My first time using a sonic toothbrush

The formula for brushing your teeth often goes like this: toothpaste + brush + two minutes. But is this really enough to keep your teeth and gums protected? It’s clear electric toothbrushes are significantly better and more efficient for oral health than manual ones. Many studies (article in German) have proven this. I’ve used an Oral-B electric toothbrush for years. Not a new model, but a rather old one. I’ve had it since I fled the nest for university in 2008.

So I was happy when Philips asked me if I’d like to try out one of their new models, because I really wanted to learn more about this new and different technology. In return, I received the Philips Sonicare Series 7100 in a set of two (double pack). Toothbrushes with sonic technology are supposed to be particularly suitable for people with more sensitive gums. When in use, they’re more similar to the familiar brushing method of a manual toothbrush.

Here, you can read my previous article where I went into detail about the different technology used by various brands :

What’s inside the box and design

As the name suggests, the double pack of the Series 7100 includes the double version of the single model. One of the sonic toothbrushes is black, the other is white. In addition to the handpiece, the scope of delivery includes a brush head, charger, USB-A cable and travel charging case. The brush head also comes with a protective cover on it.

In my opinion, the toothbrush has a timeless design. Although, to charge it, I need an additional adapter for the plug in my bathroom. This is something the manufacturer could have thought of too, as far as I’m concerned. The travel charging case is very practical. I like the look of it. It’s also small and handy. However, I can’t close the case if I have the protective cover on the brush head. A shame, I really like using a protective cover like this usually.

Technical details, application and cleaning

According to Philips, the improved magnet system is at the core of the new Series 7100. It’s designed to optimise the performance of the sonic waves and ensure a consistently high frequency of up to 62,000 brush head movements per minute. At least that’s what the manufacturer’s promising. I can’t compare with the previous models. But as a previous Oral-B user, I can compare the two technologies: sonic or rotational.

I had a strange feeling the first time I used it. At times it almost felt like it was tickling my mouth. Simply put, I wasn’t used to the soft brush. But I quickly got used to it. Now and again, I switched back to my old toothbrush and it felt a lot rougher.

I can say for myself that I’ve taken a liking to the new technology and can clearly see why it’s suitable for users with sensitive gums. It also feels like the toothbrush gives my teeth a good clean.

According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts 21 days. After unpacking and using it since 4 October, I’ve only had to charge my toothbrush once. In other words, an entire month has passed. I find it easy to clean the toothbrush and the brush head. Speaking of brush head, I want to give this another special mention, because in the past, I had to buy something like this separately and I’d spend a long time looking for one that would fit well.

12 cleaning modes – I’m overwhelmed

The Series 7100 offers four different cleaning modes: Clean, White, Sensitive and Gum Health. Each of these should have different advantages. The cleaning time for the «Clean» and «Sensitive» programs is two minutes, two minutes and 40 seconds for «White» and three minutes and 20 seconds for «Gum Health». After that, the toothbrush’s smart timer function automatically switches off the toothbrush for me. Each mode can be combined with one of three intensity levels from high to low.

I worked my way through the modes and different intensity levels and was still a bit overwhelmed. What’s the right setting for me? What intensity should I go for?

I didn’t notice any major differences in the cleaning modes. The intensity levels, on the other hand, were noticeably different. I may be old-fashioned, though. I just don’t need so many different settings. It’s nice to have a choice, but in the long term I’ll just go for any mode and mainly consider the intensity I find most pleasant. I’ll probably ask my dentist what he thinks about this and what he recommends. My appointment’s not until December, though.

In addition to these different cleaning settings, the Series 7100 also offers other functions. My old toothbrush already had a visual pressure sensor. But a lot of the time I could hardly see it. On the Series 7100, this is located at the very bottom of the handpiece and lights up clearly. I’ve already mentioned the smart timer function in the cleaning mode section above. As far as I know, you can’t turn this off. Comments from the Community tell me they don’t like this «control». I’m not bothered by it.

The brush pacer function is designed to ensure your teeth have an even clean. It briefly pauses vibration to signal that it’s time to brush the next area of your mouth. Even here, I’ve already read some negative comments from the community. I thought this feature was very helpful when using it and otherwise never a problem.

The app: less helpful

The accompanying app promises a personalised cleaning routine and additional insights. But the reality was disappointing. If I moved away a little, it would lose the connection to my phone. However, the first time I connected it, it was very simple.

In my experience, the reports generated on my cleaning behaviour aren’t very meaningful and hardly offer any concrete recommendations for action. They include the brushing time, frequency of brushing and pressure monitoring. I’d love more information. For example, is there a spot I clean too little, perhaps, and can I improve my technique?

It also tells me when I need a new brush head, although I prefer to decide for myself. I can set it up so that I can automatically buy a new brush head. In my opinion, the app seems more like a sales tool than a useful guide for the user.