Are you still using a manual toothbrush? I did for years until I found out that I was over-brushing to the point that I needed a gum transplant on the left side of my mouth. Gross, right? I’d brushed my gums so hard that they had prematurely receded! How did I correct my bad habit? By using an electric toothbrush.
Unlike a manual brush, which requires you to do all the work when brushing — which leaves you wide open for brushing too vigorously, pressing too hard on your gums, not brushing long enough, and not brushing thoroughly enough, electric toothbrushes have the art of brushing down to a science. Even so, some are better than others.
In the premium electric toothbrush arena, there are really only two players: Philips Sonicare and Oral-B. Both are excellent options for anyone who wants to make sure that they are providing their teeth with the best dental care maintenance. But for the last year or so, higher end Oral-B models been offering something that Philips does not — Bluetooth connectivity, real-time feedback while brushing, and an app that ties it all together.
Why would anyone need Bluetooth built into their toothbrush? Simply put, because when it’s present the toothbrush can communicate with the brusher. So with that, let’s take a look at the Oral-B Black 7000.
The box has two halves which are jam packed with accessories and equipment.
Take a look at all this gear! You get the travel case, three brush heads (for floss action, pro white, and sensitive gums), the charging base, a removable wall display with mount, a travel bag for the display, a brush storage tray …
These are the Oral-B 7000’s features:
The handle is waterproof, so there’s no need worrying about it being immered if you are the type who likes to brush in the shower. When the brush is charging, a light will glow, but it turns off to indicate a full charge; that full charge will allow the brush to work for nine plus days of regular brushing at 2 minutes twice a day.
This is the included clock. You can stick it on your wall, mirror, or just keep it in the general vicenity so that you can see it while you brush. It is easily set, and it comes on automatically when you start brushing, and it times your session; it also displays the time when you aren’t brushing — and who couldn’t use a smiley-faced clock in their bathroom?
I asked my friend Meredith, who had never used an electric toothbrush, to be my guinea pig for this review. She paired the toothbrush to her phone and used the set for a couple of weeks. Here are some of the things she had to say about the experience of using the Oral-B 7000:
• There’s a sensor that lights up when I’m brushing too hard; I liked this because I learned I’m an habitual hard brusher.
• There’s a massage mode for gum care; after using it, I felt like I had just come from a professional teeth cleaning.
• There’s a sensitive mode with an extra soft bristle; I felt like it was just eh, but then I usually like a medium brush.
• The brush handle saves data from last 30 sessions tracking brushing, flossing, rinsing and tongue cleaning stats.
• The Oral-B app sets custom timers and daily reminders for flossing, tongue cleaning, rinsing; the app is very user-friendly.
• The app gives access to news, weather, link to calendar, and timer.
• The app includes a timer and guides for fighting plaque, bad breath, whitening, gum health, and orthodontic care.
• I like the timer, because I usually would only brush for 1:30 instead of recommended 2:00. It’s broken into four sections so you can equally brush your mouth in quarters.
• Over time, as you use the toothbrush in conjunction with the app, you’ll compile data that will show how you’ve done with your brushing.
• I really like the travel case; it’s well made and will come in handy.
Considering that this is the top of the line Oral-B toothbrush, and it offers so much more than the top of the line Philips Sonicare, the choice seems pretty clear. If you want to take your cleaning regimen to the next level, the Oral-B Black 7000 is a great solution.
The Oral-B Black 7000 Bluetooth Toothbrush retails for $219, and it is available from many retailers including Amazon for $155.68 [affiliate link].
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Different brush heads offer different brushing experience options; Timed brushing with sensors that let you know if you are brushing too hard; News and inspirational quotes pop up on your phone while brushing; Great travel case; Included wall-mounted timer/clock
What Needs Improvement: Nothing, it works as advertised