Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush (Full Review)

Dentist Tested & Reviewed

Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: March 25, 2024

Looking for a sparkling smile and improved oral health? Search no more!

Introducing the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100, an electric toothbrush that’s both powerful and customizable, designed to provide an unparalleled deep clean for your pearly whites.

As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 250+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush from a dentist’s perspective.

Top 10 Rankings

1. Philips Sonicare 9900 | 10/10 $$$$
2. Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10 $$$
3. Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10 $$$$
4. Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10 $$$
5. BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10 $
6. Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10 $$$
7. Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10 $$
8. BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10 $
9. Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10 $$
10. Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10 $$

Best Overall

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

$99.96

Improve your gum health up to 100% better than a manual toothbrush with the ProtectiveClean 5100 rechargeable electric toothbrush.

Pressure sensor that protects teeth and gums from excess brushing pressure. Brush heads wear out over time. BrushSync technology tracks how long you have been using your Optimal Gum Care brush head and how hard you have been brushing.

Customize your own brushing experience with your choice of 3 modes: Clean, White and Gum Care. Also, Easy-start feature slowly increases the power of the brush as you get used to the Sonicare experience and the SmarTimer encourages a full 2 minutes brushing time as recommended by your dental professional.

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04/17/2024 09:00 am GMT

Dentist Thoughts

When you first unbox the Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush, you’ll notice that it feels solid and well-balanced in your hand.

In addition, the toothbrush comes in two different color options: black/gray and white/mint. A nice touch is that the charging stand and travel case provided color matched the toothbrush.

You’ll also notice that the toothbrush has a sleek and modern design. It features two buttons, one for on/off and the other to switch between 3 modes.

The toothbrush features the G2 “Optimal Gum Care” brush head and is simple to switch out when replacing. The Sonicare 5100 features one brush head, but you can purchase additional ones separately.

Cleaning Modes

• Clean mode – best for everyday cleaning
• White mode – best for removing surface stains
• Gum Care mode – best for gently massaging gums

Another great feature of the Sonicare 5100 is its pressure sensor. When you apply too much pressure while brushing, the toothbrush will alert you with a pulsing sound. This feature helps prevent damage to your teeth and gums.

Overall, the Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush makes a great first impression.

Its sleek design, three cleaning modes, and pressure sensor make it a standout choice for anyone looking for an electric toothbrush.

Innovative Features

The Philips Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush has exceptional innovative features. Check out what features set this toothbrush apart from a dentist’s perspective.

Key Features

• Advanced Sonic Technology: Sonicare’s technology effectively pulses water between teeth, breaking up and removing plaque for a superior clean.
• Extended Battery Life: With up to 14 days of use per charge, the Sonicare 5100 is travel-friendly, eliminating battery worries on the go.
• G2 Optimal Gum Care Brush Head: Designed for optimal gum health, this brush head is perfect for daily oral care routines.
• Pressure Sensor for Gum Protection: The built-in sensor alerts you if you’re brushing too hard, reducing vibrations to protect your gums. This feature has helped 70% of users improve their brushing technique.
• Smartimer and Quadpacer for Timed Brushing: A 2-minute Smartimer ensures recommended brushing duration, while the Quadpacer signals every 30 seconds for even cleaning across all mouth quadrants.
• BrushSync for Efficient Brush Head Use: This technology tracks your brush head usage and brushing pressure, reminding you when it’s time for a replacement.
• Easy-Start for Comfortable Adjustment: Gradually increases brushing intensity over 14 sessions, making it easier to adapt to electric brushing.
• Three Brushing Modes: Includes “clean,” “white,” and “gum care” modes, with the gum care mode being particularly gentle for sensitive gums.
• Microchip-Enabled Smart Technology: The brush head and handle sync to provide smart replacement reminders, ensuring optimal performance.
• Premium Travel Case and Charger: The hygienic case and compact charger are perfect for extended travel, ensuring your toothbrush is always ready.

Dentist Review

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 electric toothbrush is designed to effectively clean your teeth and gums.

Brushing your teeth is a breeze, with high-quality bristles that remove plaque and improve gum health. In fact, according to Philips Sonicare, it's up to 100% better than a manual toothbrush.

After testing it out for multiple days, I particularly appreciated the three unique brushing modes it offers.

My favorite was the Gum Care mode paired with the G2 brush head, which provided exceptional cleaning for my teeth and gums.

However, I would have appreciated brush handle grips to prevent slipping and a tongue cleaner to further enhance my oral hygiene routine.

The BrushSync technology is another feature that makes the Sonicare 5100 electric toothbrush enjoyable to use. The toothbrush uses sensors to track how long you have been using the brush head and how hard you are brushing.

Then, when it's time to replace the brush head, the toothbrush will alert you with a light on the handle. This ensures that you always use an effective brush head that is not worn out.

Overall, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 electric toothbrush is an effective tool for improving your oral health.

With its sonic technology, three cleaning modes, BrushSync technology, and pressure sensor, you can be confident that you get a thorough and effective clean every time you brush.

What's the Difference Between 5100 & 5300?

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 and 5300 are both high-quality electric toothbrushes, but there are some differences to consider when choosing between them.

The primary distinction lies in the brush head options and pricing. The Sonicare 5300 offers three brush heads: one G2 and two W brush heads, providing greater versatility and customization for your oral care routine.

On the other hand, the Sonicare 5100 comes with a single G2 brush head, making it more suitable for users with basic oral care needs.

As a result of the additional brush heads, the Sonicare 5300 typically carries a higher price tag than the 5100 model.

When selecting between the two, consider your specific requirements and preferences. If you desire more brush head options for a tailored cleaning experience, the 5300 may be the better choice, despite the slightly higher cost.

However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent oral care, the Sonicare 5100 remains a solid choice.

 Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 5300 Electric Toothbrush Review 2024

Alternative Options

Philips Sonicare offers a variety of electric toothbrush options to cater to different preferences and needs.

They have a kids' electric toothbrush designed specifically for children, power flossers, premium electric toothbrushes and battery-powered toothbrushes.

Additionally, Sonicare offers various brush heads ranging from gentle to whitening and everything in between. Thousands of dentists trust Philips Sonicare globally and is a one-stop shop for all dental care needs.

For users interested in tracking their brushing habits, Quip's smart toothbrush features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to the Quip app and monitor your brushing patterns, duration, and frequency.

With Philip Sonicare's diverse range of electric toothbrushes, you will surely find one that suits your lifestyle and oral care goals.

Full Reviews

• Sonicare 1100 Electric Full Review
• Sonicare 6100 Electric Full Review

My Experience & Expertise

Overall, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush is a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality electric toothbrush.

Highlights

• The toothbrush has three different brush modes: Clean, White, and Gum Care. This allows you to customize your brushing experience to your individual needs.
• The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 has a powerful motor that helps to remove plaque and improve gum health.
• The toothbrush comes with a sleek charger and travel case, making it easy to take with you on the go.
• The brush heads are easy to replace and can be purchased in bulk to save money.

While the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 may be more expensive than some other electric toothbrushes, its features and performance make it a worthwhile investment for oral health. Plus, with a sleek and modern design, it will look great on your bathroom counter!

Best Overall

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

$99.96

Improve your gum health up to 100% better than a manual toothbrush with the ProtectiveClean 5100 rechargeable electric toothbrush.

Pressure sensor that protects teeth and gums from excess brushing pressure. Brush heads wear out over time. BrushSync technology tracks how long you have been using your Optimal Gum Care brush head and how hard you have been brushing.

Customize your own brushing experience with your choice of 3 modes: Clean, White and Gum Care. Also, Easy-start feature slowly increases the power of the brush as you get used to the Sonicare experience and the SmarTimer encourages a full 2 minutes brushing time as recommended by your dental professional.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

04/17/2024 09:00 am GMT

Electric Toothbrush Overall Rankings

1. Philips Sonicare 9900 | 10/10
2. Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10
3. Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10
4. Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10
5. BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10
6. Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10
7. Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10
8. BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10
9. Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10
10. Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10
11. BURST Curve Sonic | 9.4/10 $
12. 7am2m Electric | 9.4/10
13. Philips Sonicare 5300 | 9.4/10
14. AquaSonic Black | 9.3/10
15. AquaSonic Vibe | 9.3/10
16. Philips Sonicare 5100 | 9.3/10
17. SNOW LED Electric | 9.2/10
18. Brio (Ollie) SmartClean | 9.1/10
19. Philips Sonicare 2100 | 9.1/10
20. Bitvae Smart S3 | 9.1/10
21. Philips Sonicare 1100 | 9.1/10
22. Philips Sonicare 4100 | 9.0/10
23. Bitvae S2 Ultrasonic | 8.9/10
24. Bitvae D2 Electric | 8.8/10
25. Oral-B 1500 Electric | 8.8/10
26. Oral-B Pro 1000 | 8.7/10
27. Bitvae R2 Rotating | 8.5/10
28. Quip Electric | 8.5/10
29. Colgate Hum Electric | 7.5/10

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you'll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we'll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!