We answer some of the most popular questions about Sonicare toothbrushes and brush heads below. Please contact us if you don’t find your question and/or answer here.
Can I use my Philips Sonicare Toothbrush in the shower?
It is completely safe to use your Philips Sonicare toothbrush in the shower. Allow the toothbrush to air-dry between uses, so never store it in the shower between brushings.
IMPORTANT :: Do not place the charger where it might risk contact with water.
How do I use my Sonicare toothbrush with braces?
All Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are suited for braces. However, do not force the bristles into the gaps of your braces. Follow the instructions below on brushing your teeth while wearing braces:
1. Wet the bristles of the brush head.
2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste.
3. Place the bristles against your teeth at a 45° angle.
4. Press the power button to start brushing.
5. First, brush above the brackets, then below.
6. Next, clean between your braces with a circular motion.
7. Lastly, move the brush along the back and biting surface of your teeth.
How do I clean my Sonicare toothbrush?
Improve the lifespan and performance of your toothbrush and brush heads by regularly cleaning them. Clean your toothbrush after use by rinsing your brush head and bristles. Wipe the handle with a damp cloth.
We recommend carrying out a detailed weekly cleaning session in five easy steps:
STEP 1
Remove the brush head.
STEP 2
Rinse the bottom of the brush head with warm water.
STEP 3
Rinse the metal shaft area with warm water.
STEP 4
Clean the bottom of the toothbrush handle with a damp cotton swab to remove any residue.
STEP 5
Wipe the entire surface of the handle with a wet cloth.
IMPORTANT
Never use the dishwasher to clean your toothbrush or any of its accessories.
Do not puncture the rubber seal around the metal shaft as this may cause water damage.
What are the brushing modes for my Sonicare toothbrush?
Sonicare toothbrushes have different brushing modes that vary between toothbrushes.
The default mode of your toothbrush is CLEAN. This mode provides a 2-minute brushing time and is suitable for everyday use.
The other brushing modes are:
DEEP CLEAN (3:00 minutes)
This allows extra time to work on trouble spots.
DEEP CLEAN+ (2:00/3:00 minutes)
Similar to DEEP CLEAN mode. When your toothbrush is connected, this mode will run for 2 minutes. The BrushPacer feedback will occur every 20 seconds. If your toothbrush is not connected, this mode will run for 3 minutes. The BrushPacer feedback will occur every 30 seconds.
WHITE (2:30 minutes)
Great for removing surface stains.
POLISH (1:00 minute)
Ideal for smoothing the surface of your teeth.
GUM CARE (3:00 minutes)
Perfect for cleaning your teeth and gums.
GUM HEALTH (3:20 minutes)
Designed to clean and massage your gums for ideal gum health.
SENSITIVE (2:00 minutes)
Gentle vibrations and is suitable for sensitive teeth.
TONGUE CARE (20 seconds)
Clean your tongue with the TongueCare brush head.
How do I change the intensity settings on my Sonicare toothbrush?
You can change the intensity of your Sonicare toothbrush on the handle or via the app. See the various ways you can change the intensity of your Sonicare toothbrush below.
Change the intensity on the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
Your toothbrush is set at high intensity by default. This is the third and largest of the three indicator lights. The middle indicator light is for medium intensity, while the bottom indicator light is for low intensity.
You can change the setting during the brushing cycle by pressing the intensity indicator lights or in the Sonicare app.
Change the intensity on the ProtectiveClean 6100
You can choose between three different intensity levels: low, medium and high. The intensity will automatically be selected based on the brush head you attach. While brushing, you can change the intensity by pressing the mode/intensity button. This feature cannot be adjusted if the handle is paused or powered off.
Change the intensity with the power button
Some Sonicare toothbrushes have intensity options but do not have LED lights. These models allow you to change the intensity by pressing the power button while in use.
Change the intensity in the Sonicare app
STEP 1
Open the Sonicare app.
STEP 2
On the pre-brushing screen, tap the ^ button to expand the toothbrush settings: Tap Low, Medium or High intensity on the top half of the screen.
A tick will appear on the update screen. This indicates that your intensity has been changed successfully. It will also be shown on the handle.
STEP 3
Tap the < arrow to start brushing with your new intensity.
Where can I purchase replacement brush heads for my Sonicare toothbrush?
You can buy replacement toothbrush heads for your Sonicare toothbrush right here on our online shop. Please contact us if you cannot find the right part for your toothbrush.
How long does my Sonicare toothbrush battery last?
The battery life of your rechargeable Sonicare toothbrush depends on how often and how long you brush. Based on a two minute brushing session twice per day, the battery will last at least two to three weeks with a full charge.
PHILIPS ONE only — a single AAA battery lets you brush for up to 90 days.
How do I charge my Sonicare toothbrush?
Charging your Philips Sonicare toothbrush depends on your model. Ensure that you use the original charger that came with your toothbrush as not all chargers are compatible with others. Follow the instructions below on how to charge your toothbrush:
STEP 1
Plug the charger into an outlet.
STEP 2
Place the toothbrush handle on the charger.
STEP 3
The battery indicator will start flashing* to indicate that your toothbrush is charging. It will stop flashing when fully charged, which may take up to 24 hours.
You may leave your toothbrush on a plugged-in charger between brushing as this will not affect the battery lifespan.
IMPORTANT :: Do not place the charger where it might risk contact with water.
* NOTE :: Not all models have a battery indicator light.
Can I use my Sonicare charger with other toothbrushes?
We recommend using the charger that came with your Philips Sonicare toothbrush, although some models are interchangeable. For example, Sonicare toothbrushes that have a hole at the base of their handle can use our chargers that have a fixed pin on the base.
Why is there a gap between my brush head and handle?
The small gap between the brush head and toothbrush handle is normal and necessary for the brush head to move to create the right amount of vibration.
How to recalibrate Philips Sonicare toothbrush pressure sensor settings
If the pressure sensor is too sensitive, or not sensitive enough, it can be re-calibrated following three easy steps:
STEP 1
If your handle is currently on the charger, please remove it.
STEP 2
Place your handle on the charger. Make sure that the charger is plugged into a live outlet. Leave the handle on the charger for at least 45 seconds.
STEP 3
Remove your handle from the charger and place it back on the charger for at least 45 seconds four more times.
Register your product using the Sonicare app
1. Log in to your My Philips account in the app.
2. Connect your toothbrush with the app via Bluetooth.
3. Once connected, click the three dots in the bottom-right corner.
4. Select “My Products” from the menu.
5. Click on “Register my product” and follow the instructions.
How do I connect my toothbrush to the Sonicare app?
To connect your Bluetooth Philips Sonicare toothbrush to the Sonicare app, ensure that your toothbrush and phone are paired via Bluetooth. If you are using the app for the first time, you will need to pair your toothbrush. Follow the instructions provided in the app.
Once your toothbrush is paired with the app, it will be connected and sync when turned on. Your phone needs to be nearby with Bluetooth activated and the app open.
How does the brushing guidance work in the Sonicare app?
The DiamondClean Smart toothbrush is equipped with the brushing guidance feature. It is designed to detect and promote an equal amount of brushing inside and outside your teeth. The brushing guidance starts from the upper-right teeth. Continue to follow the brushing pattern shown in the app. Ensure that you follow this brushing pattern as the app cannot locate the position of your toothbrush. Once finished, the app will give you brushing insights that you can use to improve and maintain your oral health.
Note: Our app is updated regularly. For the best experience, ensure that you download the latest version of the app.
Not available in South Africa yet.
EasyStart
Our Easy-Start program gives you the option to gradually increase the brushing power the first 14 times you use your new electric toothbrush.
Long Battery Life
Innovative, powerful Lithium Ion battery enables up to 14 days so you can go long periods without charging.
Safe and gentle on teeth and gums
Each brush head is put through its paces to ensure durability and an exceptional performance every time you brush.
Built-in Pressure Sensor
Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and gums. The built-in pressure sensor emits a gentle pulsing sound to remind you to ease off on the pressure.
Slim and light-weight
The ergonomic design makes the toothbrush easy to hold and use so that you can get an amazing clean without any strain.
SmarTimer and QuadPacer
The SmarTimer guides you to brush for the recommended 2 minutes, while the QuadPacer’s 30-second sequences ensure you’ve thoroughly cleaned in each part of your mouth.
BrushSync
A microchip-enabled technology detects and synchronizes the smart brush head with the smart handle. It tracks how long you’ve been using the brush head and reminds you when it’s time for a replacement.