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The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
The best water flossers, tested: seven models for that dentist-clean feeling
There isn't much I miss from my pre-Invisalign 'gappy teeth' days, but it was far more difficult for food and plaque to get stuck in the gaps – something I took for granted at the time. Using floss between my pre-braces teeth was easy, but ultimately pointless, like using a pipe cleaner to buff the Dartford Tunnel. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. With all the gaps closed, that's no longer the case, and my water flosser has become a welcome part of my dental routine. A water flosser fires an intense jet of water between the teeth to dislodge debris and leave your mouth feeling fresher. 'Most people know they should be flossing, but in reality, it's one of the most skipped steps in daily oral care,' says Dr Johannes Jacobs, the founder of Jacobs & Associates Dental Office. 'Patients who struggle with traditional flossing routines often do far better with water flossers, and their gum health improves noticeably.' Most of the dentists I spoke to favour floss or interdental brushes (such as TePe) – more on that in the what you need to know section below – but water flossers definitely offer convenience. 'The water flosser doesn't provide the scraping action that traditional string floss does, but what it offers in return is accessibility and comfort,' says Jacobs. 'For a lot of patients, that's the deciding factor. If flossing is painful, frustrating or impossible – due to dexterity issues or appliances such as braces – it usually just doesn't happen. 'A water flosser is easy to use, even for kids and older adults. That's why I often recommend it – not as a replacement for floss across the board, but as a realistic alternative for those who aren't flossing at all.' For the past few months, I've been putting water flossers through their paces. Here are my findings. Best water flosser overall:Waterpik Ultra Professional£84.15 at Amazon Best budget water flosser:Operan Cordless Oral Irrigator£21.99 at Amazon Best cordless water flosser: Philips Sonicare Cordless 3000£69.99 at John Lewis First off, because I have 32 teeth, as most adult humans do. A weird flex, granted, but a useful qualifier for anyone wanting to be taken seriously when it comes to assessing the merits of water flossers. Thanks to the aforementioned course of Invisalign, said teeth are also now close together, making them more of a sporting challenge for the water flossing contenders. Perhaps more importantly, I've been professionally testing consumer technology for more than a decade now, and have previously trialled the best electric toothbrushes for the Filter. You can read more about the ins and outs of that here. For the most part, the testing process is what you'd expect: using one water flosser after another, and lavishing the kind of attention on my teeth that they usually get only in the panicked hours before a dental checkup to avoid a tongue-lashing (by which I mean a dressing down, not some kind of novel oral treatment). Each flosser was used multiple times, testing the various heads and settings, while making notes on features such as usability, controls and the slightly grim-sounding 'mouth feel'. But there were also more off-the-wall tests to check the manufacturer's specs – such as emptying a full water tank into a measuring cup to verify capacities, and testing power by measuring how far a jet could be fired across a room on a full battery. I wouldn't recommend repeating the latter test – it's not scientific, with each flosser's different heights and jet angles – but if you do insist on following my bad example, don't do it in a carpeted area and ensure pets are safely locked away. Samples were requested directly from manufacturers and retailers, with nine being provided from brands including Oral-B, Panasonic, Ordo, Waterpik and Philips. £99 at AO £84.15 at Amazon Countertop water flossers seem to be going out of style, and I could get hold of only one for our roundup. The Ultra Professional is a reminder of why this isn't necessarily a good thing, providing not only the largest tank around but also the kind of flexibility its cordless brethren could only dream of. Why we love itUnlike cordless models, the water reservoir remains on your countertop at all times. That makes it easier to move the nozzle around your mouth and ensures the easy-to-fill tank's 650ml of water is accessible at all times, no matter the angle from which you're attacking your teeth. Too often with cordless models, I found a half-full tank turned to a dribble when spraying the backs of my lower teeth – that was never a problem here. On top of that, it has 10 pressure settings increasing from 10PSI to 100PSI (pounds per square inch, a common measure of pressure), so you can choose what works for you. A generous number of heads (seven) are included, with three standard jet tips, one plaque seeker, another for orthodontics, a Pik Pocket and a toothbrush. There are drawbacks to the countertop design. Obviously, it's not travel-friendly (11.9 x 9.7 x 26.3cm WDH), and giants like me will have to stoop to use it. However, if you have the space, it's an easy recommendation. It's a shame that … it's a permanent resident on your countertop. Tank size: 650mlHeads: seven: jet (x3), plaque seeker, orthodontic, Pik Pocket, toothbrushPressure: 10-100PSIWaterproof: not statedCharging: not applicable £21.99 at Amazon While most cordless water flossers sit in the £60 to £120 range, Operan comes in at a fraction of that, while still achieving excellent results. Why we love itFrom the suspiciously low pricing, I was sure there would be something to complain about with the Cordless Oral Irrigator. But mouthful of a name aside, there really isn't. It's easy to hold and has four noticeably different power settings, with a pleasant pulsing stream. It's also quite effective when turned upside down, thanks to the generous 300ml tank and floating ball on the end of the reservoir tube (it's not perfect, though, so it's worth tackling the back of your teeth first, while the tank is full). There are four tips in the box, including one for orthodontics and another for tongue scraping. The cherry on the cake? It has a water resistance rating of IPX7, so you can use it in the shower, if you like. It's a shame that … some customers report reliability problems, although I had no issues. Tank size: 300mlHeads: four: jet, periodontal, orthodontic, tongue scraperPressure: 40-120PSIWaterproof: IPX7Charging: USB-C £69.99 at John Lewis£119.99 at Boots The best of the cordless bunch is the Philips Sonicare Cordless 3000. It offers a great combination of design, power and capacity, although it's not ideal for those with orthodontics or periodontal pockets as it comes with just two tips. Why we love itThe main thing that sets the Sonicare Cordless 3000 apart is its special Quad Stream tip, which fires water in four directions at once. While that might be bad news if you accidentally turn it on outside your mouth, it provides good, powerful coverage across multiple teeth and gum areas at the same time as a result. It also comes with a standard jet tip for a more intense stream, and both provide a decent amount of power. While Philips doesn't list a PSI figure, in my unscientific laminate-soaking distance test, it landed in the top half, and it feels like it provides a good level of pressure in the mouth, too. More importantly, it comes with a 'deep clean' setting with a more thorough pulsing jet of water. The water tank holds a decent 250ml, and is transparent so you can easily keep an eye on how much is left. One thing to note, however, is the charging method: my unit came with a bespoke power cable, but other versions pack USB-C. Philips's PR confirmed that they're otherwise identical, but USB-C is undoubtedly more handy if you lose the original cable. It's a shame that … it comes with only two tips. Tank size: 250mlHeads: two: Quad Stream, jetPressure: not statedWaterproof: not statedCharging: USB-C/figure 8 £45.50 at Pharmacy2U£49.99 at Debenhams Best for: sensitive gums The Aquacare Pro Expert Series 6 is far from perfect. For one thing, if you find it at its RRP of £150, it's pricey – although you're unlikely to pay that in practice. Even more importantly, it has the smallest tank of the lot at 150ml. It also feels underpowered, with even the 'intense' setting feeling nowhere near as powerful as its rivals. For sensitive gums and teeth, though, that possible weak spot becomes a virtue. It certainly offers a comfortable experience with the Oxyjet heads, which claim to add microbubbles for a deeper clean. These provide two types of stream via a manual switch: the rotational option gently massages the gums, while the more traditional targeted stream fires in one direction. There's also a standard jet tip for more power – but again, if you're after power, you've come to the wrong place. It didn't make the final cut because … the tank is the smallest of the lot. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Tank size: 150mlHeads: three: jet, Oxyjet (x2)Pressure: not statedWaterproof: not statedCharging: charging stand (two-pin plug) £39.99 at Pharmacy2UFrom £39.99 at Amazon Best for: raw power With an official rating of 160PSI, the Hydro Sonic officially provides a third more power than its rivals, which is great if your gums can handle the force. The travel lock is also handy to avoid a soggy bag, should you forget to empty the tank. With an RRP of £60, it's also competitively priced, though it's undoubtedly a basic solution, with only three power settings, no automatic pulse option, and just two jet tips in the box. The design, while distinctive and available in various cheerful colours, makes it difficult to tell how much water is left in the tank at a glance. It also sometimes struggles when turned upside down to tackle the backs of your teeth. It didn't make the final cut because … it's somewhat basic in its functionality. Tank size: 260mlHeads: two: jet (x2)Pressure: 80-160PSIWaterproof: IPX7Charging: USB-C £84 at Spotlight Best for: capacity If you want a cordless flosser with a generous water capacity, then the Spotlight is top of the tree, holding a massive 400ml in its bulbous tank. Unlike other cordless models, it means you can use it over multiple sessions – and there's a built-in UV light setting to sterilise the water, if you don't like the idea of nasties swimming in it. That's something of a gimmick, but it's a nice extra to have in an all-around great water flosser. It is pretty powerful, comes with four different heads, offers three operating modes, and is pretty good at working upside down, thanks to the Hydro Gravity Ball at the end of the reservoir tube. There are two downsides: it charges with a bundled figure-8 charger rather than USB-C, and the water tank has to be unscrewed every time you need to fill it. Given I managed to incorrectly align it a couple of times, that may get messy – but that should at least let you test the IPX7 waterproof rating. It didn't make the final cut because … the tank is a pain to fill, and it uses a figure-8 charger rather than USB-C. Tank size: 400mlHeads: four: jet, orthodontic, periodontal pocket sprinkler, tongue scraperPressure: 60-120PSIWaterproof: IPX7Charging: figure-8 £59.99 at Icy Bear Dental Care Best for: travel Plenty of water flossers include travel cases in the box, but from the selection I tested, only the Icy Bear flosser gets physically smaller when not in use. The body of the flosser slips down into the tank, reducing its size by about a third: clever! This design does come with some drawbacks, however. It's slower to fill than other models, and it can sometimes leak a little – something countered by its IPX7 waterproof rating. The design also requires a long press to turn on and off, which is great to avoid accidental leaks in your bag, but less good when your mouth is rapidly filling with water and you need to breathe without soaking the mirror. It didn't make the final cut because … the pull-out design is not without its problems. Tank size: 200mlHeads: four: jet, orthodontic, periodontal, tongue scraperPressure: not statedWaterproof: IPX7Charging: USB-C Part of the appeal of water flossers is how simple they are to use: just fill the tank, and then work the flosser along the gumline, spraying between the teeth. You may find your flosser comes with different attachments that require an adjusted technique, but that's the basic operation. Dr Flavio Pisani, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Lancashire's School of Medicine and Dentistry, recommends intermittent spraying, and some flossers have this pulsing action as a built-in setting. 'It should be an alternate flowing and oozing that makes the power efficient,' he says. Otherwise, you could 'just get your mouth full of water without any effect'. Some people like to add a little mouthwash to the water, but Pisani says the evidence doesn't support this as being any more effective. 'I think it's really only going to make people feel fresher,' says Dr Sam Jethwa, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. 'It's more just a freshness of the mouth thing rather than any other benefit.' From speaking to several dentists, the consensus is that water flossers aren't a replacement for mechanical flossing, but they have their place. They are, as Caitlin Miller, head of dental hygiene and therapy at Bupa Dental Care UK, told me while I was testing toothbrushes, 'better than nothing' for patients who won't use floss or interdental brushes. Jethwa agrees. 'The example I give patients is a boat sitting in a dock for a long time – it's got algae on the bottom. Get a hose pipe to try to get it off, it's not going to do anything. You need the water, but you need the mechanical movement there,' he says. 'So I wouldn't say that they're a replacement for floss. It may be better to use a water flosser if you're not using anything.' Pisani is open to water flossers' potential, but says there is 'not strong evidence' of their efficacy compared with traditional interdental cleaning. 'There's recent evidence from a study over four weeks of using water flossers compared to TePe brushes, and the [results] are quite similar,' he says. But there's a catch: 'The problem is that this study was not giving the group using interdental brushes the size that fit their teeth.' Hopefully, further study will reveal more, but don't expect anything overnight. 'We have reached a consensus about electric toothbrushes, but bear in mind they've been available since the 1980s,' Pisani continues. 'We found the evidence about the better use of electric toothbrushes about 10 years ago.' For now, Pisani doesn't recommend seeing water flossers as an outright replacement, but insists that interdental cleaning is crucial. 'I tell my students and patients that if I were sent to a desert island with only one tool, I would definitely bring my TePe [interdental brushes] with me, rather than a toothbrush, because gum disease starts in between teeth or in between implants.' 'If a water flosser encourages people who are doing very little in addition to brushing to do something, then it's a good thing,' says Jethwa. 'But what I wouldn't encourage is for people who are flossing well, using interdental brushes and achieving good oral hygiene to think that this is an easier way of achieving the same thing.' Since most water flossers do the same thing, it's worth focusing on the differences. For example, tank size is important. If you're doing a thorough clean, then some of the smaller capacities won't be enough. Yet this directly plays off against usability and portability, so it's a balancing act. Power sometimes turns up in the specifications under PSI – or pounds per square inch. While a higher pressure may be more effective at pushing out debris, it can prove uncomfortable, especially on sensitive mouths, so the flexibility of power is arguably more important than the raw PSI figure. If you're looking at a cordless model, as most of the ones in this guide are, it's also worth considering how they're charged. Some power up using USB-C, which is undoubtedly more convenient than a proprietary lead, as most folk have several cables lying around. Finally, some people like to floss while in the shower. If that's you, then look for one that has IPX7 protection. Alan Martin is a writer who has been putting products, including phones, gaming devices and wearables, through their paces for more than a decade. Since he added dental products to his areas of expertise, his teeth have never been happier
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Gleam's teeth whitening strips worked in less than a week – and they're a third off now
If, like me, you've watched your fair share of American sitcoms, then you'll notice one thing all the actors – from Zooey Deschanel to Matt LeBlanc – have in common: pearly white teeth. It's no secret that our neighbours across the pond (or at least the ones in the media) have superior gnashers but, in 2025, it doesn't have to be that way. Though regulations on hydrogen peroxide (one of the most popular ingredients in teeth whitening kits) are less strict in the US, it's still possible to achieve a brilliant smile here in the UK. In fact, I've been testing Gleam's at-home teeth whitening (was £39.99, now £24.99, and there's no doubt it's brightened the 'ole ivories – but more on that later. Knowing whether to try an LED kit, take a professional dentist approach or perhaps give a whitening toothpaste a go can be overwhelming, but I'm here to cut through the noise and offer you a simple and affordable option. Scroll on for my honest Gleam whitening review, plus where to shop for a third off now. How I tested While Gleam promises 'proven results in 30 minutes,' it provides enough strips for 14 sessions. Applying the strips in each sachet as directed (one on the bottom and one on the top row of teeth), I continued to use the treatments daily until I could see a marked difference. In my case, this was around five days, though I proceeded to apply the strips for a further eight days afterwards. I also followed the brand's advice for its LED kit in terms of whitening prep, brushing my teeth before use and rinsing out with water afterwards. Here's how I got on. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lucy Smith has experience of more than five year working across lifestyle, beauty and health. In particular, she's well-versed on oral health and has written The Independent's guide to the best teeth whitening kits. When it came to testing Gleam's teeth whitening kit, she knew which ingredients were (and weren't) going to work on tough food and drink stains. See her verdict, below.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
This New Electric Toothbrush Is Out To Save Your Gums
Laifen e-toothbrush is gentle on the gums Scott Kramer Gum grafts are no fun. I've had two of them. In my case, I had receding gum lines in my mouth. So a specialist went in and grafted skin off the roof of my mouth and stitched it in over the receding gum lines. Then I waited a week or two for it to take and heal. It can be super painful. It can bleed. And it can hinder your ability to eat for a while. Last time I had it done was roughly 20 years ago. Every time I go to the dentist now for a teeth cleaning, they measure the gum lines. And I cringe. Earlier this year was no exception. But the hygenist reminded me that I need to brush lightly along the gum lines in a gentle up-and-down motion. If I continue being too rough, it will erode the gum lines again. And I definitely don't want that happening. I use an electric toothbrush, so the hygienist told me to essentially not press as hard as I have been. And to make that motion. But then a small miracle might have happened. Within a week, a tech brand named Laifen pitched me on trying out its new Wave SE (Special Electric) toothbrush that does exactly that. The ultra-thin bristles are extremely soft, so they are gentle on gums. And it automatically brushes in that up-and-down motion by oscillating at 60 degrees to brush away plaque (supposedly emulating the dentist-recommended Modified Bass brushing technique for a superior clean) while vibrating up to 26,000 times per minute, but can go at a lower speed so that it's softer on sensitive teeth. The company calls it the first dual-action electric toothbrush certified by the American Dental Association. The brush head is also cushioned with a TPE coating to provide a softer and more comfortable experience. Its thin arc-backed design is compact and flexible, helping it reach back molars more easily. Interestingly, the marketing material says that the bristles are fitted using an advanced copper-free tufting process, securing them in place and preventing rusting. Has rusting ever been an issue with other toothbrushes? The box it arrives in looks so much like if Apple ever came out with a toothbrush – right down to how it's all packed on the inside. Expect minimal all-white packaging. Mine arrived fully charged. But if it hadn't, it's good to know that it only takes three hours to fully charge the unit via the included USB-C cable, and the battery lasts 50 days based on you using it twice a day for two minutes each time. It comes with two heads that easily snap on. I've been using the brush without the companion smartphone app that lets you personalize your brushing across 1,000 possible brushing setting combinations, and offers a smart brushing timer and zone change reminder. In my time using it, I love how gentle it is on my gums and how much quieter it is in general than my current electric toothbrush. There are six color options and it sells for $90.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Dentist reveals the surprising 'healthy habits' that are RUINING your teeth
Taking care of your teeth seems like a straightforward task - but some of your 'healthy habits' may actually be wreaking havoc on your pearly whites. Dentists have now weighed in on how best to keep your teeth healthy, with some surprising foods and routines damaging your mouth. 'You'd be shocked how many well-meaning health habits are sneaky saboteurs of your smile,' says Dr. Michelle Jortgensen, a holistic and biologic dentist, told Dr. Jorgensen listed some very common mistakes people make that are damaging their teeth - including energy drinks, dried fruit, green smoothies, and even Goldfish crackers. The dentist explained that many habits that are touted as 'healthy' can actually have the opposite effect and can cause enamel erosion, which is a condition where the enamel - the hard, outer layer of teeth - is gradually worn away by acids leading to sensitivity and cavities. 'I see patients sipping lemon water all day because they've heard it's good for detox - but that constant acid bath is basically an open invitation to enamel erosion,' she explained. She said there is nothing wrong with lemon water but reminds people teeth are not made to withstand this every day. 'Your teeth are strong but they're not made for 24/7 citrus spa treatments,' she explained. 'Health isn't one-size-fits-all — and your mouth knows when you're following trends instead of science,' Dr. Jorgensen pointed out. 'If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, you need to protect them like the precious living structures they are.' Below, Dr. Jorgensen reveals to FEMAIL the sneaky healthy habits that could be ruining your mouth hygiene. Drinking green smoothies Green smoothies seem like the are the height of health - but too much of anything isn't good for you. 'Without a little calcium added in, the oxalates in raw spinach can actually pull minerals from your teeth,' the dentist said. 'I call it the "health halo effect,"' she explained. 'Things that look angelic on Instagram but wreak havoc in your mouth.' Eating raisins While raisins aren't necessary bad for you, they do come with an increased cavity risk. 'Raisins and all-fruit gummy snacks - nature's gummy candy,' the expert declared. 'Sticky, sugary, and worse than a Snickers bar when it comes to cavity risk.' Consuming sports drinks Sports drinks seem necessary after a workout - but they're not always the smartest choice. Dr. Jorgensen warned that Crystal Light, energy drinks, and even 'natural' sports drinks that are low in calories are often off-the-charts in acidity. 'That low pH literally dissolves the minerals in your teeth,' she explained. Snacking on Goldfish crackers Unfortunately Goldfish - the tiny orange crackers - can result in more that just a sugar rush. Dr. Jorgensen explained the bite-sized orange fish crackers are 'starch bombs.' '[They] break down into simple sugars and coat kids' teeth like glue,' she explained. Chewing fingernails 'Biting nails are a nervous habit for many,' the dentist explained. 'But a subconscious focus trick for many adults, but brutal on enamel and can even lead to micro-fractures.' Sleeping poorly Sleep is objectively good for your body, Dr. Jorgensen assures, but not so good for your mouth it turns out. 'Your mouth can take the brunt of poor sleep,' the expert explained. 'During sleep, saliva flow drops to nearly zero, and if you breathe through your mouth at night, it gets even worse. 'That dry environment is a playground for cavity and gum disease-causing bacteria,' she added. To fix it, Dr. Jorgensen suggests mouth taping if you're a mouth breather. 'It's a simple, safe hack that trains you to breathe through your nose and protects your oral health while you sleep,' she explained.
Gizmodo
25-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Feno Smartbrush Review: The Worst Thing I've Ever Shoved in My Mouth
The Feno is supposed to brush all your teeth at once. But after using this "toothbrush" for three weeks, maybe just stick to your $5 manual brush. Feno, the 'smart electric toothbrush,' promised to take a two-minute toothbrushing routine and bring it down to 30 or even 20 seconds by swabbing each of my teeth at once. The Feno Smartbrush makes brushing faster, but in exchange it requires you to shove an entire mouthpiece in your piehole twice a day just to cut down on a total of three minutes of brushing time. If there is one thing to take away from this review, it's that even if tech works, it doesn't necessarily mean it's better than what we already have. The 'toothbrush' has been at the side of my bathroom sink for more than three weeks. It has technically saved me time. I would even go as far as to say it may do the job of a regular toothbrush with less time to get there. Still, given the choice, I would rather reach for my non-motorized, dentist-recommended toothbrush—if only because I know it works. After consulting with the companies and non-affiliated dentists, I'm more bemused that the Feno exists at all. This is a device that costs $300 for the 'Founder's Edition' bundle. The company recently said it would increase the price to $400, blaming tariffs for the rising cost. As the time of this publishing, that new price hasn't yet materialized. The box comes with three canisters of brand-specific Feno Foam toothpaste. After you run out, you'll need to spend $30 to get an extra three canisters. Feno also recommends replacing the mouthpiece every three months, costing another $30. Feno Smartbrush It may brush all your teeth for quicker cleans, but its too much of an unknown to recommend. Pros Designed to brush at correct angle with dentist-recommended motion Designed to brush at correct angle with dentist-recommended motion App is relatively easy to use Cons Too uncomfortable versus regular toothbrush Too uncomfortable versus regular toothbrush Requires app to operate Requires app to operate Uses proprietary foam-based toothpaste Uses proprietary foam-based toothpaste Price is 30x that of a toothbrush and toothpaste My dentist gave me my last manual toothbrush for free. A tube of toothpaste was $5. Despite the price, the company behind the smart toothbrush has one compelling pitch. If people were honest with themselves, most folks do not do the recommended amount of brushing. I fit into that camp for most of my life, until the point I went to my dentist and found I needed to have multiple caps on my molars, requiring I spend a hefty chunk of change for the privilege of having my teeth ground down to nubs. Since then, I've become very sensitive to the state of my pearly whites. I try to do the full two minutes of brushing and floss every day, but the Feno is supposed to help by shortening the brushing time and helpfully counting you down with an on-screen timer. My dentist was skeptical about the device's claims, especially whether it was offering proper back-and-forth brushing technique. The American Dental Association has a Seal of Acceptance tested by the organization for products that are recommended by dentists. Neither Feno's brush nor special toothpaste are on that list of products with the ADA seal. All I have to go on is Feno's own claim that it's doing what it needs to do to clean my teeth and remove plaque. For cleaning, the device makes use of pressure sensors alongside the mouthpiece's 18,000 bristles, which Feno claims can hit 250 strokes per tooth in 20 seconds. It's using a sweeping motion along the teeth, which dentists recommend when brushing, but there's no published science to say the Feno is particularly better than other, similar devices. Feno told me the company has scientific research pertaining to how effective the device is, but it's pending scientific review and won't be available until some unknown date. Feno revels in Silicon Valley startups' worst habits. Every time you turn it on, the smart toothbrush bombards you with a QR code to download an app for all its controls, rather than including those on-device. The Feno toothbrush can incite the same gag reflex you know if you've ever played a contact sport requiring a mouth guard. The device is big enough that you have to open wide to fit the whole thing in at once. Brushing with the Feno is not an entirely passive experience, either. Feno's founder, Dr. Kenny Brown, told me his company recommends moving the brush side to side while the mouthpiece actuates. On its highest settings, the Feno rattled my jaw and made my entire head shake like a marionette piloted by a mad puppeteer. With those speeds, I could feel the mouthpiece rubbing the inner cheek raw. At normal speeds, the Feno was uncomfortable but still usable without any pain. Feno also advises some gums may bleed if you haven't been doing proper brushing technique for too long, but I didn't find the bristles were any more abrasive to my gums than a regular toothbrush. The device running on default settings for 30 seconds seems engineered for most mouths. The company claims its device works with regular toothpaste, but when I plastered some gel to the bristles and stuck it in my mouth, it resulted in a sludgy mess at the bottom of the mouthpiece that took far longer to clean than the typical quick rinse. The foam toothpaste doesn't leave your mouth full of the typical minty taste of fluoride and baking soda you normally associate with the feel of a clean mouth. As a point in favor of the Feno, that minty-fresh taste in your mouth isn't actually indicative of clean teeth, according to Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a professor at UCLA's School of Dentistry and a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. Brown told me the company plans for updated toothpaste that adds a lingering minty taste in the mouth, as apparently I wasn't the only one who spoke up on that lack of 'clean' feeling. Knowing my dentist appointments are near for even more fillings, the Feno would not only need to be good, but even better at cleaning my teeth than the typical electric brush. Even if I felt it may be hitting all my teeth, the device didn't leave me feeling clean, not least because I had no control over it. Even if the Feno full-mouth toothbrush wasn't uncomfortable, wasn't expensive, didn't require an app, and worked well with regular toothpaste, it would still be hard to make any claim it results in better cleaning than your regular $7 toothbrush you buy from any local pharmacist. Using the smart toothbrush, you can't tell what's happening to your teeth. You can't tell if it's hitting all the nooks and crannies. That's going to be a concern when everybody's set of teeth is different. The Feno is supposedly designed so that all its bristles hit all different kinds of teeth at the correct 45-degree angle to the gums, but what really matters is if it adds anything to your brushing routine. 'The critical question of any device like this is if it's better than a toothbrush,' Hewlett told me. 'It's clear that using a toothbrush properly is one of the most effective things a person can do themselves to preserve their teeth.'
