If it's proper advice you're after, then Hundeshagen advises, “Simply let the brush glide from tooth to tooth, ensuring you are covering all surfaces of your teeth and gums, for the dentist recommended two minutes. Different electric toothbrush models have different features such as a 2-minute timer, pressure sensor and even guided brushing using artificial intelligence, to make brushing your teeth even more effective.”

The short answer is: yes if used properly and regularly. Electric toothbrushes take a lot of the effort and guesswork from your hygiene routine, with built-in brushing timers so you’re not under or over-brushing, sensors to warn you if you’re brushing too hard on your gums, and trackers to help you see different areas of your mouth you’re regularly missing. If you’ve got your technique down to a T with a manual one, then you might not see an electric one as much of an improvement.

Bluetooth-enabled electric smart brushes like the Oral-B smart series also give you a score with real-time feedback via the brand’s Oral-B app, prompting you to forever be hunting for the perfect score every time you brush for a dentist-recommended smile. Many smart toothbrushes also have two-minute timers to help ensure a dazzling Colgate smile. Remember though, you’ll still need to floss, ideally with the help of one of the best water flossers.

Anyone struggling to keep a regular routine will benefit from an electric brush simply because it makes all your cleaning a little easier, but it’s worth noting that dentists don’t really care what kind of brush you’re using, so long as you use it properly. The American Dental Association (ADA) reckons you can use either, so long as you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

Don't believe them? Our mates at Oral-B say, “Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove six times more plaque than using a manual toothbrush, which is one of the reasons why dental professionals recommend using an electric toothbrush, twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes. For optimum oral health and supreme gum care, you should also ensure you are flossing regularly.” Never neglect the floss.

In most cases, you'll need to contact the manufacturer directly if you need to repair or replace the battery in an electric toothbrush. That's because they're sealed units, coupled with the fact that it's not a good idea to mess around with batteries. Some cheaper electric toothbrushes are powered by AA batteries, but they can't match the more expensive rechargeable versions for features and power. In most cases, the battery should be good for roughly two weeks’ worth of cleaning, but there will be some variance there.

To keep your brush heads nice and clean, look to replace them every three months or so, as the bristles will start to wear down over time and won't be as effective. You can pick up most replacement brush head refills and different brush heads from Amazon, or some brands will give you a fresh set for free when you buy your new brush. As for the brush themselves? Hundeshagen says, “Oral-B electric toothbrushes last up to 4-6 years, depending on the model and usage.”

You might be sick of hearing from your dentist that you need to take your oral health more seriously, but it's vital that you clean your mouth properly. Hundeshagen says, “Oral health is important for so many reasons, both physical and psychological. Aside from issues such as tooth staining and bad breath poor oral health can lead to a number of more serious conditions such as tooth decay and gum diseases. There also is a link between oral health and overall body health so looking after your teeth and gums are more important than ever.” So if you want to avoid other complications through a build-up of plaque, get into the routine and stick to it -half the battle is consistency.

Not only do GQ's team of grooming experts swear by their electric toothbrushes. They'll be the first amongst us to evangelise about their chosen brush heads and flossing strategy. As such, there are few better folks to determine the best electric toothbrush for every use imaginable. We've tested as many models as possible in this round-up, including our favourite models from Oral-B and Philips, to assess their plaque-busting performance, variety of brushing modes and battery life. Elsewhere, we've looked at a combination of user reviews, specs, and features to pick the cream of the electric toothbrush crop.

There’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, but for many, collecting all the grooming tools you need to do a decent job is about as tough as Thanos’ hunt for the Infinity Stones: possible, but takes a lot of time and effort. However, our shopping experts are well-versed in finding the best devices to keep you looking sharp and feeling healthy, whether you’re looking to trim down your beard, hydrate your skin or improve your flossing game with a high-powered jet of water.

We’ve got dedicated roundups on all sorts of grooming essentials to help you find out what’s worth buying. Check out our guides on the best beard trimmers, hair clippers, electric shavers, body hair trimmers, nose hair trimmers, moisturisers, water flossers and toothpaste to complete your bathroom cabinet.

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