Every Patient Deserves a Sensational Clean

When it comes to plaque removal at home, most people need to do more: more time spent brushing, more brush action, more tooth surfaces brushed. At the same time, improving gum health and preserving enamel often call for less: less pressure, less abrasion. Electric toothbrushes can help balance the scales.

The Oral-B iO series is designed to help users find their brushing sweet spot by providing real-time, AI-assisted, personalized feedback. The iO features a smart pressure sensor and 3D Teeth Tracking, as well as up to 7 brush modes for a highly personalized experience—all of which can help users fix bad habits and develop good ones. In this article, 3 dental professionals test-drive iO brushes and weigh in on their experiences.

“I always advocate for an electric brush over a manual brush any day, but the intuitive design and interactive functions of this Oral-B iO brush make it a wonderful and effective option,” said Dr. Brandon Tiek. “It can make brushing much more fun.”

Technology + Design = Results

Taking their cue from professional oral hygiene, the iO brushes have a small, round head, which allows them to get into tighter spaces and cradle tooth anatomy for better surface contact.

The brush not only features oscillating and micro-vibrating bristle movements, but 3D Teeth Tracking also uses Bluetooth technology to show users where they have brushed (or not brushed) on the Oral-B iO app.

“This toothbrush and app help patients develop good brushing habits by monitoring and tracking their technique. I used to think I had a very thorough brushing routine, but the app revealed that I was neglecting one area of my mouth,” said Karen Dong, RDH, who routinely recommends electric toothbrushes to patients in her Kirkland, WA, practice. “It shocked me, because I’m a dental hygienist and I always pay attention to where I’m brushing. Now, I brush with my Oral-B app on to ensure a complete cleaning.”

“This brush can help ensure patient compliance with proper brushing technique as long as the patient downloads and utilizes the Oral-B iO app,” agreed Malee Wong, RDH. “The app does a great job at keeping statistics and setting fun goals for the user.”

Information at a Glance

iO brushes don’t require users to be glued to their phone to see how they’re doing. As Dong observed, “The toothbrush provides instant feedback on pressure with a colored light and a timer every 30 seconds to ensure equal brushing time. The brush handle has a very functional display screen and buttons. I can easily switch between different modes.” Dr. Tiek also noted that “the electronic features guide the user with simple and easy-to-follow steps.”

“I do believe that it can provide superior cleaning when using the ideal brushing technique and following the visual cues from the toothbrush during the brushing session,” Wong agreed. “It is wonderful that the pressure sensor turns various colors to communicate pressure that is good (green) or bad (red).”

Getting Gum Health Just Right

Since gum disease affects 75% of U.S. adults, it’s evident that most patients need help identifying the “Goldilocks” pressure that removes plaque without causing gingival recession. The iO’s sensor provides exactly this feedback. “My favorite aspect of this toothbrush is the pressure sensor,” Wong said.

“I think it’s a great visual tool for users to realize what the ideal brushing pressure should feel like,” she added. “The iO toothbrush is wonderful at promoting gum health.”

“It will keep patients from overbrushing, which is the major reason for gingival recession and sensitivity,” Dr. Tiek noted.

“I brush gently with my electric brush because I have sensitive teeth and gum recession,” Wong shared. “The smart pressure sensor showed that I actually brush too lightly, which can leave more plaque on my teeth. The Oral-B brush bristles are soft, allowing me to apply the right pressure without hurting my gums or teeth.”

Recommended for Everyone

With 7 Smart Modes to choose from, as well as its ability to track duration and thoroughness of brushing sessions, the iO series delivers a personalized, premium brushing experience.

“It really motivates you to maintain good brushing habits every time, every day,” Dong said. “I liked this toothbrush and learned so much about my own brushing habits!”

“I believe everyone should experience Oral-B iO, as it provides a unique brushing sensation,” Wong said. “It is always best to have personal knowledge about the products that we recommend as dental professionals.”

Patients need not worry about being without their iO toothbrush thanks to the iO Smart Magnetic Charger, which delivers a full charge in just under 3 hours.

“This is quite a game changer! I really enjoy this brush,” added Dr. Tiek. “I would highly suggest any dentist or hygienist colleague to take a close look at this brush. It can be a wonderful solution for anyone, especially for people with dexterity issues or a smaller mouth space, but also for technology lovers like myself!”