Many aspects of the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 electric toothbrush are unique and interesting. They set this model apart from others in the Sonicare range of toothbrushes.
This newest model in the Sonicare stable resembles another older one – the ProtectiveClean 5100. Only a few special effects distinguish it from the earlier version.
Brush Sync Functionality
No Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 review would be considered complete unless it refers to one of these unique features called Brush Sync.
Brush Sync technology was devised by engineers at Sonicare to let a user know when it is time to replace an old and worn out brush head. The tracking is done by an RFID microchip that is embedded into the brush head itself. This chip interacts with a sensor that’s located in the handle of the electric toothbrush. It tracks cleaning performance continuously.
Electronics built into the microchip measure cleaning efficacy and brushing duration. When the brush head undergoes wear and tear from constant use, the bristles weaken and begin to splay out. Brush Sync keeps track of this and reminds users when it is time to replace an older head with a new one.
Prompt replacement before the bristles are too badly damaged maintain brushing effectiveness. Typically, brush heads must be replaced once every 3 months after regular use. To keep this in mind and act promptly is a challenge for many users. Brush Sync technology is a blessing that solves this problem nicely.
For Brush Sync to be effective, there has to be a brush handle equipped with the right technology as well as a brush head with an embedded RFID microchip. Many models of replacement brush heads have this chip, but a few do not.
Brush Sync compatible brush heads are often more expensive. The added cost however provides greater value, making it easy to justify the extra expense by way of better cleaning effectiveness.
Pressure Sensors
A feature that most users find helpful, especially in the beginning, is the inbuilt pressure sensor. By noticing when a user is pressing down too hard and warning them to stop, this pressure sensor avoids accidental damage to gums and teeth.
Beginners take a while to get used to the right way of brushing with an electric toothbrush. It is not necessary to press hard the way you do with a manual toothbrush. Instead, simply skimming the brush head along the surface of teeth is adequate to generate cleaning effect.
When a pressure sensor detects a user pushing down too hard, it reduces power to the motor and slows down the vibrations of the brush head. A visual indicator is also provided in the form of a glowing LED in brush handle. Together, these notify a user to ease up on the pressure.
For a first-time user of an electric toothbrush, this feedback mechanism is helpful in avoiding damage until one gets familiar with the right amount of pressure to apply for optimal cleaning.
Easy Start Program
One more interesting element of the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 electric toothbrush is the Easy Start functionality.
What is EasyStart? For the first 14 days of use, the Easy Start program will run the toothbrush at slower speeds and with less force. For a new user of electric toothbrushes, this helps ease into the new experience.
Over two weeks, the force and intensity of vibrations is gradually increased until it finally reaches full power. With a sonic toothbrush that vibrates at 31,000 movements per minute, the buzz and sensation can be strange for a beginner. This leads to many users giving up on an electric toothbrush completely.
Easy Start gradually acclimatizes them to the novel experience. This enhances adoption with all the benefits that come from using an electric toothbrush such as better dental plaque removal and whiter teeth.
In case a user is already familiar with an electric toothbrush, there’s a way to easily bypass the Easy Start and get right to full power cleaning. This intelligent program helps make a Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 electric toothbrush a popular choice even among people who have never before used one.