How long does an electric toothbrush last?

Handle, battery and head

An electric toothbrush has three parts that age differently. The head wears out in months and is meant to be replaced. The handle body and motor can last for many years. The battery sits in between: it slowly loses capacity, and in a sealed handle it usually decides when the brush is replaced.

Most current premium brushes use lithium-ion batteries, which hold more energy for their size and do not need to be fully drained. Older and budget brushes sometimes use nickel-metal hydride.

How battery life changes over time

Lithium-ion batteries lose a little capacity every charge cycle. After a few hundred full cycles, the drop becomes noticeable. A brush rated for two weeks may give you ten days, then a week. Heat speeds this up, so a brush stored on a warm windowsill or near a radiator will tend to age faster.

You can check whether your brush is still in good shape by comparing how many days you get from a charge with the maker's figure. Our battery-days check adjusts the quoted figure for how often and how long you brush.

Warranties by brand

Oral-B and Philips both offer a standard two-year warranty on their electric toothbrushes in the UK. Both have offered extended cover when you register the product on their website, but the terms change, so check the maker's site at the time of purchase. Keep your receipt.

Waterpik products, including the Sonic-Fusion, carry their own warranty terms. Under UK consumer law you also have rights if goods are faulty, which the Citizens Advice website explains.

• Register your brush on the maker's site soon after purchase
• Keep proof of purchase
• Do not open the handle, as this usually voids the warranty
• Contact the maker first if a fault appears

Signs a handle is wearing out

Some signs suggest the battery or handle is reaching the end of its life.

• Charge lasts only a few sessions
• Brush slows down or sounds weaker mid-session
• Handle will not switch off, or switches on by itself
• Water or residue inside the handle or display
• Display or lights behave erratically after a reset

Note:Do not open a toothbrush handle or puncture its battery. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat if damaged. Recycle old handles at a household waste recycling centre or a retailer's electrical take-back point.

Making a brush last longer

Keep the charger away from heat and direct sun. Rinse the handle and wipe the base so toothpaste does not build up around the button and the charger seat. Take the head off now and then and rinse the shaft. Follow the maker's advice on whether to leave the brush on the charger.

If the battery is fading, our guide to an electric toothbrush not holding charge explains what to check before replacing it.

Choosing a brush built to last

Longer quoted battery life gives you more headroom as the battery ages. Our best electric toothbrush guide and Sonicare models compared list battery figures where the listings state them, such as up to 14 days for the Sonicare DiamondClean 9000.

Compare premium electric toothbrushes →

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Philips Sonicare last? The handle often lasts several years, with the battery gradually losing capacity. Philips offers a two-year warranty as standard.

How long should an Oral-B iO last? Like other lithium-ion brushes, several years is common with care. Check Oral-B's current warranty terms when you buy.

Is it worth replacing the battery? Most current handles are sealed and not designed for battery replacement at home. A new handle is usually the practical choice once out of warranty.

How often should I replace the brush head? The NHS advises every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn.