Interested in switching to an electric toothbrush? Or are you simply looking for an upgrade or a gift for someone else?
The Oral-B Pro 1000 review I am about to write can help you make a quick decision whether this electric tooth brush is right for you.
The Oral-B Pro 1000
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- The price is hard to beat for the features offered
- This model comes with a CrossAction brush head, but it is compatible with most brush heads from Oral-B
- Built in alert to remind you to move to different sections of your mouth every 30 seconds
- Features a pressure sensor to alert you if you are brushing too hard
- Waterproof handle
- American Dental Association approved
- Battery Life Indicator
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- Some users complain of the noise level of this brush, stating that it is rather loud
- Thin and smooth handle (no rubber grip) can make it difficult to hold on to if your hands get wet
- Some users complained that the life of the toothbrush itself is not as long as higher-end models
- Does not come with a toothbrush holder
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You’ll get to learn all about the Oral-B 1000 pro electric toothbrush including the features that make it unique. The Oral-B Pro electric toothbrush is easy to use. Often, products that are sold at varying prices have less features on the lower priced models to try to encourage you to purchase the more expensive versions. However, the Oral-B Pro 1000 does not fall into this category. While it may not be as fancy as certain more expensive brushes, it does cover the basic functions of a decent electric toothbrush (at a wallet friendly price).
What’s Inside the Box
The Oral-B 1000 pro electric toothbrush comes equipped with the toothbrush itself, a charging stand, a precision clean brush head and a user’s manual. The Pro 1000 is the second-to-youngest sibling of the in the entire Pro line, which include the 500, the 1500, the 1000, the 3000, the 5000, the 6000, the 7000 and the 7500.
When you first open your Pro 1000 toothbrush box, you should see the following:
- Pro 1000 handle
- Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush head
- Battery charger
- Instruction Manual
In some cases, you might also find a coupon offering a discount on replacement for your toothbrush heads. Keep this in a safe place for future use. Like a manual tooth brush, you will want to replace these heads at least once every three months, or sooner if you notice wear. Most brush head bristles start changing color, which is an indication to buy a new head.
Features and Benefits of the Oral-B Pro 1000
Review of the Handle
The handle is, naturally, the most important part of the brush. It contains the motor, the battery and the electronics that enable the brush to operate smoothly and intuitively. The handle itself is not perfectly cylindrical, but it is weighted well and feels good in the hand. The shape of the brush makes it easy to hold and maneuver around in your mouth.
The simple power button is located on the front side of the brush. Pressing it will either turn your tooth brush on or off. The grip section of the toothbrush handle consists of silicone rubber and may be either blue, white or black, depending on the model you purchase. This grip is extremely sticky, whether your hands are wet or dry, making it perfect for those who aren’t the most dexterous people in the world to use effectively.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The grip is extremely sticky, whether your hands are wet or dry, making it ideal for the elderly or kids[/perfectpullquote]
Further down on the front face of the brush handle, you will notice two little indicator lights. One light is shaped like a battery. That other one is shaped like an electric plug. These indicators are responsible for letting you know the battery status of the brush and will be covered in further detail down below. On the base of the handle, you will notice a small indentation. This is where you will sit the brush on the base station charger for recharging.
At the tip of the handle, you will notice a metal shaft. This shaft can accommodate any one of the seven different toothbrush heads sold by Oral-B for their electric toothbrushes. These heads range from sensitive brush heads for tender gums to brush heads designed to aggressively clean braces (note: additional brush heads are sold separately under the following names:
- CrossAction
- FlossAction
- PrecisionClean
- Sensitive
- ProWhite
- DeepSweep
- Ortho
It’s worth noting here that there are two different package designs of the Oral-B Pro 1000 toothbrush: the CrossAction and the Oral-B DeepSweep Triaction 1000. The only main difference between the two models is the toothbrush head that comes with the initial purchase (the CrossAction brush head and the Deep Sweep brush head, respectively). Other than this small detail, each of these two toothbrush models are virtually identical. This review will focus on the CrossAction brush head product.
Review of the Brush Head
A closer look at the brush head will show you why Oral-B chose to name this brush head design the CrossAction. The bristle clusters cross one another at 16 degrees to aid in the removal of plaque from along the gum line and between the teeth. The bristles fall somewhere between soft and hard. If you are looking for soft bristles, you might find this head a little abrasive. If this is the case, you can simply swap out the head for the sensitive option with a separate purchase.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The bristles fall somewhere between soft and hard[/perfectpullquote]
The blue bristles on your toothbrush head will eventually fade as time goes by. These bristles are called “indicator bristles” and are there to let you know when to replace your toothbrush head with a simple glance. Brushing twice a day, reviewers have found the bristles to fade reliably at the three-month mark. With the head attached to the handle, the toothbrush is just over nine inches tall.
Battery Life & Charging
Before you use your toothbrush, you will be required to charge it. This toothbrush charges wirelessly and does not required any locking or clipping into place. Instead, you just sit the toothbrush on top to begin the charging process. The charging cord is about four feet long and will stretch from most bathroom power outlets to the counter. The charger is rated for 110 to 130 volts. As such, the American model will not work outside North America.
When you set the toothbrush on the charger, one of the two indicator lights mentioned earlier will light up. The green battery-shaped light will blink to let you know that the batter is charged. Once the battery is fully charged, this indicator light will shut off. The plug-shaped light will glow red when the toothbrush battery is too low to function properly.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The battery will last up to seven days on a full charge before depletion[/perfectpullquote]
When this light starts flashing, you will be able to use your toothbrush until your charge the battery again. Unfortunately, there is no indicator light to let you know when the battery is starting to run low. Oral-B says that the battery will last up to seven days on a full charge before depletion. The instructions mention that the Pro 1000 has a NiCad battery, which needs to be allowed to completely discharge every six months to ensure that it keeps charging efficiently.
Built-in timer
The Pro 1000 has a built-in timer to let you know how long you are brushing your teeth. For every 30 seconds, the brush will automatically pause for a few seconds. It’s recommended by oral health professionals that your split your mouth into quarters for brushing:
- 30 seconds for the top left half
- 30 seconds for the bottom left half
- 30 seconds for the top right half
- 30 seconds for the bottom right half
You can feel free to mix up this pattern for whatever works best for you. Each time the brush pauses, you’ll know it’s time to move on to the next section of your mouth. And thus, you will have brushed your teeth for the recommended amount of two minutes. No guessing or singing songs to yourself required. The Pro 1000 will pulse three times when the two-minute period is up. The brush will continue to operate until your press the power button to shut it off. Not very energy efficient in this respect. Other models tend to automatically turn off.
Brushing Action
The Oral-B is unique in how it cleans your teeth. Not only does it oscillate rapidly to provide superior cleaning action, but it also pulsates for an additional oomph. According to Oral-B, the Pro 1000 can perform 20,000 pulses and 8,000 oscillations per minute. Although this may seem like a lot, it is only half the numbers achieved by the Oral-B Pro 3000, which is the next step up on the Oral-B electric toothbrush line. This 3D cleaning option is one of the largest selling points of the Pro 1000. According to WebMD, this feature is a huge advantage. Most electric toothbrushes only oscillate back and forth. The addition of a rotating action allows you to take advantage of the cleaning power of a more expensive brush at a fraction of the cost.
After you brush, be sure to rinse the head and handle thoroughly. If you don’t, you might end up with a discolored handle or inadvertently “gluing” the head on the handle. If this happens, hold the toothbrush under hot running water. The Oral-B Pro 1000 is completely water proof and will not be harmed by immersion in water.
Money Back Guarantee
Oral-B promises 100 percent customer satisfaction on their products. If you don’t love this electric toothbrush, you can return it to Oral-B within 60 days for a full refund. Here is the exact wording from the indtruction manial:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Try your Oral-B brush for 60 days, starting from the day of purchase. If you are not 100% satisfied, receive a full refund via a pre-paid card. No questions asked. For a full refund, please return your product along with your name, address, contact phone number and the original cash register receipt indicating purchase price and date to the address below.[/perfectpullquote]
Visit their website or contact them for more information on the money-back guarantee.
Suitable for Children, Adults & Senior Citizens
If you are someone who has lost dexterity in your hands or who just has a hard time getting to all the areas of your mouth when using a manual toothbrush, you might find that the electrical toothbrush by Oral-B is just what you are looking for. The small head makes it easy to access all the teeth in your mouth while the gentle brushing action cleans your teeth without destroying your gums.
Can Help with Bad Breath
An electric toothbrush can also help you get rid of bad breath. Bad breath is usually the result of food trapped between your teeth and gums that has been allowed to literally rot in your mouth. Using an electric toothbrush along with a water flosser can go a long way toward helping your breath smell fresh and clean.
May Reduce the Risk of Cavities
Cavities form when the acids released by bacteria that live in your mouth erode your enamel and penetrate the inner layer of your teeth. If left untreated, cavities can result in total tooth decay and tooth loss. Using an electric toothbrush helps ensure that you get all the surfaces of your teeth as clean as they need to be to limit the development of cavities from forming in the first place.
May Reduce the Risk of Receding Gums
Receding gums can be caused when a person brushes their teeth too hard. If you damage your gums in this way, the damage is usually permanent. A dentist will need to monitor this condition to ensure that it does not develop into an infection from bacteria that become trapped in pockets created by the receding gums.
As with most things in life, what you put into something is what you’ll get out. Investing in the health of your teeth will give them the best opportunity to last you, in the words of Buzz Lightyear, “to infinity…and beyond!” Click here if you want to learn more about how electric toothbrushes can have a positive impact on your oral health.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Oral-B Pro 1000
Most people are unaware of the importance of using a good toothbrush. They tend to use the sample they receive from their dentist’s office at their six-month visit or pick up a pack of $2 brushes at Walmart. To the average person, all toothbrushes are created equal with no significant difference. This is certainly not the case. As with most things, you get what you pay for. The same holds true for toothbrushes.
Do Electric Toothbrushes Make a Significant Difference?
You bet they do! While using a manual toothbrush is certainly better that nothing at all, many dentists and oral health care professionals would like to see their patients switch to electric. Electric brushes help ensure that you can get your mouth as clean as possible, thereby reducing your risk of developing cavities or gingivitis.
Many dentists can tell instantly whether a patient uses an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush. According to Blue Back Dental, the gums of the patients who use electric toothbrushes look “amazing.”
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The gums of patients who use electric toothbrushes look “amazing.”[/perfectpullquote]
You will also be able to tell the difference yourself when you make the switch to an electric toothbrush. Your dentist should explain to you the benefits of an electric toothbrush and provide you with educational resources and guidelines on how to effectively use the toothbrush. Once you understand what this investment can do for your oral health (and, by extension, your health overall), you will be more than happy to spend a little extra to keep your smile shining bright.
Dental Benefits Gained from an Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush offers you a variety of dental benefits, no matter the condition of your teeth and gums. An electric toothbrush will do the all the work for you. Many electric toothbrushes feature a timer to help ensure that you brush your teeth for the full recommended two minutes (and 30 seconds per quadrant). A pressure indicator light/alert will blink/go off to let you know if you are brushing too hard. Professionals have referred to using an electric toothbrush as “brainless brushing.” All you have to do is literally move the brush from tooth to tooth.
In our busy society, we tend to do the equivalent of a fast-food run on our mouths. Using an electrical toothbrush can help improve the chance of inflammation and remove any accumulated buildup on the surface of the teeth. Gum recession and sensitivity are two of the most common ailments and is often the result of poor brushing habits. Gingivitis is a more serious condition that can result from not brushing the teeth at all.
Great Option for Children and Senior Citizens
Electric toothbrushes are also a great option for children with braces. As a parent, you are spending a lot of money on orthodontic work, plus time and energy taking the child back and forth to their dental appointments. If your child does not brush their teeth properly while wearing braces, they may end up with a white spot on each tooth where the brackets were placed. This white spot can only be fixed by putting on a crown, which is another very expensive procedure.
Elderly patients can also benefit from using an electric toothbrush. In many cases, elderly people are unable to use their hands the way they used to due to old age or sometimes arthritis. They many have a difficult time maneuvering the toothbrush effectively in their mouths. As a result, they are more likely to miss plaque spots. An electric toothbrush cleans their teeth for them with no effort on their part. As long as they are able to hold the brush, they need not worry about removing plaque from teeth and gum surfaces.
Gentle on the Gums
If you have sensitive gums, you may be skeptical about the gentleness of an electric toothbrush on your mouth. No worries! Even if you have gum recession, you can still use an electric toothbrush for your teeth by placing the brush on the tooth without using a scrubbing action. Many dental offices that promote electrical toothbrushes will let the patient use the power brush in their mouths so that they can feel how it handles differently than a manual toothbrush. Once they see how easy a power brush is to use and how clean the mouth feels afterwards, most patients want to know how they can get an electric toothbrush of their own.
According to the ADA, it may truly be best to stick with a manual toothbrush in some cases. If you are able to achieve ideal results using a manual toothbrush over an electrical toothbrush, there may be no need to invest in a more expensive electric toothbrush. Any toothbrush you purchase should be something you are sure you will use.
Does the brand matter?
Oral-B along with Philips Sonicare electrical toothbrushes are the biggest names on the market. With Oral-B products, you can experience professional tooth-by-tooth cleaning in the comfort of your own home. Oral-B is also the first electric toothbrush to be accepted by the American Dental Association for effectiveness and safety.
Why a Round Brush Head?
The round brush head features on the Oral-B toothbrush is able to remove up to 100 percent more plaque than using a manual brush. Each tooth is surrounded by the brush, resulting in a more thorough brushing job and healthier gums with consistent usage. By gently removing surface stains, an Oral-B electric toothbrush has the ability to begin whitening your teeth from day one. If you are someone who has stained teeth from tobacco, wine, tea or coffee, the scrubbing power of an electric toothbrush may be something you could use.
Pressure Problems
One of the many concerns people have when using an electric toothbrush is the fear of applying too much pressure and damaging their enamel or their gums. The Pro 1000 features a pressure control system that will both reduce brushing speed and provide a visual alert when you are applying too much pressure to your teeth. To top it all off, the position detection system that is built into all Oral-B systems guides you so that you never need to worry about missing any areas in your mouth.
Final Thoughts….
Users of the Pro 1000 have reported immediate changes after using this brush consistently for a period of time. Benefits includes smooth teeth and a significant difference in the color of their teeth. The brush works great at cleaning your teeth without causing any damage to the gumline. As mentioned before, some people used to less-aggressive brushes may find this toothbrush to be a little harsh. If this is the case for you, you can purchase the Sensitive brush head instead. This is a good option for those whose gums are receding or who have an overall sensitive mouth.
The shape of the head makes it easy to be accurate while brushing by allowing you to target key areas where you are more likely to miss spots. All Oral-B brush heads features a unique round design that has become very popular. Although some people have commented on the time required to reach a full charge after depletion (17 hours), this is still better than other higher-end products that can take up to 24 hours to charge.
The pressure sensor appears to be accurate and keeps you from brushing too hard. The smaller brush head is also a bonus, as it is easier to reach your back teeth and behind your front teeth with this product.
The Oral-B Pro is a solid mid-tier electric toothbrush. A nice upgrade from the more basic Oral-B 500, but not nearly as pricey as some of the higher end models like the Pro 3000 and Pro 7500.
Alternatives to the Oral-B Pro 1000
Sonicare protective Clean 4100
Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 electric toothbrush is an alternative to the Oral-B 1000 toothbrush. This toothbrush has been highly rated and feels good in the hand. It comes with all the essentials you would expect of an electric toothbrush including a timer. Automatic power-off is an additional feature along with an alert system to remind you when it’s time to change your brush head.
This Philips Sonicare brand is one of the most highly recommended brands in the oral healthcare industry and ranks right up there with Oral-B Pro 1000. The 4100 is a little more basic than the Oral-B Pro 1000 and, as such, is a little less expensive. As with the Pro 1000, the Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush is designed to be intuitive and to be easy to clean and to hold. The wireless charging port enables the entire toothbrush to be 1000 percent waterproof. The brush features a 30-second run time for each quadrant of the mouth. After two minutes, the brush will automatically shut off. Compared to the Pro 1000, the Sonicare
ProtectiveClean 4100 is:
- A little less expensive
- Slightly more basic
- Easy to use
- Waterproof
Consider this product if you are on a budget yet want to try out electric toothbrushes.
Oral-B Pro 7500 SmartSeries
The Oral-B Pro 7500 is essentially an upgraded version of the Pro 1000. The electric toothbrush features a 3D cleaning action with oscillation, rotation and pulsation to help effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup. The toothbrush features three different modes of operation: Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening and Pro Clean for a customized cleaning experience. The built-in timer pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when it is time to move to the next area of your mouth.
The Pro 7500 includes three different brush heads instead of the single brush head found in the 1000 series models. These heads include CrossAction, FlossAction and 3D White. Oral-B Pro 7500 toothbrushes are compatible with Bluetooth, which gives you additional support and feedback on your brushing habits. The toothbrush will connect with your smartphone for real-time updates. A pressure sensor light will go off when you are pressing too hard, thereby helping you save your gums from damage.
Compared to the review of the Oral-B Pro 1000, the Pro 7500 is:
- More high-tech
- Features additional cleaning speeds
- Comes with three brush heads
- Bluetooth Brushing App
If you really want to get serious about using an electric toothbrush to better your overall health, the Oral-B Pro 7500 is your ticket.
Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
The Sonicare Protective Clean 6100 product is also a little on the high end when it comes to electric toothbrushes. As with the other two I mentioned, the brush does a very good job keeping your mouth clean and your teeth feeling fresh. The 6100 is a little more high-tech than the Sonicare 4100, but it is not as advanced as, say, the DiamondClean Smart by the same brand. Granted, the DiamondClean Smart is a lot more expensive than the 6100, so if you are looking for a healthy balance between quality, features and price, you might be able to get by with the 6100.
The 6100 is available in three different colors: Silver White, Pastel Pink and Navy Blue. The most widely stocked color appears to be the white and the pink. Sonicare’s Protective Clean 6100 electric toothbrush features three cleaning modes and three brushing intensities. The cleaning modes are named Clean, White and Gum Care. A two-minute timer and a 30-second pacer allows you to make sure that you are cleaning each section of your mouth for the appropriate amount of time while reaching the two-minute mark that is recommended by dentists for brushing your teeth.
The ability to change the brushing intensity of the brush head allows you to compensate for days when your gums feel especially tender or when you want to do an extra-thorough job on your mouth. As with the other two brushes I mentioned, the 6100 features a pressure sensor and automatic power-off.
Compared to the Oral-B Pro 1000, the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is pretty much the same with:
- A two-minute timer
- A 30 second pacer
- Three different color combos
Three different cleaning modes are the only main difference.
Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush
Rotating Head
The rotating head of an electric toothbrush features bristles that can reach deep into your gums and between your teeth as a result from the motion of the brush and the pressure you apply to your gums. Did you know the quality of your brushing can depend on which hand is your dominant one? A right-handed person generally brushes the left side of your mouth more thoroughly, and vice versa.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]A right-handed person generally brushes the left side of your mouth more thoroughly, and vice versa[/perfectpullquote]
Using an electric toothbrush can help eliminate this “favoritism” and can provide a longer, more even brushing experience.
Timed Experience
Almost all electric toothbrush features a timer to allow you to brush each quadrant of your mouth to ensure thorough brushing. Children are usually the biggest beneficiaries of electric toothbrushes. Kids do not have the dexterity of older teenagers and adults and may struggle to reach all of the food buildup from between their teeth when brushing after a meal.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]An electric toothbrush is a good way to let your child brush their teeth well, especially if they require assistance or monitoring[/perfectpullquote]
Children who have braces are more likely to experience this problem than those who aren’t. An electric toothbrush is a good way to let your child brush their teeth well, especially if they require assistance or monitoring. That way, the child has the independence they are looking for, and you can rest assured that the money you are funneling into the child’s dental care is not going to waste.
Hard Brushing and Gum Recession
Let’s face it: Old habits die hard. Very hard. Especially if you have been practicing them for a good portion of your adult life. Many people, in their zeal to do a good job with brushing their teeth, apply too much pressure with a manual toothbrush and are too aggressive on their gums. As a result, they may suffer from gum recession. According to WebMD, gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away (recedes) and exposes the root of the tooth.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]You’ll be alerted whenever you are applying more pressure than is safe and can begin taking better care of your mouth right away[/perfectpullquote]
If hard brushing is the cause of your gum recession, you might be able to benefit from having an electric toothbrush to nip that old habit right in the bud. You’ll be alerted whenever you are applying more pressure than is safe and can begin taking better care of your mouth right away. Oral-B electric tooth brushes can help you treat bad breath as well. Bad breath is commonly the result of food and plaque remains which have become trapped between your teeth and along your gum line.
Dentures and Water Flossing
Using an electric toothbrush along with a water flosser can work in conjunction to decrease breath odor by removing the particles of food and plaque buildup from between and around your teeth. If you have dentures, it is especially important to clean them properly in order to keep odor-causing bacteria and food particles from building up in and around them. Bad breath can also be related to other health problems including gum disease.
Reasons for Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Bacteria will bond to this sticky biofilm layer on your teeth and will product toxins as metabolic byproduct. These toxins are an irritant to the gums and can lead to gum damage and permanent jawbone erosion if left untreated. Other causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections in the mouth and cavities. If you have any concerns about bad breath, you should mention them to your dentist for proper advice.