your mouth,” says Dr. Grant. “In addition to your cleaning routine, be aware of how hard you are brushing.Your technique, like brushing too hard, can damage sensitive gums and lead to recession.” Some of the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums will actually tell you when you’re using too much force, which can easily happen without us realizing it.
Is Oral-B or Sonicare better for gum recession?
When it comes to the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums, these two brands will likely come to mind — and for good reason! Both have models with high-tech features, like sensors that let you know when you’re brushing too hard, and apps that track your brushing patterns to help ensure you’re getting to every area of your mouth.
Which brand is better? That depends what you’re looking for. For instance, the Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush comes with seven cleaning modes to choose from, while the Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush comes with four. However, the Sonicare model costs $100 less than the Oral-B model — making it a more affordable choice if you’re on a budget.
While these two are arguably the first names in toothbrushes, our list includes other brands that might be new to you, but are worth considering. Keep scrolling to see our picks for the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums!
The Best Electric Toothbrushes for Receding Gums
DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Best Sonicare electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from Philips Sonicare, $219.96
Why we like it:
- Includes 3 different brush heads
- 4 modes to choose from
- Smart sensor technology
As mentioned, I had to have gum graft surgery to repair my receding gums, and since then, I’ve been increasingly conscientious when it comes to my oral health. One of the toothbrushes I’ve used in the nine months since having the procedure is the DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush from Sonicare, which, even if you’re not well-versed in the world of dentistry, is surely a brand that comes to mind when it comes to teeth cleaning. What I love about this toothbrush is the fact that it includes three different brush heads, including one specifically designed for gum care, along with four cleaning modes — which, again, include a gum health-focused one. Since I was also blessed with sensitive teeth (lucky me!), I appreciate having three intensity levels to choose from, and found that starting out on the lightest one and eventually working my way up was an effective way to ease into a more powerful and comfortable cleaning sensation.
What might be my favorite feature, however, is the smart sensor technology, which can actually detect when you’re brushing too hard — and with the Sonicare app, you can track which spots you’re missing, how much pressure you’re using, and how many more uses your toothbrush head has left.
AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush
Bestselling electric tooth brush for receding gums on Amazon
33% off!
Buy from Amazon, $39.95 (originally $59.95)
Why we like it:
- Includes 8 brush heads
- 40,000 VPM
- Over 39,000 5-star ratings on Amazon
When it comes to this AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush, it’s hard to know where to begin. Should we start by mentioning it’s racked up over 39,000 five-star ratings from Amazon customers, making it an Amazon’s Choice product? Or maybe that it has 40,000 VPM (Vibrations Per Minute) power, which acts like a floss by creating micro bubbles that clean inside all of those nooks and crannies to promote gum health. Then again, the eight brush heads it comes with means you’ll be well-stocked for over two years, which is pretty nifty, too. That said, the fact that all of the above can be yours for less than $40 is hard to top, so no matter which feature jumps out at you, you can rest assured you’re getting a quality toothbrush for an absolute steal!
Many of the tens of thousands of happy Amazon shoppers mentioned the longevity of this toothbrush, and say it does an excellent job of cleaning their teeth. They also say it’s easy to use, and even attractive!
iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Best Oral-B electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from Oral-B, $299.99 (originally $349.99)
Why we like it:
- Smart Pressure Sensor
- 7 cleaning modes
- Oral-B app tracks your brushing habits
Sonicare and Oral-B have almost become synonymous with electric toothbrushes, and it’s easy to see why. Take this iO Series 9 electric toothbrush, for instance. Not only does it come with seven cleaning modes, including ‘gum care,’ ‘super sensitive,’ and even ‘tongue clean,’ it also has a Smart Pressure Sensor to protect your teeth and gums by preventing you from brushing too forcefully. Like the Sonicare model above, this toothbrush is also compatible with an app that allows you to monitor your brushing habits to ensure you don’t miss a spot, and with 3D Teeth Tracking and AI Recognition, this is a true smart device that will keep your mouth squeaky clean.
People who have used this toothbrush appreciate its “super smooth” vibrations, and many say it makes their mouths feel like they’ve just left a dental cleaning!
Spotlight Sonic Toothbrush
Best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth
Buy from Spotlight Oral Care, $149
Why we like it:
- Has sensitive, white, and clean modes
- Ergonomic brush head
- Lightweight
In addition to the aforementioned Sonicare electric toothbrush, I’ve also used this Sonic Toothbrush by Spotlight, a women-led company founded by two sisters, who also happen to be dentists (so you can trust that they know what they’re talking about!). Since I have sensitive teeth, even post-gum surgery, I love that this toothbrush has a ‘sensitive’ mode to start out with, though you can also try working up to the ‘white’ and ‘clean’ modes once you’ve adjusted. I use the two-minute timer (which denotes each 30-second interval) to make sure each quadrant of my mouth is given ample attention, and I’ve noticed fewer surface stains on my teeth since trying it out. It’s also super lightweight, with an ergonomically-designed head, and comes with a travel case for easy portability — as well as nine months’ worth of brush heads!
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
Best flossing electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from Amazon, starting at $179.03
Why we like it:
- Electric toothbrush and water flosser in one
- ADA Seal of Acceptance
- Comes with 3 modes and 2 speeds
If you’re pressed for time and want to shave a few minutes off of your daily routine, a flossing toothbrush can be a great timesaver. This highly-rated model by Waterpik does double-duty by combining the power of an electric toothbrush with the precision of a water flosser, so you can be on your way to better oral health in just two minutes, twice a day. With three modes to choose from, you can decide if you want to brush, floss, or do both at once, and since this device has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for plaque removal and helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis, you can feel confident that you’re getting a thorough cleaning. If you have sensitive or receding gums, a water flosser can be less harsh than regular floss, as it doesn’t place as much pressure on the gums — something to consider while shopping for the best electric toothbrushes for receding gums!
Amazon customers praise this toothbrush for its brushing and flossing abilities, and one even said their periodontist was “extremely pleased with the progress” they’d made after just three months of use.
Brüush Electric Toothbrush
Best travel size electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from Brüush, starting at $79
Why we like it:
- Includes a compact travel case
- Comes in 4 fun colors, as well as white, black, and gray
- 6 cleaning modes
We didn’t think we’d ever call a toothbrush ‘sexy,’ but the Brüush Electric Toothbrush proves that anything is possible! Its aesthetics may have been what first caught our eye (can you even with those gorgeous color options?!), but looks aside, its six cleaning modes ensure you’ll be getting a top-notch brushing experience as well. In addition to ‘gentle’ and ‘gum’ modes, which are ideal for those with gum recession, you can also choose from ‘daily,’ ‘white,’ ‘max,’ and ‘tongue’ modes, depending on what you’re targeting. The extra-soft bristles will give sensitive gums and teeth a break, and the included compact travel case means you’ll be taking your new, chic electric toothbrush on every trip.
Over 2,200 customers have weighed in on this device, with many saying it’s so much better than their old toothbrushes. One wrote that it’s “gentle enough on sensitive gums and teeth, but strong enough to make you FEEL the deep-clean.”
BURST Sonic Toothbrush
Best whitening electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from BURST, starting at $69.99
Why we like it:
- Charcoal-infused PBT nylon bristles
- Clinically proven to remove up to 91 percent more plaque than a regular toothbrush
- Lifetime guarantee
If a whiter smile is what you’re after, you may want to consider the BURST Sonic Toothbrush. Its bristles are infused with charcoal, which has absorbent properties to help lift stains caused by acidic things, like coffee and wine, and it’s been clinically proven to get rid of up to 91 percent more plaque than your standard manual toothbrush. In addition, studies showed that it could reduce bleeding gums over three times more effectively than a regular toothbrush in just 15 days. One thing to note, however, is that charcoal can be abrasive on enamel, so if you have sensitive teeth or enamel erosion, you’ll want to opt for a non-charcoal electric toothbrush.
One happy customer said that since using this product, “My teeth feel so squeaky clean, and I feel more confident with my smile!” Another wrote, “I love how clean my teeth feel after using this toothbrush!” and added, “I’ve definitely noticed my teeth are whiter, too!“
PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush
Most customizable electric toothbrush for receding gums
Why we like it:
- 25 cleaning combos
- ADA-Accepted
- One-year warranty
We’re not exaggerating when we say this PRO-SYS electric toothbrush is the most customizable on our list — it comes with a whopping 25 configurations! “How can such a small device deliver so much variety?” you may ask. Well, with five different brush heads and five brushing speeds to choose from, the world is your oyster! The ‘feather soft’ brush head is recommended for those with sensitive and receding gums, and to start, you can opt for one of the slower brushing speeds and work your way up to more intensity, if desired. This toothbrush is also ADA-Approved, and comes with a one-year warranty to ensure you’re pleased with your purchase.
Satisfied shoppers say they love how many options there are when it comes to brushes and speeds, and one reviewer, who received gum grafts on both their upper and lower teeth (!), wrote, “I am phobic about placing a toothbrush near my gums, and this toothbrush is spectacular!” They went on to say, “Every single time I was too hard, the toothbrush stopped,” and added, “It easily removed the stain on my teeth left by the liquid antibiotic I had to use during my second gum graft.”
Boka Brush
Best charcoal electric toothbrush for receding gums
Why we like it:
- Activated charcoal bristles
- Stainless steel accents
- 2-year warranty
Another chic-looking toothbrush on our list, the Boka Brush is ideal for anyone looking to reap the stain-lifting benefits of activated charcoal bristles, which can help prevent bacteria growth and have a softer feel than many standard bristles. The magnetic charging dock won’t take up too much room on your bathroom counter, and the stainless steel accents make this one item you’ll actually want to display! Best of all, it comes with a two-year warranty for reassurance — just keep in mind that, as mentioned earlier, you’ll want to steer clear of charcoal toothbrushes if you have sensitive teeth and eroding enamel.
Deal of the Day
Fans of this product love the cord-free base, and one said, “I was looking for an electric brush with very soft bristles, and this is it. It’s well designed and easy on my teeth and gums.“
Quip Adult Electric Toothbrush
Best affordable electric toothbrush for receding gums
Buy from Quip, starting at $40
Why we like it:
- Extremely affordable
- Compact
- 3-month battery life
Quip gained a large following in recent years, and it’s no surprise — their Adult Electric Toothbrush starts at under $30, making it an extremely affordable upgrade to a manual toothbrush. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, my sister, who owns one of these sleek toothbrushes, says it’s super lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go use. It’s also water-resistant, and has a shockingly long battery life — up to three months! Those looking for a deeper clean might want to invest in an electric toothbrush with more customization options, but as a basic electric toothbrush, this is a great ADA-Accepted, budget-friendly choice.
Many users comment on how “stylish” this toothbrush is, and say the “price is right.” One even credited Quip for the fact that after a check-up, “the dentist made comment about how great my teeth and gums looked.”
