Oral-B Pro 1000 Review

The Oral-B Pro 1000 removed all of the dye from our cleaning test, but did not leave that squeaky clean feeling on our teeth, and it wasn't the most comfortable to brush with. The Oral-B also has a much shorter battery life than most but does have a budget-friendly price point.

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

The scores in our cleaning metric are dependent on each of the brushes results in our plaque removal test as well as a “gut feeling” score from each of our testers. Each tester in our panel refrained from brushing for a period of about 16 hours and then chewed a plaque-disclosing tablet per the manufacturer's instructions. These tablets visually indicate where plaque resides on teeth by coloring it pink. The toothbrush's performance was determined by comparing before and after photos. Each tester also reported how clean their teeth felt before looking at their before/after photos.

We used whatever toothbrush head came standard with the toothbrush, in this case, Oral-B's CrossAction brush head. This brush uses a rotation-oscillation style brush head, which we found missed fewer spots than the side-to-side style brush head in our tests. While the majority of our testers successfully removed virtually all plaque with this toothbrush, a few opted out of the test due to discomfort caused by their sensitive gums. Those who persevered reported a mostly clean feeling, suggesting that additional usage time might be necessary for optimal results.

Comfort

Responsible for the second-largest component of the total score at 30%, our comfort tests significantly influence each brush's final rating. Our panel of testers meticulously evaluated the brushing experience and noise levels of each product. Additional points were awarded for toothbrushes equipped with an over-pressure warning sensor. Unfortunately, the Oral-B was somewhat challenged in this particular test.

The Oral-B has a handle with a glossy finish and a rubberized grip on the front, weighing in at 4.5 ounces. Our panel was not thoroughly pleased with this toothbrush when it came to brushing comfort. The toothbrush head on this model is close to 50% deeper than other models we tested, which led to a noticeable difference when it came to the feel when actually brushing.

This larger brush head was too large to comfortably clean the back molars for some of our testers, and made them much more prone to drooling during testing. This would be something to consider if you have a smaller mouth, as those with larger mouths found the Oral-B less cumbersome. Even though this brushing head had soft bristles, we noted that the rotation-oscillation style of motion felt more abrasive and aggressive than other models, something that those with a history of sensitive gums felt was a dealbreaker.

This brush also earned the distinction of being one of the loudest in our tests, emitting a more pronounced 'mechanical' noise compared to brushes with a side-to-side motion. Our testers found this noise to be quite noticeable during use. Despite measuring at 77 decibels from 3 inches away, a level not considered obnoxiously loud on paper, our judges reported the motorized sound of this model as unpleasant. A redeeming quality, however, is the inclusion of an over-pressure sensor. While it lacks a visual indication, this feature slows down the brush head if excessive pressure is applied, adding a measure of safety to the brushing experience.

Ease of Use

We performed a few different tests for this metric, namely we analyzed how intuitive and user-friendly the interface is. We also noted how easy it is to clean, if there is a timer, and if there are any storage options.

To test the ease of cleaning, we made a diluted toothpaste solution and sprayed it on each handle. We then cleaned each one to find problem spots and hard-to-reach places. For the most part, cleaning the Pro 1000 was straightforward. However, we had some problems when it came to cleaning the bottom of the brush and the attachment point for the brush head. This device was significantly easier to clean than we had originally thought, as the rubber grip provided plenty of grooves to collect grime. This brush is also water-resistant and can be used in the shower.

This model was not incredibly stable on its base, as it was somewhat top-heavy and easy to knock over. Having only a single cleaning mode, the one-button interface simply turns the brush on and off, making it one of the easiest-to-use models we have tested. This brush does have the standard two-minute timer, with 30-second intervals for pacing. Unfortunately, there is no storage for additional brush heads on the base, and it lacks a travel case.

Battery Life

To round out our scoring (comprising the final 10%), we assessed how long each brush lasted on a single charge. Battery life is an important aspect of an electric toothbrush, as the longer it lasts without charge, the more flexibility and freedom you have. For example, you can feel free to leave the charger at home for short trips and have confidence that the brush will last for the duration of the trip. We ran each brush for two minutes each day, morning and night, and awarded scores based on when the brush died. Unfortunately, the 1000 lasted for 12 days (brushing twice a day for two minutes), which puts it near the bottom of the group. The LED indicator blinks red when not in use to signal a low battery, which can take up to 22 hours to recharge.

Should You Buy the Oral-B Pro 1000?

While the Oral-B Pro 1000 holds its ground as a decent cleaning product, especially given its price and straightforward design, it proved too harsh for some of our testers with more sensitive gums. Additionally, its noise level is fairly disruptive, and the subpar battery life adds to the list of drawbacks. Due to these considerations, we can't wholeheartedly recommend it.

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