Non-iO models
Best all-round: CrossAction / Amazon, Oral B / ~$24.97
Best for a gentler clean: Pro GumCare / Amazon, eBay / ~$18.82
iO models
Best all-round: iO Ultimate Clean / Oral B, Amazon / ~$20.47
Best for a gentler clean: iO Gentle Care / Amazon, Oral B / ~$20.91
Why we picked them
Our team have been using Oral-B brushes for years and regularly repeat tests as we review new Oral-B toothbrushes.
Having tried all of the Oral-B brush heads we have found that the angled and medium firmness bristles of the CrossAction head provide the most invigorating, deep clean of the teeth and gums.
In our testing and daily use we have seen and felt that this head cleans more effectively than other brush heads on offer.
That being said, we've found there isn't that much difference between the various heads. The most important thing is to make sure you are using the correct brushing technique.
The Pro GumCare (also known as the Sensi UltraThin) is our other top recommendation. Although we haven't quite achieved the same deep clean feeling as with the CrossAction head, we've found that the Pro GumCare still does a good job of removing plaque. The soft, ultrafine bristles are more gentle on the teeth. It feels less aggressive and is more enjoyable to use on tender, inflamed and bleeding gums. It is a must-pick for those with gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
These heads are compatible with Oral-B's Vitality, Pro, Smart and Genius brush handles, but not the iO range.
iO handles have their own range of brush heads that fit and work with iO handles only.
The Ultimate Clean and Gentle Care brush heads are the iO specific equivalents.
They look a little different, but there are many similarities, like angled bristles on the Ultimate Clean, as per the CrossAction head.
Key things to know
Video explanation
In this video we explain what each brush head does and why we picked our top recommendations.
FlossAction vs CrossAction vs Precision Clean
Assuming you're shopping for a non-iO brush, and unless you’re looking at one of Oral-B's specialized heads, these are likely the three brush heads you’re choosing between.
Technically speaking, there is very little difference between them. They achieve the same thing: good plaque removal. The FlossAction head is more oval than the rounded CrossAction and Precision Clean.
In our testing, we’ve noticed very little difference. This means the decision comes down to personal preference of how the head feels when you use it. Again, for us, that is CrossAction, but it may be different for you.
To narrow the choice, we would say choose between CrossAction and Precision Clean to begin with. Depending on which one came with your brush, you could try the other to see if you prefer it.
FlossAction is designed to help remove debris from between your teeth and gums. The 4 larger paddle like bristles are supposed to be the key to its effectiveness. When we tested it, we can’t say we noticed this happening any more than it did with CrossAction and Precision Clean. The way they move makes the brushing sensation feel quite different. Even though it's designed to clean better, the FlossAction head can't replace flossing. Irrespective of the head you use, you still need to clean between the teeth with interdental tools.
The shape and angles of the bristles of the Precision Clean gives the feeling that the head cups the tooth more than the CrossAction or FlossAction.
Whether you opt for the Precision Clean or FlossAction, plaque removal is still going to be extremely good, provided you are brushing for the right time and with the correct technique.
Do the specialized heads work?
Yes, Oral-B's specialized heads can be useful for some people. In the sections below we've said a bit about our experience with two of the most popular ones – sensitive and whitening.
Sensitive heads
We have found that the sensitive heads are worth using at times when our gums have been a bit more tender.
The ultra soft bristles move over the teeth and gum surfaces with a motion that feels less abrasive than some other brush heads, reducing the sensitivity on the teeth.
Round in shape like other Oral-B heads, the bristles are arranged in thinner clusters and are reminiscent of petals of a flower. There is a slight sweeping curve to the shape of these clusters impacting for the better the overall brushing sensation and cleaning results.
Our team have found that with regular use this head helps reduce gum bleeding and inflammation of the gum tissue, restoring red and puffy gums to a healthy light pink color.
Oral-B advises using its sensitive heads with a sensitive cleaning mode, but we've found it's not critical. Yes, it helps, but if you don't have a brush with sensitive cleaning mode, you'll still find there's a noticeable difference just from using a soft head.
Similarly, we've found that using a non-soft head with a sensitive cleaning mode can also make a big difference if our gums or teeth are feeling sensitive.
These are the soft / sensitive heads for non-iO brushes:
There is an equivalent head for the iO brush handles. Known as Gentle Care, it is similar to the Pro GumCare head, but the 4000 individual bristle filaments that make up the head are organized slightly differently. The bristle clusters are thicker with less curvature to the profile.
These are the soft / sensitive heads for iO brushes:
Whitening heads
We've found that Oral-B's whitening heads can remove some very light staining, but don't expect miracles. If your teeth have been yellow or stained for some time, don't expect this brush head to return them to a much whiter shade.
A professional cleaning or whitening service is needed to remove heavy staining. But, these heads are worth trying if you have some light staining. If you are a heavy smoker, red wine, tea or coffee drinker, using a whitening head can help to prevent stains from building up.
To enhance the effect of the whitening head it is best, although not essential, to use it with an Oral-B brush that has a whitening mode. It can also be beneficial to use a whitening toothpaste with it too. Such pastes are usually more abrasive, helping lift the stains more quickly. But, we don't advise long term use of such as it can result in more wear of the tooth surface.
The 3D White head, suitable for non-iO brushes has an oval-like shape to the head, rather than a perfect circle.
For iO brushes, Radiant White is the name of the whitening brush head.
The design differs slightly from the 3D White head, but there are notable similarities, with 5 'polishing' petals that buff the tooth surface to dislodge the microscopic particles that stain the teeth.
Other specialized brush heads
Oral-B's other specialized heads are worth considering if you have particular needs. We've included photos below so you can see what they look like in real life. For more explanation of what to use them for, see our video above.
Genuine vs generic
Manufacturer original brush heads, often known as genuine heads are, in our opinion the best, and will always be our recommendation.
However, there are a large number of generic or aftermarket options. These heads often look very similar to and perform comparably to the originals. The big advantage of these is that they are considerably cheaper.
A no-name brush head can cost as little as $1 compared to the $5 or more for a manufacturer original. Over 3 years that is a saving of $48!
Unfortunately, not all are created equal and you can end up getting what you pay for.
The cheapest Oral-B compatible heads will not have rounded tips to the bristles. We've found that this results in a sharper and harsher feeling on the teeth and gums. It can make for an unpleasant brushing experience, particularly if you have sensitive gums.
We've also found that the plastics they are made from look and feel cheap and the bristles are often stiff. We have experienced them breaking, bristles falling out and most importantly, not cleaning the teeth as well.
Paying a little more, around $3 per head has, in our testing, resulted in a better experience. In fact, many of these heads are very good and in a blindfolded test, it has proven hard to tell the difference to the manufacturer's.
iO vs non-iO brush heads
Oral-B has become well known for its small round brush heads. It's what differentiates them from the other sonic brushes.
Yet, despite the newer iO models still having round brush heads, they are a little different to the heads for non-iO models. If you have spent years using the normal round heads, the iO heads feel different in the mouth.
We've found that the size is the most notable difference. Those with small or cramped mouths will notice this most. The size difference is related to the height or depth of the head. Generally, they are about 10-15% bigger.
The back of the brush head is shaped differently too, there's a larger plastic area at the back. It's smooth on the cheeks but makes the iO heads feel larger in the mouth and slightly more tricky to move about.
The brushing sensation on the teeth and gums is more gentle, irrespective of the head used. This is mainly down to the brush motor in the iO Series handles. We have noticed a less harsh or aggressive sensation when brushing. We have still gotten an invigorating deep clean feeling though.
Whilst both heads push on and pull off the attachment is different, hence iO heads are not compatible with non-iO handles.
Perhaps the biggest negative is the cost. As a general rule, iO heads cost 2x that of those replacement heads for the Vitality, Pro, Smart and Genius models.
iO heads are also harder to keep clean. See below.
Watch out for mold and grime
It's vitally important to remove the brush head after use and give it a thorough rinse to remove residual toothpaste and debris.
Leaving it exposed to airflow so the bristles can dry is extremely helpful too.
Unless you are traveling, avoid as best as possible covering the bristles as this limits their ability to dry and can encourage bacterial growth, particularly in warm environments.
It's possible for mold to form in any of the Oral-B heads, but we have found that the iO heads are particularly susceptible.
Compatibility: which heads fit and work with my brush handle?
The following table shows which brush heads fit and are compatible with which brush handles.
| Bursh Head Style | Brush Head Image | Handle Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| CrossAction |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| FlossAction |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Pro Gum Care/Sensi UltraThin |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| 3D White |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Precision Clean |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Deep Sweep/TriZone |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Ortho Care |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Interspace/Power Tip |  | Vitality, Pro, Smart & Genius |
| Ultimate Clean |  | iO Series (iO3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) |
| Gentle Care |  | iO Series (iO3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) |
| Radiant White |  | iO Series (iO3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) |
| Targeted Clean/Specialized Clean |  | iO Series (iO3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) |
How do I know when it's time to replace a head?
The general consensus amongst the dental profession is to replace a brush head every 3 months on average. Sooner, if it shows obvious signs of wear.
Using a brush head for longer can actually cause harm to the teeth because bristles can become damaged and less effective at how they sweep across the tooth surfaces, in between teeth and along the gum line.
Most Oral-B heads have fading or color changing bristles that alert you when it is time to replace the head. You will notice the color change over a period of 3 months, typically.
iO handles will alert you when a head replacement is due via the handle itself. There is either a yellow light on the handle or a message on the screen, subject to model.
Bluetooth enabled brushes offer the option of being reminded to replace the head via the Oral-B smartphone app.
How to fit Oral-B brush heads
To replace a brush head, you pull off the existing brush head and push on the replacement. The heads will require a small amount of force to push on and pull off, they are designed to be a snug fit. We demonstrate the method in the video below.
Are Oral-B brush heads interchangeable?
Yes, Oral-B brush heads are fully interchangeable.
So whether your brush came with a CrossAction or Sensitive brush head you can easily clip on a FlossAction or 3D White head if that is your preference.
The only catch is that non-iO heads for the Vitality, Pro, Smart and Genius ranges are not compatible with iO brush heads, and vice versa.
For example, the Oral-B Pro 1000 brush handle can't make use of the iO Ultimate Clean brush head as it is not designed for a Pro Series handle. Just like the CrossAction head is not designed for the iO Series handles.
The interchangeable nature of the brush heads are explained in the following video:
Icons or colored rings to identify whose head is whose
The brush heads compatible with the Vitality, Pro, Smart and Genius models come provided with a detachable colored ring that fits to the base of the brush head, whereas the iO brush heads have different symbols printed onto the front of the brush head shaft.
These rings or symbols are included to help you to identify whose brush head is whose in a shared bathroom.
For example, if a couple shared a brush handle and used the same style of head, they would know whose head is whose because of the colored ring or icon.
How did you determine Oral-B brush head firmness levels when they're not provided by the manufacturer? And why recommend medium brush heads when practically all dentists recommend soft?
Hello,
We have spent a lot of time getting to know the different brush heads on offer, and using our experience, we have worked out the differences. We've asked the manufacturer, as well as consulting with other sources.
Having tested the brush heads, we found that the medium one offered the best overall clean. The actual difference compared to the softer bristled heads is negligible, and we happily recommend both. Being of a medium firmness, the likes of the CrossAction brush head is less harsh on the teeth and gums than on a firm bristled brush head. Ultimately for us, the CrossAction gives a more satisfying post brushing feeling.
are any oral b brush heads compatible with sonicare
No.
Which is the Very softest oral b toothbrush head
We beleive the Seni UltraThin/ProGum Care (Same head different names).
Some beleive that the older 'Sensitive' head is softer, but the latter is replacing this head really.
Good day
I am an oral hygienist and I would like to know where you found the articles/studies showing the differences in results/efficacy between the toothbrush heads. I would like to do some further reading.
Thank you,
Kind Regards,
Shannon
Hi Shannon.
Are you referring specifically to comparisons between Oral-B brush heads?
Some of this comes from our own hands-on testing and using studies Oral-B has done themselves on specific heads. As far as we are aware there isn't really any propper study/data that compares each head side by side.
Hi Jon
Thanks for your response! Yes specifically Oral-B.
-How is the cleaning efficacy of the different brush heads tested when you test them?
Do you know of any studies by Oral-B comparing their heads and different models of etb's? I have looked on Google Scholar but I am struggling to find any. I would like to see studies on things like:
-Was the cross action head found to remove more plaque, and how much more compared to the rest?
-Does the 3D white brush head remove stains significantly more (or even noticeable to the naked eye) than the others. And if it removed more stains, does it remove less plaque or the same amount. If the same, why not just sell the the whitening head only.
Thank you!
Our testing isn't scientific. More user testing, and general feeling and opinion form use. We will use plaque disclosing to help etc, but we are certainly not testing with strict conditions.
We generally find them to be comparable with no significant differences from the most popular brush heads.
I'm not aware of any study that compares one head to another specifically or in any detail.
Hello,
thank you for your excellent work and your fantastic expertise.
In the modes "Gum Care" and "Tongue Clean" with my iO9 I have used so far the "Ultimate Clean" brush head.
I have no problems with the gums, no bleeding and nothing else. During regular check-ups my dentist is very happy with my gums .
My question is: Could a "Gentle Clean" brush head instead of the "Ultimate Clean" brush head in the modes "Gum Care"/ "Tongue Clean" even improve the results from a dental angle?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Best Regards,
Carsten.
Hi Carsten.
Great question.
The Gentle Clean head isn't going to clean the teeth/gums any better than the Ultimate Clean.
Your dentist won't be able to tell which head you are using for example.
Where Gentle Care might be better in the long term is it is less harsh on the gums and softer surfaces. The softer bristles could be good for them over many months and years of use.
It varies from one person to another but sometimes people have sensitivity issues or recession of the gum and the softer head will be more gentle here.
Hi Jon,
thank you for drawing my attention to the long term effects.
I will use the “Gentle Care” brush head in the modes “Gum Care”/ “Tongue Clean”.
ElectricTeeth is by far the best source on the internet. Thank you for the detailed, clear and objective analyses and recommendations. Please continue running the site on this level.
Best Regards,
Carsten.
Hello, I'm researching a new toothbrush and am finding your website to be a great resource! I thought I was decided on the iO, but I have seen several reviews that complain that the brush head is uncomfortably big. I haven't seen the sizes of the brush heads mentioned in your reviews. Is there a big difference in size between the iO and the non-iO? Or between Oral-B and Sonicare (I know the difference in shape, but not sure if these reviews are complaining about the height of the brush head or width or something else. Can you provide any insight? Thank you!
Amy.
Great question. As a very approximate answer, I would suggest the iO head is about 10% bigger (total surface area of the head). This impacts the width and height of the head a bit. We are talking very small measurements and although technically possible to measure, it isn't that meaningful as everyone's mouth and experiences are different.
Compared to other Oral-B heads, it is noticeable when used side by side. But for most people in use not really an issue or something to be concerned about.
I have found personally no issues with using the marginally bigger head of the iO.
If you haven't used an electric brush or Oral-B before you don't have the previous experience and expectations.
Sonicare heads often feel bigger because of the length of the head rather than the width or depth/height.
I don't promote using this service unless you really have to, but Oral-B does have a money back scheme that you could use, if you picked the iO and didn't get on with the size, preferring the smaller head.
I hope that helps.
Hello again, Jon. I found a review where someone posted a photo of this issue--they are talking about the distance from the end of the bristles (the brushing surface) to the back or base of the head, if that makes sense. In that photo, it looks like the iO is about 40% taller than the Sonicare.
Hi Amy. Glad I could help. I wouldn't suggest it was quite as much as 40% taller, perhaps nearer 25-30%. But then the heads are not as long so that plays a part too.
I think you will probably be fine with the iO's heads. Rarely do people really not get on with them.
It might be worth, if you are not sure, buying some brush heads only and just trying them out to at least get a rough feel or idea yourself of how they compare.
That is a very smart idea! Thank you!
Thank you! Yes, I am new to electric. Although I generally prefer small manual toothbrushes, it sounds like I will be okay with iO. Thanks for your helpful and speedy reply!
Very helpful, Jon, thank you! Yes, I am new to electric. I prefer the smaller heads on manual toothbrushes, I hate the large ones, so I am sensitive to size, but based on what you said, it seems I should be safe with the iO. Thank you for your helpful and speedy reply!
I qualify for the CVS Over the Counter Program. I need new tooth brush heads. CVS offers 2 brands the Smiles Sonic and Easy Flex replacement.
Would these be comparible to the Oral B?
Hi Mark.
I have not tried these heads, but it looks like the Easy Flex should be compatible. Taken from this CVS webpage -
The EasyFlex Perfect Angle brush heads fit the EasyFlex Pro Premium and Infinity Rechargeable toothbrushes and are also compatible with most Oral-B power toothbrushes*. These brush heads also feature light blue Replace-Me bristles that fade with use to remind you when it's time to replace your brush head.
*Does not fit Vitality Sonic, Oral-B Sonic Complete, Pulsonic, CrossAction Power battery toothbrush, Oral-B Complete battery toothbrush, and 3D White battery toothbrush. Oral-B, Vitality, CrossAction Power, Oral-B Sonic Complete and Oral-B Complete are registered trademarks of The Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company. 3D White
is a registered trademark of The Procter & Gamble Company. Pulsonic is a registered trademark of Braun GmbH.
What do you think of buying something that's compatible with Oral B. They're so much cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Compatible-Professional-Electric-Toothbrush/dp/B08NW2X12S/ref=asc_df_B08NW2X12S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475773119418&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15406949743510561250&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031163&hvtargid=pla-1130107990955&psc=1
They are certainly an option.
I just purchased an oral b 6000 from Costco. For several years I was using an Oral B battery operated Pro-Health ($20) elec tooth brush. I now have 6mm gum pockets at my lower molars on both side and am getting at deep cleaning in a few weeks. I have many fillings but all of my teeth. I am 73 years old. What brush head should I use--it is still very confusing. Or does it really matter which brush to use ?
Hi Bruce. Our recommendation would be the sensitive/Pro GumCare brush head as this has the soft bristles.
It wouldn't then hurt to get the opinion from the dental professional who does the deep cleaning in a few weeks, but I am sure they would suggest similar.
When brushing my teeth I can never decide, do I hold the brush in one place or move it back and forth like a tooth brush
Keep it in one place. We explain and demonstrate in more detail in our guide on brushing your teeth properly.
Hi Jon,
I have another question about toothbrush heads. This article doesn't mention the following Oral-B Advanced Clean replacement toothbrush heads that are available at Costco. These are also for all Oral-B electric toothbrushes except the iO series. Could you please tell me if these match any of the toothbrush heads on the chart? It looks very similar to the Precision Clean.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
I just chatted with Oral-B support, and they basically said the two are identical, except for special packaging (and maybe the bristle colors?) for Costco (and Walmart apparently). They said they are the same softness as well
Hi Sam.
I do believe these are based on the Precision Clean brush heads. I haven't personally bought or handled these.
They are not as widely marketed/sold. They seem to be available at select sellers only. These heads are not actually listed on the Oral-B website either.
They have what is called 'CleanMaximiser' bristles. What happens is that over a period of approximately 3 months, the green bristles are dyed yellow to indicate the brush head requires changing.
Simply put I believe they are more than suitable as an everyday brush head.
Thanks Jon. I'm actually having a tough time deciding whether to get the iO Series 7c or the Genius from Costco. When the iO is on sale it's still double the price of the Genius so then I figured I'd look at the replacement head options from Costco to help me decide because their pricing is great compared to other retailers. For the Genius they have 3 options: Advanced Clean and Floss Action (which are both soft bristles) and they're on sale now for $40 for 9 heads which is a great price and Charcoal heads which have medium bristles so I wouldn't consider it. None of these heads are on your recommended list. For the iO series they only have the Ultimate Clean heads for $55 for 6 heads which are on your recommended list but they're medium bristles which I'd prefer not to get because I have receding gums. If Costco sold the Sensi Ultra Thin heads for the Genius series or the Gentle Care for the iO series then this would make my decision easy.
Thanks.
Sam
Hi Sam.
I understand your situation.
I would suggest go for the Genius.
There is limited justifiable reason to spend the extra on the iO. That extra you could spend on the iO can get you a lot of extra brush heads for the Genius X!
The brush heads for the Genius are cheaper which has a big benefit too.
I also understand Costco might be cheaper on the brush heads, but perhaps paying the small premium for the soft Pro GumCare (Sensi UltraThin) would be beneficial so you can ensure you get the softest bristles.
The few extra $ saved on not buying the iO can go to the heads you really want.
If that is not justification for buying the soft bristled heads elsewhere, perhaps the peace of mind you will have from knowing you are using the best combination will be worth it.
I’m very confused. I have a Braun Oral B electric toothbrush. It came with the standard round brush. After three months I bought new heads - the ultra white by Oral B Braun as I thought the brush heads are interchangeable. But I can’t figure out how to get the new head on the handle. Is there a video on your website that shows how? Thanks.
Hi Nancy.
Oral-B brush heads should just pull off and push on as demonstrated in this video we created: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEdRcYLV6t4
How can I stop the base of the oral B charger from becoming stained. Should I remove the brush head after each use. Should I rinse the entire Oral B after each use.
I really appreciated these videos. But I want to know how to keep the entire system clean and ready to go
Hi Ina.
Cleaning the toothbrush regularly and removing excess moisture from the handle with a cloth/towel will help. Removing the brush head after each use will help too, as it gives greater opportunity for the handle and head to dry correctly.
It is always advised to rinse the head to remove debris after brushing.
You can find more tips and information here.
Husband has an Oral B Braun Professional Care electric toothbrush that came with 2 standard brushes and 2 white heads with a triangular end and a turquoise green band of small bumps on one side. What is the latter called and what are they for? Husband threw away the instructions.
I have to say I am really not sure what exactly you are referring to.
The closest thing I can imagine is an older style of brush head called 'Dual Clean' as shown in this image. But I will admit that is a bit of a guess.
Have you got any more information, such as a model number on the base of the handle? Where did he buy it from and for roughly what price?
Thank YOU, you provided a lot of great detail. I am still confused about the purple ring head. I guess I'll soon find out if I can use the other heads to replace it!
Hi Siobhan,
The Purple ring head? Do you mean a brush head that looks like:
Yes where can I buy these.
I want to purchase 5.
Thanks Melba
You can buy them here on Amazon.