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Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft Review

Outstanding cleaning performance combined with soft, gentle bristles makes this model an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive mouths
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Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft Review
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Price:  $10 List
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Manufacturer:   Colgate
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White  ⋅  Apr 2, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 13
  • Cleaning - 45% 8.0
  • Comfort - 35% 7.9
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Customization - 5% 5.5

Our Verdict

The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft is an excellent option for individuals with sensitive mouths. While soft bristles are not always as effective at cleaning as their stiffer counterparts, the Colgate defies this notion at every opportunity. The soft bristles and well-designed brush head work together to deliver a powerful cleaning experience without sacrificing overall comfort. Our main gripe comes down to the balance of the handle. You simply can't set it down flat on the counter without it tipping over, so once you add toothpaste, don't even think about it. All-in-all, if you're in the market for a manual toothbrush, you may have found the perfect one. See where the Colgate lands among the rest in our best toothbrush review.
REASONS TO BUY
Perfect for sensitive gums
Amazing cleaning performance
Budget friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Rolls over when placed on its back

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Best Buy Award
Best Electric Toothbrush on a Budget
   
Price $10.00 List$50 List
$39.96 at Amazon
$7.00 List
$6.99 at Amazon
$5.00 List$6.00 List
$4.20 at Amazon
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Bottom Line If you struggle finding a toothbrush with soft bristles that still cleans effectively, this is itAffordable, effective, and easy on the teeth and gumsAn effective toothbrush, but not for folks who require soft bristlesIt's a nice brush to hold, but it can't clean with the best of themIf pure cleaning ability is your main concern, you might want to look elsewhere
Rating Categories Colgate 360 Sensiti... Philips Sonicare 4100 Oral-B Charcoal Oral-B CrossAction... Colgate Extra Clean
Cleaning (45%)
8.0
7.9
6.5
4.2
4.2
Comfort (35%)
7.9
8.4
5.4
6.3
5.2
Ease of Use (15%)
6.0
8.2
6.3
6.4
6.1
Customization (5%)
5.5
6.0
4.0
5.5
5.0
Specs Colgate 360 Sensiti... Philips Sonicare 4100 Oral-B Charcoal Oral-B CrossAction... Colgate Extra Clean
Available in Value Packs? Available in singles or packs Single Available in singles or packs Available in singles or packs Available in singles or packs
Brush Head / Size Options No Options S Sensitive
C1 SimplyClean
e-Series
A3 Premium All-in-One
W3 Premium White
W DiamondClean
G3 Premium Gum Care
Sonicare For Kids
C3 Premium Plaque Control
G2 Optimal Gum Care
C2 Optimal Plaque Control
Soft
Medium
Soft
Medium
No Options
Number of Included Brush Heads For Electric Models NA 1 NA NA NA
Included Tongue Scraper Yes No Yes Yes No
Measured Battery Life For Electric Toothbrushes NA 49.5 days NA NA NA
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost for Electric Toothbrushes NA $44.96 for (1) four pack NA NA NA
American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance Not Listed Not Listed Not Listed Not Listed Not Listed
Measured Weight 15.7g 94.4g 15.1g 23.2g 10.2g
Measured Height 7.5" 10" 7.5" 7.8" 7.6"
Available in Different Colors? Yes, random assortment Yes, 3.
White
Black
Pink
Yes, random assortment Yes, random assortment Yes, random assortment

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


The Colgate cleans exceptionally well for a manual toothbrush.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

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.

We chewed pink tablets to represent built-up plaque before brushing...
We chewed pink tablets to represent built-up plaque before brushing our teeth.
The results after brushing with the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft.
The results after brushing with the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft.
Before and after cleaning with the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft.

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.

Your dental hygiene will be enhanced by this manual toothbrush.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

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.

colgate 360 sensitive extra soft - the colgate has soft bristles for a comfortable brushing experience.
The colgate has soft bristles for a comfortable brushing experience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

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.

colgate 360 sensitive extra soft - grippy and comfortable to hold.
Grippy and comfortable to hold.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

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.

colgate 360 sensitive extra soft - the bristle pattern offers a lot of comfort and ease of brushing.
The bristle pattern offers a lot of comfort and ease of brushing.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

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.

colgate 360 sensitive extra soft - this model won't sit flat without rolling over, unless you set it...
This model won't sit flat without rolling over, unless you set it down very gently.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

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.

colgate 360 sensitive extra soft - the colgate (right) has an effective tongue scraper.
The Colgate (right) has an effective tongue scraper.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

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.

What Other Toothbrushes Should You Consider?


The Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft provides slightly enhanced capabilities compared to the Colgate, all at a comparable price point. It particularly shines in cleaning effectiveness and exceeds the Colgate in comfort, which is noteworthy. However, it lacks a tongue scraper, a feature that may be desired by some users. If you're undecided between an electric and manual model, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is worth considering due to its streamlined functionality and user-friendly design. Its super small brush head ensures precise navigation of each tooth as well, all while being comfy to use.

Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White