24 April 2026

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How Philips Sonicare Toothbrushes Clean What Manual Brushing Can’t

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When patients brush their teeth before heading to bed, many assume their manual brush removes enough plaque. But research from 59 studies shows that manual brushing can leave up to 50% of plaque behind, which can multiply overnight. 1

Key details

Since plaque and bacteria are given an uninterrupted window to grow while people sleep, it’s important for patients to give more thought to their nighttime brushing. Philips Oral Healthcare, together with dental professionals around the country, is turning the spotlight on this issue to help patients maintain a cleaner mouth before going to sleep.

“As a dentist, I see firsthand in patients how bacteria growth and improper brushing can lead to plaque, inflammation and systemic health issues,” says Dr. Sharon Huang, DDS, MICOI. “Brushing with a Philips Sonicare power toothbrush makes such a difference.”

That difference is made possible by Sonicare technology. Designed to reach the areas manual brushing often misses, Philips Sonicare power toothbrushes remove up to 2000% more plaque 2 than a manual toothbrush and are powered by up to 62,000 bristle movements per minute. In addition, Sonicare Fluid Action supports the bristles to clean by driving fluid deep between teeth and along the gingival margin for up to 15x healthier gingiva. 3

These and other consumer-centric innovations are part of Philips Oral Healthcare’s mission to democratize better oral healthcare and improve the oral health of millions of people. As Matina Vidalis, Regional Business Unit Leader, Oral Healthcare, Philips North America says, “When you see what manual brushing can leave behind, you start to expect more from your toothbrush. Sonicare is designed to clean what manual brushing can’t.”

What this means for the market

By guiding patients to switch to brushing with Philips Sonicare power toothbrushes, you can help them fight nighttime bacteria for a healthier night’s sleep. And with a range of price points, brushing modes and intensity settings, there’s a Philips Sonicare power toothbrush to meet every patient’s unique oral care needs.

“This isn’t just about a cleaner smile,” says Dr. Huang, “It’s about empowering people to take control of their oral health and protect their overall wellness. When you feel what truly effective cleaning means, you never go back to manual brushing.”

Philips invites licensed dental professionals to experience the difference firsthand at an exclusive price. Order yours for personal use at the Philips Dental ProShop .