There's nothing more annoying than finding out your electric toothbrush isn't working. Whether it's not charging or it won't turn on, it's just one more thing to deal with in the morning. Usually, the reason your electric toothbrush isn't working is that it's not receiving enough power. That could be a damaged power cord, a dead battery, or even a faulty power outlet.
Don't give up! Electric toothbrushes have been proven to be more effective in removing surface plaque than manual toothbrushes in a 2013 study. They make oral hygiene not just efficient but also enjoyable. However, like any electrical device, electric toothbrushes can encounter issues that cause them to malfunction.
Is your electric toothbrush giving you trouble? Here's a guide on what to do when your electric toothbrush stops working. Let's dive into common problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Common Issues That Can Cause Your Electric Toothbrush to Stop Working:
It's not just a power issue. There are plenty of reasons your electric toothbrush can go wrong – even if it doesn't happen very often. Your electric toothbrush is made up of three parts: a battery, a motor, and the brush head. There's also the overall casing – but that's unlikely to break. Generally speaking, if your toothbrush has an issue, it's with one of these three parts.
Some common issues that cause an electric toothbrush to stop working include:
1. Battery Drainage: Check if your toothbrush is charged or if the battery has been damaged.
2. Stuck Brush Head: Ensure the brush head isn't stuck, hindering its movement.
3. Faulty Power Outlet:Verify that your power outlet is functioning correctly.
4. Toothpaste Residue: Clean any toothpaste residue around the power button.
5. Physical Damage: Check for any damage from accidental drops or impacts.
6. Water Immersion: If your toothbrush has been submerged in water for an extended period, it may have internal damage.
Many of these issues can be solved with regular maintenance. Give your toothbrush a thorough clean every few days, and remember to change the brush head. Avoid putting too much water on the toothbrush, as it is only partially and not completely waterproof. Oh, and clean off the excess toothpaste residue.
Troubleshooting Steps
What should you do if your electric toothbrush is not working? Well, it's not always necessary to replace the toothbrush. There are plenty of things you can do at home to get it working again. We recommend following these steps to get the best results.
Step 1: Power Outlet Check
Begin by checking if your power outlet is working properly. Plug in another known working device to ensure it's not an outlet issue. Alternatively, you can try other outlets within your home.
Step 2: Battery Status
Many electric toothbrushes have battery status indicators. If your toothbrush has a low battery, charge it and wait a few minutes before use. Oclean sonic toothbrushes use a lithium-ion battery that offers a battery life ranging from 30 to 180 days, depending on the model. You can see your charge status on the smart screen – just click to learn more.
Step 3: Charger Functionality
When connected to the charger, your toothbrush should indicate charging. If not, your charger may be faulty and need replacement. After all, if it's not the power outlet and it's not your toothbrush, then it must be your charger. If you've got a spare charger, you can see if it works. Usually, this should fix the problem.
Step 4: Clean Around the Power Button
Residue buildup around the power button can lead to it getting stuck. Use a wet cloth to clean the area around the button. If it turns on afterward, the problem is solved.
Step 5: Stuck Brush Head
If the brush head is stuck, try running lukewarm water over it. This should help loosen it, allowing you to remove it easily. Remember to clean and replace the head every 2-3 months. You can also wipe the brush head down with a cloth or tissues to remove any buildup.
Of course, you can always change the brush head. Remember to replace the brush head every 2-3 months to get the best clean possible. If you're going through brush heads at a faster rate, you might be pressing too hard. This can also cause your toothbrush not to work.
Still Not Working?
If your electric toothbrush remains unresponsive after these steps, there may be an internal issue. This could be due to manufacturing faults or physical damage. Contact the toothbrush manufacturer for troubleshooting or warranty support.
Oclean offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all our sonic toothbrushes, alongside a 3-year warranty. It's our promise that you won't have any issues – but if you do, we've got you covered. If you're having problems with your Oclean Sonic toothbrush, please speak to our customer service team for help. We're here to support your dental health.
How Long Should an Electric Toothbrush Last?
You can expect a new electric toothbrush to last anywhere between 3 to 5 years, depending on the quality of the toothbrush, its usage, and its upkeep. Some electric toothbrushes are designed to be more disposable than others. The most basic models may only last a few brushes before needing to be replaced. Whereas extremely high-quality electric toothbrushes, like Oclean's range, may last for up to 5 years or even more.
It should be noted that performance may begin after the 3-year period. While the toothbrush can continue to function, battery life can decline, and the motor may slow. However, with routine maintenance, this can be alleviated over time.
Why Do Electric Toothbrush Batteries Die?
All electric batteries gradually decline in function from the moment they're first used. In the first few years, any changes aren't noticeable. However, as time goes on, the issues usually compound until the battery either fails or diminishes in quality.
Other potential problems are extremes of temperatures (either too hot or cold), exposure to water, and frequent charging and discharging.
Prolong the life of your electric toothbrush by:
Only charging when necessary. The more you charge, the quicker your battery will fail. Only plug your electric toothbrush in to charge when it's fully depleted. This will maximize the longevity of the battery.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Store your toothbrush away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Freezing temperatures are also an issue, but they are harder to combat against.
How to Safeguard Your Electric Toothbrush:
Electric toothbrushes are often much more expensive than their manual counterparts. That comes with better performance and cleaning – however, you'll want to protect your investment. It can become pretty costly if you require a new electric toothbrush every year.
To prevent issues in the first place, follow these tips:
1. Avoid Submerging in Water
While most electric toothbrushes are waterproof, it's best not to submerge them. Look for models with an IPX7 waterproof rating if you prefer using them in the shower. All Oclean sonic toothbrushes carry this rating, making them among the safest options to use when showering.
2. Prevent Dropping
Avoid dropping your toothbrush, as it can damage both the surface and internal components. You can store your electric toothbrush in a case, if you want to to prevent breakage. It's a smart idea when traveling.
3. Maintain Proper Temperature
Don't expose the toothbrush or its battery to high temperatures, as this can cause overheating and reduce efficiency. That could be putting it near a hairdryer that's cooling down or leaving it in the open sun. Keep it cool, dark place.
4. Regular Cleaning
After each use, clean the brush head thoroughly. You should replace the brush head every 2-3 months to prevent a buildup of debris. It's also more hygienic, as the brush heads lose their function over time.
Final Thoughts
Identifying the cause of your electric toothbrush issue is crucial for finding the right solution. If your electric toothbrush is not working or charging, it's important to check the power outlet, the charging station and cable, and the toothbrush head. These are the most common causes of issues.
We recommend replacing the brush head every few months and purchasing a new electric toothbrush every 3-5 years for optimal performance. Usually, after this time, users begin to see issues occurring – particularly with charging.
Oclean offers a range of high-quality sonic electric toothbrushes with an IPX7 waterproof rating and a high-capacity battery for improved efficiency. Our brushes, like the Oclean X Pro Electric Sonic Toothbrush, are the gold standard in oral hygiene. This brush comes with a Maglev motor capable of reaching 84,000 movements per minute. With up to 30 days of battery life and a 2-hour quick charge time, it's the ultimate in convenience. Plus, with that 3-year warranty, you're covered if anything goes wrong.
Maintain your electric toothbrush properly for a bright smile and excellent oral hygiene!