How does the pressure sensor feedback work on my Sonicare toothbrush?

A pressure sensor, with respect to electric toothbrushes, are small components inside the brush handle that detect when you are applying too much force during your brushing routine. When it detects the use of excessive pressure, the brush will in turn do something.

The correct pressure is an indicator that you are using just enough force in conjunction with the brush head movements to clean away plaque.

Your Sonicare toothbrush measures the pressure you apply while brushing to protect your gums and teeth. If you apply too much pressure, the handle will change its vibration.

You will be alerted when you apply too much pressure. Depending on your toothbrush model, this can be by one or more of these signals:

• Light at the toothbrush base.

• The brush head reminder LED will flash.

• A change in vibration and therefore brushing intensity.

• A sound and/or a pulsing sound.

These signals will stop when you reduce pressure.

If you’re buying an electric toothbrush, you will definitely want to consider getting one with a pressure sensor.

The bristles of the brush should skim the tooth surfaces to sweep away, bacteria, food debris and plaque. Hard and aggressive brushing will not normally help, hence the pressure sensor to alert you to these instances where you do apply too much force.

Some basic brushes do have a pressure sensor that when activated will reduce the amount of power delivered to the brush head in order to reduce the chances of ongoing damage to the teeth and gums. If the excess force is removed, the motor will power back up to a fuller speed and perform as normal. This change can happen within split seconds.

More advanced models will not only reduce the motor power but will alert the user by switching on a light on the brush, quite often a red warning light found at the top of the brush handle. This comes on as soon as too much pressure is detected. It remains on until such time as the pressure is reduced.

The most advanced will change the motor speed, illuminate a warning light whilst also sending a message to your smartphone application which is tracking your tooth cleaning. These Bluetooth enabled brushes will often log the amount of time too much pressure was applied for and use it as a way of coaching you to achieve better oral health.

If you’re buying an electric toothbrush, you will definitely want to consider getting one with a pressure sensor.

As we note above, the Oral-B pressure sensor is located just below the brush head, and is highly visible when activated.

• Kids 6+

• Pro 1500

• Smart 1500

• Pro/Smart 3000

• Pro 5000

• Pro 6000 / 6500

• Pro 7000

• Pro 7500

• Genius Pro 8000

• Genius Pro 9600

• Genius X

• Guide

• Oral-B iO