Philips Sonicare Essence Sonic Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush, White, FFP

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Product Specifications

Removes up to 2x more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Includes 1 e-Series brush head (standard)
Patented sonic technology: Dynamic fluid action helps clean between teeth and along the gumline
2 minute timer helps ensure recommended brushing time
Rechargeable toothbrush with 2 weeks lifetime between charges
Reminder bristles fade away when brush head replacement is needed
Remove the brush head cap before turning on unit- otherwise it will sound loud.

Product Description

Color:White | Product Packaging:Frustration Free Packaging Taking care of your oral health is easy with the Philips Sonicare Essence Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. This rechargeable power toothbrush features an angled neck, soft contoured bristles, and patented sonic technology to gently remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas. An easy-start feature helps you adjust to the Sonicare experience, while the two-minute Smartimer ensures you brush thoroughly. Essence Rechargeable Toothbrush remains charged for up to two weeks.

Product Reviews

Good value and gunk solution

Hey folks, it’s a $20 Sonicare toothbrush - what a deal! I checked the price at Sam’s and it was $130 for two, or $65 each. This might be an older style but very similar to the one I have been happily using for years. What I received was the Essence, model #HX5611/01 which came with a standard brush head and a charger base. It is made in China and has a NiMH battery. It does have a two minute timer only. It comes with a two year warranty that can be extended by by six months if you register online.There is the problem of the gunkiness that develops between the brush head and the handle. It is alarming when you change the brush head, but I’ve always cleaned it with a Qtip and moved on. However, now that I have a new unit I wanted to see if there was a better solution. I read and tried the tip about cutting a finger off a latex glove and slipping it over the bottom of the head to cover the gap at the screw on connection joint (I call this the condom approach). Well, it is cheap, but difficult to do successfully (I tried three times) and it looks a bit tacky. It works until the severed glove finger (aka condom) starts creeping up on the brush head. However, I believe I have a better option.Like any type of water-related connection (think garden hose), some type of washer or gasket is needed to seal the connected parts. I have no idea why the Sonicare people don’t provide one, but give this a try. For about $3 you can buy 10 “O” rings at the hardware store. I chose the #30 size which seems to give a snug fit. Unscrew the toothbrush, slip the “O” ring on the handle part to the bottom of the screw threads. Then screw the brush head back on and viola!…a watertight seal. Problem solved and you have enough “O” rings to last a lifetime!I’ve attached a photo showing the different techniques. The Sonicare on the right is my old unit. The new one is the left, still with its severed glove finger condom (green gloves were all I had on hand). I’ve installed the “O” on the older unit for illustration purposes, you should be able to see the black “O” ring installed between the head and the handle. Another “O” ring is displayed on the old toothbrush so you can see what it looks like out of the package. Good luck!

As a general dentist with over 30 years of experience …

As a general dentist with over 30 years of experience, I see the positive effects that Sonicare toothbrushes have on my patients oral health. Less adhered bacteria translates into less gum disease, tooth decay, and tartar build up. My previous Sonicare used the diamond clean brush heads and failed after 4 years. The Essence employs a more hygienic brush handle base which does not accumulate toothpaste scum as did my previous model.

Old School Sonicare — cleans teeth but has issues.

this is the “old school” sonicare. It does a great job cleaning your teeth, but as others have noted, the handle collects fluids and gets disgusting and moldy inside so needs constant cleaning. Still, it’s way less costly than the newer models, so if you don’t mind the maintenance, it’s a good option. I solved the gross-gunk problem by taking a disposable glove, cutting off one finger, cutting a small hole in the tip of the finger, and slipping it over the toothbrush, covering the space where the brush and handle connect. This is where the seal is not tight enough. I then used medical tape to tighten the seal further. So far, so good.

Bad return policy and HARSH brushing - do not purchase for regular teeth!

Bought this for a birthday gift, so purchased a few weeks in advance, and I’m very sorry I did because I’ve missed the return period. We have several Philips Sonicare Essence Elextric Toothbrushes and have loved them all. This one operates so harshly that my daughter couldn’t use it. I told her I’d swap her (new brushes of course) and it’s so downright painful and has caused sensitivity on my teeth so I’m not able to use it either. I would NOT recommend unless perhaps a brush this harsh is good for false teeth?I need to remember to shop ‘brick and mortar’ more so that returns and exchanges are possible when the product has issues - even if you’ve missed the return period by one day.

A fantastic toothbrush at an amazing price!

Snagged this brush when it was on sale after the Thanksgiving holiday. I needed to get one anyhow, but I was pretty surprised when I first tried it out…Wow, this is a very powerful unit! I haven’t ever had a brush, either manual or electric that gave me that fresh ‘just left the dentists’ feel on all of my teeth. This brush does just that, and also at a great price!I had a follow up cleaning this week with my dentist and she commented that both my gums looked healthy and the typical buildup between the teeth was nearly nonexistent. Even though I brush and floss twice daily, she noted marked improvements in my oral hygiene since my use of this ‘sonic toothbrush’.Highly recommend this brush!!

Excellent value for price

This electric toothbrush does just what it’s supposed to do, an excellent value for the price. Powerful, compact, easy to grip, not messy, timed for proper amount of brushing. You do want to be careful to wipe up any water that drips on the shaft after use, so no liquid enters the area where the top attaches to the bottom of the handle. That said, I’m very happy with this toothbrush.

LOVED the frustration free packaging option

For teeth cleaning it does a fabulous job. I have no problems with the performance of this product. LOVED the frustration free packaging option.But the mechanics of the toothbrush get dirty very easily. The connection between the brush head and the handle allows water (and whatever else accumulates when brushing your teeth) to pool inside. The charging base also pools water (and toothpaste residue) in it. I’m a clean freak, and feel I do a fair amount of work after each use to make sure the toothbrush and charger remain clean. That’s my only complaint about the product.

Clean Teeth

Product works perfectly

I’ve had several now and they all work great. My only complaint is that water seeps into …

I’ve had several now and they all work great. My only complaint is that water seeps into the area where the brush screws into the base.

dentist approved

Awesome cleaning tool

Three Stars

lacks 30-second timer on our old one that wore out.

Two Stars

Very heavy…

I loved this toothbrush

I loved this toothbrush, but it just stopped holding a charge after 3 months. Bummer that it’s so poorly made.

Highly recommended

Great electric tooth brush and affordable.

VERY DISAPPOINTING

I received this toothbrush less than a year ago. Although I have not left it plugged in and have only charged it when it dies, the toothbrush essentially maintains no hold.