Guides & advice
All guides and advice
How-tos, explainers, fixes and comparisons, newest first.
- Waterpik vs Philips Sonicare Power FlosserWaterpik vs Philips Sonicare Power Flosser: countertop and cordless models compared on pressure settings, tank size, tips, charging and cleaning.Comparison
- Waterpik Ultra Professional vs AquariusWaterpik Ultra Professional vs Aquarius: two countertop water flossers compared on pressure settings, modes, timer, reservoir and tips in the box.Comparison
- Waterpik Sonic-Fusion problems and fixesWaterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 flossing mode not starting, leaks at the head or charging faults? Practical checks for the brush and flosser combo.Fix
- Waterpik not pumping water: how to fix itWaterpik water flosser not pumping water? Work through air locks, tip seating, limescale in the valve and handle leaks, and know when to contact Waterpik.Fix
- Water flosser vs string flossWater flosser vs string floss compared: how each cleans between teeth, time per session, ongoing costs and what NHS guidance says about cleaning gaps.Comparison
- Water flosser vs interdental brushesWater flosser vs interdental brushes: how each cleans between teeth, sizing brushes, pressure settings on flossers, and what you buy each year.Comparison
- Water flosser vs electric toothbrush: do you need both?Water flosser vs electric toothbrush: what each is designed to do, why one does not replace the other, and combo units like the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0.Comparison
- Toothbrush pressure sensors explainedHow electric toothbrush pressure sensors detect force, what happens when they trigger on Oral-B and Sonicare, and which models show it with lights or a display.Guide
- Electric toothbrush modes explainedDaily clean, sensitive, intense, whitening, gum care and tongue modes on Oral-B and Sonicare brushes: what changes in speed, pattern and time in each one.Guide
- Taking an electric toothbrush on a planeCan you take an electric toothbrush in hand luggage? Lithium-ion battery rules, travel locks, cases and charging abroad, with pointers to your airline and gov.uk.Guide
- Philips Sonicare brush heads explainedThe Philips Sonicare A, C, G, W and S head families, what the numbers mean, how BrushSync chips work and which Sonicare handles each click-on head suits.Guide
- Sonic vs oscillating electric toothbrushesSonic vs oscillating electric toothbrushes explained: how each head moves, round vs oval heads, noise, feel and which brands use each technology.Comparison
- Philips Sonicare not working or not turning onPhilips Sonicare not working? Check the battery, travel lock, head fitting and easy-start, then fix weak or odd buzzing before a warranty claim.Fix
- Philips Sonicare not charging: causes and fixesPhilips Sonicare not charging? Check the socket and shaver switch, seat the handle properly, clean the contacts, allow for deep discharge, and match the charger.Fix
- Oral-B iO vs Pro 3: what the extra money buysOral-B iO vs Pro 3 compared: magnetic drive, round iO heads, display and smart pressure sensor against the Pro 3's proven basics and cheaper heads.Comparison
- Oral-B iO vs Philips SonicareOral-B iO vs Philips Sonicare compared: round oscillating head against oval sonic head, modes, pressure feedback, apps, charging and brush heads.Comparison
- Oral-B iO Series 5 vs 6Oral-B iO5 vs iO6 compared from the listings: same five modes and smart pressure sensor, with a built-in display on the iO6. When to step up to the iO7.Comparison
- Oral-B iO not chargingOral-B iO not charging? Check the magnetic base, the socket, a flat battery and the reset, then use the warranty route if the handle still will not charge.Fix
- Oral-B iO lights explained: red, orange, white and greenWhat the red, white and green pressure ring on an Oral-B iO means, what battery and charging lights show, and how to change the ring colour on display models.Fix
- Oral-B iO brush heads explainedOral-B iO Ultimate Clean, Gentle Care and Radiant Shine heads compared, what differs between them, and why iO heads do not fit older Oral-B handles.Guide
- Is the Oral-B iO worth it?Is the Oral-B iO worth it over a cheaper Oral-B? What the magnetic drive, display, smart pressure ring and app add, and what to weigh up on head costs.Guide
- Is a water flosser worth it?Is a water flosser or Waterpik worth it? Who tends to choose one, running costs, bathroom space and noise, and what the NHS says about cleaning between teeth.Guide
- How to use an Oral-B iO: modes, display and pressure ringHow to use an Oral-B iO toothbrush: switching on, changing modes, reading the smart pressure ring and display, and setting up the Oral-B app.How-to
- How to use an electric toothbrush properlyHow to use an electric toothbrush correctly: angle, light pressure, 30-second quarters and two minutes, with tips for oscillating and sonic brushes.How-to
- How to use a water flosserHow to use a water flosser properly: lean over the sink, start on the lowest pressure, trace the gumline tooth by tooth, and pick the right tip and settings.How-to
- How to reset an Oral-B iO toothbrushHow to reset an Oral-B iO: menu and button resets by model, re-pairing with the app, and when a reset fixes display, connection or battery issues.How-to
- How to clean an electric toothbrush and its headHow to clean an electric toothbrush: rinse the head, remove it to clean the shaft, wipe the handle, and clean the charger glass, stand and travel case.How-to
- How to clean and descale a water flosserHow to clean a water flosser: empty and dry daily, wash the reservoir weekly, descale with white vinegar in hard UK water, and replace tips on time.How-to
- How often to change an electric toothbrush headThe NHS advises a new toothbrush or head every three months, or sooner if worn. How reminder lights on iO and Sonicare work and how to plan heads for a household.Guide
- How long to charge an electric toothbrushHow long to charge Philips Sonicare, Oral-B iO and Waterpik: first charge, full charge, fast chargers, battery lights and charging safely in a UK bathroom.How-to
- How long does an electric toothbrush last?How long an electric toothbrush handle and battery last, what warranties from Oral-B and Philips cover, and the signs that a handle is wearing out.Guide
- How does a water flosser work?How a water flosser such as a Waterpik works: the pump, pulse rate, pressure settings in psi, tips, and the difference between countertop and cordless designs.Guide
- How does a sonic toothbrush work?How a sonic toothbrush such as Philips Sonicare works: the resonant motor, movements per minute, side-to-side sweeps and why sonic brushes feel and sound different.Guide
- Genuine vs compatible brush headsWhy genuine electric toothbrush heads cost more, how compatible heads compare on fit, bristles and smart chips, and how to work out what you spend in a year.Guide
- Electric vs manual toothbrush: the practical differencesElectric vs manual toothbrush: timers, pressure sensors, heads and running costs compared, with what the NHS says about choosing a toothbrush.Comparison
- Electric toothbrush not holding chargeElectric toothbrush not holding charge or not working? How battery age, charging habits and modes affect run time, what to check, and when a replacement makes sense.Fix
- When can a child use an electric toothbrush?What age a child can use an electric toothbrush, maker age ratings, NHS brushing guidance for children, and features like timers, soft heads and gentle modes.Guide
- Charging an electric toothbrush from a UK shaver socketHow UK bathroom shaver sockets to BS 4573 work, which toothbrush chargers have two-pin plugs, and what the 115/230 V switch on the socket is for.Guide