Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft Review

The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft is an impressive manual toothbrush. We found its cleaning ability and comfort level to be more than adequate. It also has a tongue scraper — a welcome feature on any toothbrush. This particular model soared through most of our tests, and we had a tough time faulting it, especially given the budget-friendly price.

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

Our most important metric is cleaning, and for good reason — you simply can't maintain an effective dental hygiene routine without it. We subjected each toothbrush to multiple tests to determine their efficiency. Firstly, we utilize a plaque-dispensing tablet, which reveals any plaque in a bright pink hue, allowing us to assess how much is removed during a typical 2-minute brushing session. We capture before and after photos and thoroughly evaluate them. Before viewing the photos, we report on how clean our teeth feel after brushing. Secondly, we use an artificial dental model. Wet coffee grounds are spread over the teeth and gums, and then we brush for exactly 2 minutes, timing ourselves to make sure every brush was tested within the same timeframe. Finally, we consumed a couple of Oreos (the sticky texture simulates plaque) and then brushed again for another 2 minutes.

The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft performed about as well as a manual toothbrush can, removing all visual plaque within the allotted 2 minutes without being too harsh on the teeth or gums, which is great news if you have any sensitivities. Our teeth had that squeaky clean feeling after brushing, further demonstrating how good this affordable brush is.

As far as the dental model goes, the Colgate yet again showcased effective cleaning ability, clearly removing any and all coffee debris within the time constraint. Impressive, to say the least. If cleaning is your main concern (as it is ours), you'll be satisfied with this model.

Comfort

If you hesitate to use your chosen brush day in and day out due to rigid bristles or find that your toothbrush regularly causes bleeding, the cleaning ability is rendered somewhat useless unless you're able to bear a painful toothbrush session. This metric constitutes 30% of the overall score for this reason. We assess the comfort level by evaluating the bristles of each brush (how soft or stiff they are) and the size of the brush head. Additionally, we scrutinize the handle of each brush to determine its ease of use and balance after extensive usage.

The brush head on the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft is medium in size and suitable for a wide variety of mouth sizes. The soft bristle pattern is gentle on teeth and gums without compromising on cleaning power, which we loved to see. Additionally, the bristles feature three distinct “cups” in the middle to help hug those pearly whites, as well as a tongue cleaner on the backside of the brush. We don't foresee any issues with this model, even for the most sensitive mouths.

We were also pleased by the moderately thick handle, which features a grippy plastic texture. Our only issue with the handle is that it can't be set down flat on the bathroom counter without falling over, but we'll cover that below. Overall, the ergonomics are more than adequate for your daily brushing routine.

Ease of Use

Most manual toothbrushes are straightforward to use, but we delve deeper by evaluating the ease of cleaning for both the handles and bristles. We also assess whether the grippy texture, designed to aid in holding the brush, contributes to the accumulation of toothpaste residue. This is determined by covering the handle in toothpaste and then cleaning it off to ensure there are no small crevices for residue to hide. Additionally, we check the balance of the handle and its ability to lay flat on a countertop without toppling over. Furthermore, we gauge the overall brushing experience by examining how the bristle pattern interacts with our teeth.

Mostly good news here, as the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft boasts nice bristles that flow smoothly during brushing without any issues. The medium-sized brush head effectively navigates a wide variety of mouths. However, one concern is that it may not provide each individual tooth with the attention it needs, as a smaller brush head would.

As for the handle, there are textured strips on the back that aid in holding the brush, but they also tend to accumulate some unwanted gunk. Fortunately, the handle is easy to clean, so this isn't a major issue. However, its biggest drawback is the handle's inability to balance itself when resting flat on the counter without tipping over. This can be frustrating if you need to set it down for any reason other than storage.

Customization

Any items beyond the basic components of a brush head and handle, along with a charger for electric models if needed, would be considered additional accessories. This metric includes tongue scrapers, teeth picks, compatible apps, built-in timers, or any other extra attachments. Most manual models usually only provide color options within value packs. When buying individual brushes, you typically get whatever color is currently available. Thus, in terms of manual toothbrushes, we're assessing the availability of multiple colors and whether value packs offer a range of color options.

We're pleased to confirm that the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft includes a tongue scraper. Additionally, it comes in three distinct colors: green, blue, and purple. This variety should assist in distinguishing each family member's brush, making it convenient for households with multiple users.

Should You Buy the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft?

This model stands out among its peers and is more than capable of delivering excellent cleaning results without sacrificing overall comfort, which is a significant benefit for those with sensitive teeth. Moreover, the price is affordable, making it even more appealing. Overall, we recommend the Colgate for anyone in search of a manual toothbrush.

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