Sonicare Toothbrush features - The Easy-start feature. / The Sensitive brushing mode.

Sonicare's Sensitive brushing mode.

Many, but not all, Sonicare toothbrush models offer a reduced-power "Sensitive" brushing mode. And depending upon the brush owner's specific circumstances, the availability of this mode may either be of the utmost importance, or (and probably more likely) no importance at all.

What's the purpose of Sensitive mode?

The reason that some models offer a reduced-power brushing option is because, for some, the standard full-power brushing action that a Sonicare toothbrush can make is too vigorous or intense.

As examples, some users may state that their brush "tickles" too much, is uncomfortable on their teeth or gums, or is simply too foreign or overwhelming (most likely with medically debilitated people or elderly persons).

There is a tradeoff to using the Sensitive mode.

When a Sonicare toothbrush's reduced-power setting is selected, the brush operates with less intensity and this may make its use more acceptable to those people who experience the above-mentioned problems. The tradeoff is that the cleaning action that is created is less efficient. (This is why we feel that it is preferable for a user to use their Sonicare at its full-power setting, if possible.)

Do you need the Sensitive mode option on your brush?

Should you buy a Sonicare model that has a Sensitive or reduced-power option? For those people who are buying a second or replacement sonic toothbrush this question may well be moot. They will already know whether or not they need a brush with this lower-power setting.

For those buying their first Sonicare however, this decision can be more problematic. They may not know if they (or the other people who will use the brush) will require this feature or not.

You may have an out if you've made the wrong decision.

We will mention that historically (and we assume it's still in effect, you'll have to check) Philips Sonicare has offered a money-back guarantee. So, if you do find that you have erred in your decision, a remedy may exist. Of those Sonicare products that we discuss on our pages, the Sonicare Essence 5300, Essence 5500 and Xtreme e3000 do not feature a reduced-power setting ("Sensitive" mode).

The Sonicare Easy-start feature.

As previously mentioned, some people will find the full-power setting of their sonic toothbrush too uncomfortable or too foreign to be tolerated. A solution to this problem can be the use of Sonicare's Easy-start feature.

When the Easy-start option is selected a brushing routine is instituted where the brush will automatically, incrementally raise the power (intensity) of its brushing action over the user's next twelve to fourteen (depending on the model) brushing events.

When the Easy-start feature may be needed.

The slow ramp-up to full power of the Easy-start feature can serve two purposes. For some, an introductory period during which they can get used to the "Sonicare experience" is all that is needed. If so, the slow power ramp-up of the Easy-start feature may help with their transition from manual to powered toothbrush.

In other cases, the person's difficulty in using their new sonic toothbrush may be due to the current ill health of their gum tissue. If so, the Easy-start function can provide a transition period during which the user's sensitive inflamed gums get a chance to heal (due to their improved brushing due to the use of their Sonicare) in tandem with the gradual speed up of their Sonicare to full power.

Only one person should be using the toothbrush when the Easy-start feature is selected.

The Easy-start option is a standard feature on all of the Sonicare models we discuss on our pages with the exception of the Xtreme e3000. We will point out that the use of the Easy-start option dictates that the toothbrush needs to be a "one-user" brush for the next twelve to fourteen brushing events (depending on the specific Sonicare model) that the toothbrush performs. If the toothbrush will be shared, the utilization of the Easy-start option may impact the brush's initial use.