My first time using a sonic toothbrush
Product test

My first time using a sonic toothbrush

Kim Muntinga
4-11-2024
Translation: Elicia Payne

As a long-time user of an Oral-B electric toothbrush, this is the first time I’m testing a rechargeable sonic toothbrush from Philips Sonicare: the Series 7100. Read on to hear about my experience and my thoughts on the model.

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 :

  • News + Trends

    Philips Sonicare: New sonic toothbrushes with more power and longer battery life

    by Kim Muntinga

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.

I opted for the black model from the double pack. I’m very pleased with the contents.
I opted for the black model from the double pack. I’m very pleased with the contents.
Source: Kim Muntinga

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.

The travel charging case is small…
The travel charging case is small…
Source: Kim Muntinga
… and can close if you remove the protective cover for the brush head.
… and can close if you remove the protective cover for the brush head.
Source: Kim Muntinga

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 put my whole body into brushing my teeth and was able to reach every tooth without any problems.
I put my whole body into brushing my teeth and was able to reach every tooth without any problems.
Source: Anne Fischer

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.

An overview of the four different cleaning modes and their benefits according to Philips Sonicare.
An overview of the four different cleaning modes and their benefits according to Philips Sonicare.
Source: Philips Sonicare

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.

The handpiece shows me which cleaning mode and intensity level I’ve currently selected. The pressure signal ring is on the bottom of the handle.
The handpiece shows me which cleaning mode and intensity level I’ve currently selected. The pressure signal ring is on the bottom of the handle.
Source: Kim Muntinga

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.

The first time I connected my toothbrush and phone was easy-peasy.
The first time I connected my toothbrush and phone was easy-peasy.
Source: Kim Muntinga

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?

The dashboard is neat, but offers few insights.
The dashboard is neat, but offers few insights.
Source: Kim Muntinga

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.

In a nutshell

Good sonic toothbrush for sensitive gums, but app could be improved

First things first, like almost every electric toothbrush, the Philips Sonicare Series 7100 offers a significant improvement over traditional manual toothbrushes. In my opinion, the sonic technology ensures gentle but thorough cleaning and is particularly suitable for people with sensitive gums. Especially at the lowest intensity level, the brushing felt very gentle and delicate. The wide range of cleaning modes and intensity levels allows you to customise it to your needs. Nevertheless, the large selection of options can sometimes be overwhelming. The long battery life and the travel charging case are good extras. The app, however, promises more than it delivers and in practice isn’t very helpful. Overall, the toothbrush is a good choice for anyone who values thorough oral hygiene and is prepared to spend a little more on their dental care. That being said, an inexpensive electric toothbrush should also suffice.

Pro

  • Gentle on the gums – particularly suitable for people with sensitive gums
  • Different cleaning modes and intensity levels enable personalised cleaning
  • Long battery life – the toothbrush lasts for several weeks on a single charge
  • Practical accessories – travel charging case and protective cover for the brush head included

Contra

  • Price – the toothbrush is in the higher price range
  • App is basic – the app only generates a few reports and doesn’t provide any specific recommendations for action
  • Overwhelming number of settings – it can be confusing to have a multitude of cleaning modes
Philips Sonicare Series 7100 (Sonic toothbrush)
−23%
EUR269,– was EUR349,–

Philips Sonicare Series 7100

Sonic toothbrush

Philips Sonicare Series 7100 (Sonic toothbrush)
Electric toothbrush
−23%
EUR269,– was EUR349,–

Philips Sonicare Series 7100

Sonic toothbrush

Header image: Anne Fischer

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My interests are varied, I just like to enjoy life. Always on the lookout for news about darts, gaming, films and series.


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