How-to
Oral-B Pro 3 instructions: modes, timer and pressure light
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In short
Charge the Pro 3 fully before first use. Press the button once to start in Daily Clean; on most versions, pressing again while it runs switches to the next mode, such as Sensitive or Whitening. Guide the round head slowly from tooth to tooth, ease off if the light ring turns red, and move on at each 30-second pause until the two-minute signal. Pull heads straight off to change them.
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The Oral-B Pro 3 is one of the most common electric toothbrushes in UK bathrooms, and the small paper manual is easy to lose. This guide sets out the essentials in plain English: charging, starting and switching modes, reading the pressure light and timer, brushing technique and changing heads. Oral-B has sold several Pro 3 versions, so small details can differ; if something does not match, check Oral-B's website for the manual for your version.
First charge
Put the handle on the charger and leave it until fully charged before first use; overnight is a safe rule. The battery light flashes green on many versions while charging. UK chargers have a two-pin plug that fits a bathroom shaver socket.
Our Oral-B Pro 3 charging light article explains the lights, and charging from a UK shaver socket covers the socket.
Starting and switching modes
Most Pro 3 versions have three modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive and Whitening. The brush starts in Daily Clean when you press the button.
On most versions, you change mode by pressing the button again while the brush is running. Each press moves to the next mode, and a final press switches it off. Some versions remember your last mode. If yours behaves differently, check the manual. Our modes explained article covers what each mode changes.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Daily Clean | Standard speed for everyday brushing |
| Sensitive | Lower speed for a gentler feel |
| Whitening | A polishing pattern with changes in speed |
The 360 degree pressure light
The light ring around the handle glows red when you press too hard. You can see it in the mirror from any angle. Many versions also show green when the pressure is right. When it goes red, ease off; the round head does the cleaning, so you only need a light touch.
If the ring stays red often, try the Sensitive mode and slow down. See toothbrush pressure sensors explained.
The timer
The Pro 3 has a two-minute timer. Every 30 seconds the brush gives a short stutter, which is your cue to move to the next quarter of your mouth. At two minutes it gives a longer stutter to show you have brushed for the time the NHS suggests. The brush keeps running until you switch it off. See why does my electric toothbrush pause every 30 seconds?.
How to brush with a Pro 3
The round head works one tooth at a time, unlike a manual brush.
- 1
Wet the head and add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- 2
Place the head on your teeth, then switch on.
- 3
Hold the head on each tooth for a moment, following the curve of the tooth and the gumline.
- 4
Move slowly from tooth to tooth; do not scrub.
- 5
Cover outer, inner and chewing surfaces in each quarter.
- 6
Spit out the toothpaste at the end, but do not rinse.
Changing heads
Pull the head straight up off the shaft; do not twist. Push the new head straight down until it seats. The Pro 3 takes all classic Oral-B round heads, such as CrossAction, Precision Clean and Sensitive Clean. It does not take iO heads.
Change the head about every three months, as the NHS advises, or sooner if the bristles splay. Many Oral-B heads have indicator bristles that fade with use. Our brush-head planner works out heads per year.
Cleaning and storing the handle
After brushing, rinse the head under the tap and wipe the handle. Once a week, pull the head off and rinse the metal shaft and the inside of the head, because toothpaste builds up there and can weaken the action over time. Let the head dry upright, ideally not sealed in a cap while wet. Store the handle on its charger or upright on a shelf. If you travel, a Pro 3 bundle with a case, such as the Pro 3 3500, protects the head; see Oral-B Pro 3 3000 vs 3500 for how the bundles differ.
Thinking about an upgrade?
If you want a quieter drive, a smart pressure sensor that also flags pressing too softly, a display or app guidance, look at the iO range. Our Oral-B iO vs Pro 3 article and our guide to Oral-B iO models compared cover the step up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Oral-B Pro 3 Bluetooth? Most Pro 3 versions do not connect to an app.
How do I turn off Whitening mode? Press the button to cycle through the modes until it switches off, then start again in Daily Clean.
Can I clean the Pro 3 under the tap? Yes, rinse the head and handle; do not submerge the charger. See how to clean an electric toothbrush.
Where can I find the full manual? Oral-B publishes manuals on its UK website; search by your handle's model number.
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