# DentalTested

> Oral care product guides: electric toothbrushes, replacement heads, water flossers, interdental brushes, toothpaste, whitening and aligner care, compared on features, research and running costs.

DentalTested publishes oral care products reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://dentaltested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://dentaltested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://dentaltested.com/glossary): oral care products terms defined
- [How we test](https://dentaltested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Toothbrushes](https://dentaltested.com/category/toothbrushes): Oscillating and sonic electric toothbrushes, manual brushes, kids' brushes and replacement heads.
- [Flossing & interdental](https://dentaltested.com/category/flossing): Water flossers, string floss, floss picks and interdental brushes.
- [Toothpaste & rinse](https://dentaltested.com/category/toothpaste-rinse): Fluoride and specialty toothpastes, mouthwashes, tongue cleaners and breath care.
- [Whitening & appliances](https://dentaltested.com/category/whitening-appliances): Whitening strips and trays, retainer and aligner cleaners, night guard care and travel kits.
- [Travel & subscriptions](https://dentaltested.com/category/travel-subscriptions): Travel toothbrushes, cases and portable flossers, plus subscriptions and replenishment costs.

## Buying guides
- [Electric Toothbrush Heads: How Often to Replace and What It Costs](https://dentaltested.com/guides/electric-toothbrush-head-replacement-cost): Replace toothbrush heads about every three months, or sooner if the bristles fray, as the ADA recommends. That is four heads a year per person, so yearly cost is four times the price of one head. Heads fit only compatible handles: most heads fit across one brand's modern range, but some lines, such as Oral-B iO, use their own heads. Check compatibility and price before you buy the handle.
- [How to Choose Toothpaste: Fluoride, Sensitivity and Abrasivity](https://dentaltested.com/guides/how-to-choose-toothpaste): Choose a fluoride toothpaste; fluoride is the ingredient with the strongest evidence for preventing cavities, and the ADA Seal confirms a paste's claims were reviewed. Stannous fluoride also helps with gum health and sensitivity; potassium nitrate targets sensitivity. Whitening pastes remove surface stains, not deeper color. For children, use a rice-grain smear under age 3 and a pea-sized amount from 3 to 6.
- [How to Clean Retainers and Clear Aligners Safely](https://dentaltested.com/guides/how-to-clean-retainers-and-aligners): Rinse retainers and aligners every time you take them out, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water or a mild cleaner, and soak them in a product made for appliances as directed. Avoid hot water, which can warp plastic, abrasive toothpaste, which scratches clear trays, and bleach or alcohol soaks unless your orthodontist approves. Store them in their case, never in a napkin.
- [Oscillating vs Sonic Electric Toothbrushes: What the Research Says](https://dentaltested.com/guides/oscillating-vs-sonic-electric-toothbrush): Oscillating-rotating brushes use a small round head that spins back and forth; sonic brushes vibrate an oval head side to side at high frequency. A Cochrane review found powered toothbrushes reduced plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushing, with oscillating-rotating designs showing the most consistent evidence. In daily use, technique, a two-minute timer and a pressure sensor matter as much as the type.
- [Teeth Whitening Strips vs Trays vs In-Office Whitening](https://dentaltested.com/guides/teeth-whitening-strips-vs-trays): Whitening strips use a low-concentration peroxide gel and are the cheapest way to lighten natural tooth color over a couple of weeks. Custom trays from a dentist hold carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel evenly against teeth for more control. In-office whitening uses stronger gel for faster results. All can cause temporary sensitivity, and none change crowns, veneers or fillings. Results vary.
- [Water Flosser vs String Floss: What the Evidence Shows](https://dentaltested.com/guides/water-flosser-vs-string-floss): The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, water flossers or similar tools. A 2019 Cochrane review found that adding floss or interdental brushes to brushing may reduce gum inflammation, with interdental brushes looking most effective, and that evidence for water flossers is limited but suggests a benefit for gingivitis. The best tool is the one you will use every day.

Contact: info@dentaltested.com