Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush: A Deep Clean That's Gentle on Gums

Published on Aug. 13, 2023, 8:57 p.m.

Tired of spending hours manually brushing your teeth? Looking for an easier way to get a deeper, more thorough clean? An electric toothbrush like the Oral-B Pro 500 might be just what you need. With its rotating, oscillating motion, this rechargeable toothbrush can reach areas a manual brush simply can’t. Keep reading this review to see if the Pro 500’s combination of cleaning power and gentle care is right for you.

Introduction

In an era where oral health is gaining increasing attention, electric toothbrushes like the Oral-B Pro 500 are revolutionizing daily dental care routines. Offering advanced cleaning technology compared to manual toothbrushes, electric models provide a more thorough and effective way to maintain oral hygiene. The Oral-B Pro 500, with its unique features and affordable price point, stands out in the competitive electric toothbrush market, aiming to cater to a broad range of users seeking enhanced cleaning efficiency and oral health.

Overview

The Oral-B Pro 500 offers many core features you’d expect in an electric toothbrush. It has a handy built-in timer that pulses every 30 seconds to encourage a full two minutes of brushing per quadrant. There are also three brushing modes to choose from - Daily Clean, Sensitive, and Sensitive Plus - so you can customize intensity based on your needs. At around $25, this model sits at the budget end of Oral-B’s lineup. But it still promises to deliver deeper cleaning than a manual brush.

Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush

Features

Some of the key features that set the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush apart include:

Oral-B’s Round Brush Head - The round shape and angled bristles cup each tooth to surround teeth for a precise clean.
Oral-B’s Round Brush Head Technology - Oral-B Pro 500 features a distinct round brush head, a design inspired by dental professional tools. This innovative brush head is engineered to surround each tooth for a tooth-by-tooth clean, offering a superior cleaning experience compared to traditional rectangular brush heads. The round head not only provides precise cleaning but also ensures better plaque removal, reaching hard-to-clean areas with ease.
2D Cleaning Motion - The brush head oscillates back and forth while also rotating to break up and sweep away plaque.
Triple Brushing Modes - Daily Clean runs at full power, while Sensitive and Sensitive Plus offer lower intensities ideal for delicate teeth and gums.
Rechargeable Battery - No need to deal with replacing batteries. Just pop it on the charger when low.
Quadrant Timer - Vibrates every 30 seconds to remind you to move to the next section of your mouth.
Travel Case - For protecting your brush when on-the-go.

Design and Ergonomics

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush has a slender black plastic handle with rubber grip. It is lightweight and comfortable to hold. The single on/off button makes it very straightforward to operate.

While the design is simple, it lacks some of the premium features of higher-end Oral-B models like pressure sensor, travel case, or Bluetooth connectivity. There are also fewer options for brush head types.

Ease of Use

With just one button to power on/off and toggle modes, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is very simple to operate. The interface is intuitive with no complicated controls or settings. It’s easy to switch between the triple cleaning modes. The travel case makes it convenient for traveling or storing in a crowded bathroom.

Quality

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush feels sturdily constructed. The brush head clicks securely into place and the whole unit has a quality heft. Oral-B products are made by a leading brand known for well-designed electric toothbrushes. While budget-friendly, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy.

Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush

Cleaning Performance

The highlight of the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is Oral-B’s mechanized round brush head. It cups each tooth and rotates to break up plaque. The Daily Clean mode provides a thorough clean.

For sensitive teeth, the lower speed Sensitive mode is gentler. Sensitive+ mode is the slowest for an extra gentle brushing experience. The quad timer pulses every 30 seconds to ensure equal brushing of all areas.

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is designed to outperform manual toothbrushes significantly. Its oscillating-rotating action is proven to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush, offering a deeper and more thorough clean. This advanced cleaning action not only enhances oral hygiene but also contributes to the overall health of your gums and teeth, showcasing the toothbrush’s effectiveness in maintaining oral health.

Noise Level

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush operates at a moderate noise level, producing a low hum comparable to other electric toothbrushes. It shouldn’t disturb others even with thin walls. Users found it quiet enough for early morning and late night brushing.

Battery Life

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush has a reliable battery that lasts up to 2 weeks on a full charge. There is no separate charging base, the brush simply plugs into the wall. A full charge takes about 12 hours.

There is no LED indicator to show charging status, so you have to guess if it’s fully charged. This is one disadvantage compared to higher models.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush, regular maintenance is essential. After each use, rinse the brush head thoroughly under running water, and periodically check the brush head for wear and replace it every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Keep the handle and charging base clean and dry to prevent buildup and ensure the toothbrush functions effectively for years to come.

Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush

Drawbacks

While the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush gets the job done for daily brushing, it does lack some conveniences of more advanced models. There are fewer smart features like pressure sensor or Bluetooth.

The battery charge indicator is also missing, which would be useful to have. But these are minor shortcomings given the low price.

Use Cases

The Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is ideal for:

First-time electric toothbrush users
Those looking for an affordable electric brush
People with sensitive teeth and gums
Families who need a simple but effective electric brush

Analyzing User Feedback

With over 165 customer reviews on Amazon, the Oral-B Pro 500 electric toothbrush has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The majority of users seem very satisfied with their purchase.

Many reviewers raved about the deep cleaning performance of the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush. They noted how the oscillating-rotating brush head left their teeth feeling squeaky clean after use. Users also appreciated the soft, gentle bristles that seemed to polish teeth without harsh scrubbing on gums. Those with sensitive teeth and gums were particularly delighted by the low-intensity Sensitive and Sensitive Plus modes.

Quite a few users remarked on the excellent battery life of the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush. They were pleased that the rechargeable battery lasted weeks between charges, eliminating the need to constantly swap out AA batteries. The travel case for portability and storage also received positive mentions.

However, some reviewers deducted a star for minor drawbacks. A number commented on receiving products with damaged or open packaging. This appears to be an occasional issue with shipping and handling rather than a fault of the product itself.

Additionally, a few users felt the most powerful Daily Clean mode didn’t seem quite as intense as higher-priced Oral-B models. But they noted it still provided a very thorough clean, just at a more moderate speed.

Considering its budget-friendly price point, most buyers agreed that the cleaning performance was outstanding. Users consistently remarked on the great value offered by the Pro 500 electric toothbrush. It seems to deliver on the key factors of deep cleaning, gentle brushing, and battery life at an affordable cost.

Pros

Proven plaque removal technology
Gentle on gums
Long battery life
Easy to use
Affordable price point

Cons

No pressure sensor
No charge indicator light
Fewer features than premium brushes

Value and Cost

At around $40, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is very affordable for an electric toothbrush. You get proven cleaning technology and oral health benefits without excessive costs. It’s a great budget-friendly option.

Replacement brush heads cost around $6 each, which is quite reasonable. With proper care, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush should provide years of reliable service.

Environmental Considerations

In the context of growing environmental concerns, it’s crucial to consider the sustainability aspects of electric toothbrushes. The Oral-B Pro 500 is designed with a long-lasting battery and durable materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to waste reduction. While electric toothbrushes generally have a higher environmental impact than manual ones due to their electronic components and batteries, the Pro 500’s efficient design and the brand’s commitment to sustainability aim to mitigate these factors, offering a more eco-friendly option for conscious consumers.

Conclusion

For those looking to upgrade from a manual toothbrush, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush is a fantastic choice. It delivers meaningful improvements in plaque removal and gum health. The simple operation and affordable price make this a great entry-level electric toothbrush. While it lacks some bells and whistles, the Oral-B Pro 500 Electric Toothbrush focuses on the fundamentals of effective cleaning. For reliable performance without breaking the bank, Oral-B’s budget model is hard to beat.