Most sonic brushes offer several settings, and this guide has electric toothbrush modes explained in plain terms: what a mode changes, which one to start with if your teeth are sensitive, and when to switch. We cover Pro-Pulse, our previous model that is still available while stock lasts, and PulseONE, our current brush.
The short version: start gentle, let comfort guide you, and remember the brush head matters as much as the mode.
What a brushing mode actually changes
A mode changes how the brush head moves: the strength and rhythm of the vibration. It does not change the basics. In every mode you still hold the brush lightly, angle the bristles towards the gumline and brush for two minutes.
Two things affect how brushing feels as much as the mode does:
- The brush head. Softer, gentler heads feel very different from an everyday cleaning head, even on the same mode.
- Your pressure. Pressing hard makes any mode feel harsher and works against the vibration. A light touch is enough.
Common electric toothbrush modes
Names vary between brands, but most modes fall into a few groups:
- Sensitive or gentle modes use a softer vibration for sensitive teeth and gums, or for people new to electric brushing.
- Clean or daily modes are the standard setting for thorough everyday brushing.
- Polishing modes give a different feel aimed at the surface of the teeth. They are a finishing option and do not change the natural colour of your teeth.
Some brushes add more modes, but most people settle on one or two they use every day.
Choosing a Pro-Pulse mode for sensitive teeth
Pro-Pulse is a sonic toothbrush with three modes. If your teeth are sensitive, a simple approach works well:
- Start on the gentlest of the three modes and use it for at least a week or two.
- Hold the brush lightly and glide it from tooth to tooth. Do not scrub.
- Notice how your teeth and gums feel after brushing.
- If brushing is comfortable, try a stronger mode for part of your clean.
- If sensitivity returns, go back to the gentler mode.
A few habits help sensitive teeth whatever mode you use: brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth if your dentist suggests one, avoid brushing straight after acidic food or drinks, and do not press harder to feel cleaner. Ongoing sensitivity is worth raising with your dentist, as it can have several causes. Our guide to choosing a sonic toothbrush for sensitive teeth goes further.
New to Pro-Pulse altogether? Start with our Pro-Pulse beginner's guide.
PulseONE's three modes
PulseONE also has three modes, with a light ring that shows which one is on:
- Sensitive: the gentlest setting, a comfortable start for sensitive teeth or new users.
- Deep Clean: the everyday setting for a thorough clean.
- Polishing: a finishing option for the surface of your teeth.
PulseONE comes with two heads: Precision Clean for everyday cleaning and Gentle Touch for sensitive teeth. Pairing Sensitive mode with the Gentle Touch head is the softest combination. All three modes use SonicSweep technology, with 38,000 movements a minute and the head sweeping 45 degrees side to side.
What changed from Pro-Pulse to PulseONE
- Battery: up to 30 days on Pro-Pulse, 45 days on one charge, approximately six weeks, on PulseONE.
- Charging: Pro-Pulse uses a USB magnetic base. PulseONE charges from any USB-C cable with no base.
- Body: PulseONE has a 71 g brushed aluminium body.
- Pacing: PulseONE adds SmartSense Brushing technology, a two minute timer with a short buzz every 30 seconds.
- Storage: PulseONE includes the Oradent WallMount and a slim travel case.
Heads are not interchangeable: Pro-Pulse heads fit Pro-Pulse only, and PulseONE heads fit PulseONE only.
Questions
Which mode should I use for sensitive teeth?
Start with the gentlest mode, such as Sensitive on PulseONE, and a soft head. Use a light touch, and only move to a stronger mode if brushing stays comfortable.
Can I use more than one mode in a single brush?
Yes. Some people use a gentle mode for sensitive areas and a stronger one elsewhere. Keep the total brushing time to about two minutes.
Will a gentle mode repair enamel or gum recession?
No toothbrush mode can rebuild enamel or reverse gum recession. A gentle mode and light pressure help you brush comfortably without adding wear. Your dentist can advise on sensitivity and recession.
Does polishing mode make teeth lighter in colour?
No. Polishing modes change the feel of brushing, but they do not change the natural colour of your teeth. Talk to your dentist if you are thinking about cosmetic options.
Explore PulseONE
If you are ready to move on from Pro-Pulse, PulseONE is A$228 with three modes, both heads and SmartSense pacing. See the details side by side on our compare page. Designed in Australia, with a 12 month warranty.
