Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus HX6972/10, Rechargeable Toothbrush

by Philips

Product Features

• Gum Care mode improves gum health in only two weeks
• Contoured brush head removes plaque along the gumline
• Decreases gum bleeding and helps prevent gum recession
• Patented sonic technology drives fluid to stimulate gums
• Model# of handle component is HX6950

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring five brushing modes, the Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ is your solution for complete oral care. Utilizing patented Sonic technology, this rechargeable toothbrush removes plaque deep between teeth and along the gum line to decrease your risk of gingivitis and improve your gum health in two weeks. For convenience, backlighting indicates your selected brushing mode, and a UV brush-head sanitizer kills up to 99 percent of bacteria and viruses on the brush head*.

FlexCare+ Toothbrush

At a Glance:

• Gum Care mode improves gum health in only 2 weeks
• Contoured brush head removes plaque along the gum line
• Decreases gum bleeding and helps prevent gum recession
• Patented sonic technology drives fluid to stimulate gums
• UV sanitizer kills up to 99 percent of bacteria and viruses on brush head*
• Rechargeable design provides three weeks of power on a single charge

Standard ProResults brush head and Compact ProResults brush head included. View larger.

Illuminated display

Quadpacer and Smartimer

Standard ProResults brush head and Compact ProResults brush head included.
View larger.

Five brushing modes let you personalize your brushing experience and address your specific oral-care needs.
View larger.

Sweeping motions drive fluids deep between teeth and along your gum line, resulting in less inflammation. View larger.

Gently Cleans to Reduce Inflammation

Unlike a manual toothbrush, the Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ uses powerful Sonic technology to clean teeth with up to 31,000 movements per minute. These sweeping motions drive fluids deep into the tight spaces between your teeth and along your gum line, resulting in a cleaner, healthier mouth and less inflammation.

Improves Gum Health in Just Two Weeks

Gum health is the foundation of good oral health, yet most adults suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives. Thankfully, FlexCare+ is clinically proven to improve gum health in just two weeks.

FlexCare+ cleans along the gum line, removing plaque while stimulating gums. Less gum pain and bleeding will allow you to enjoy the brushing experience more and develop better brushing habits.

Five Brushing Modes for Customized Oral Care

FlexCare+ features five brushing modes, so you can personalize your brushing experience and address your specific oral-care needs. For improving the health of your gums, Gum Care mode provides two minutes of complete whole-mouth cleaning, followed by one minute of gentle cleaning for problem areas and along the gum line. Brushing in this mode improves gum health by reducing inflammation, recession, and bleeding. Massage mode also improves gum health by using patented technology to drive fluids between teeth to fight plaque and stimulate the gums.

Clean mode is ideal for complete, whole-mouth cleaning, while Refresh mode is for touch-ups and quick cleanings between regular brushings. Sensitive mode is extra gentle for new users or those with sensitive teeth.

Illuminated Display Indicates Selected Mode

When FlexCare+ is turned on, unique backlighting indicates which of the five brushing modes you have selected. When the brush is turned off, the display becomes invisible for a clean, sleek look.

Easy-Start, Smartimer, and Quadpacer Simplify Brushing

FlexCare+ 5500 makes it easy to care for your oral health. You need to apply only light pressure when using this toothbrush--FlexCare+ will do the brushing for you. For further convenience, the Sonicare FlexCare+ features an Easy-start option that gently increases the toothbrush's power over the first 12 uses, so you can gradually adjust to the Sonic technology.

FlexCare+ also features two timers that ensure proper brushing technique and effective results. Smartimer encourages you to brush for a full two minutes, the time recommended by dental professionals, while Quadpacer beeps in 30-second intervals to make sure you thoroughly brush all four quadrants of your mouth.

ProResults Brush Heads Remove Plaque Along the Gum Line

Two brush heads are included with FlexCare+:a Standard ProResults brush head and a Compact ProResults brush head. Each of these contoured brush heads cleans along the gum, removing disease-causing plaque for a more thorough clean.

UV Brush-Head Sanitizer Kills Bacteria and Viruses*

FlexCare+ comes with an all-in-one sanitizing, charging, and storage unit. The multifunctional unit comes with a built-in ultraviolet brush-head sanitizer that kills up to 99 percent of bacteria and viruses on the brush head*. After you brush your teeth, simply place your brush head in the sanitizer--the sanitizer will run for 10 minutes and then automatically shut off.

For added hygiene, the toothbrush comes with three interchangeable color-code rings to identify your brush head and make sure everyone in your household uses the correct one.

Three Weeks of Power on a Single Charge

After a full 24-hour charge, FlexCare+ will provide approximately three weeks of typical use (two minutes of brushing, twice a day). A convenient recharge indicator on the brush displays the available battery life and blinks when you need to recharge.

Because FlexCare+ can last three weeks between charges, you won't need a charger for most of your travels. A travel case, two hygienic travel caps, and multi-voltage travel charger are included for further on-the-go convenience.

What's in the Box

Toothbrush, Standard ProResults brush head, Compact ProResults brush head, three brush-head color-code rings, UV sanitizer, travel charger, two travel caps, and travel case.

*E. coli, S. mutans, and herpes simplex.

Looking for the right Sonicare brush head? Click here for the Sonicare Brush Head Guide
For Kids	Essential Clean				Whiter, Healthier Teeth		Advanced Cleaning		Gum Care	Ultimate Cleaning	Air Floss
Sonicare for Kids	Xtreme e3000	Essence 5300	Essence 5350	EasyClean	Healthy White 710	Healthy White R732	FlexCare R910	FlexCare RS930	FlexCare+	Diamond Clean	Air Floss
Model #
HX6311/02	HX3351/02	HX5351/46	HX5352/46	HX6511/50	HX6711/02	HX6732/02	HX6911/02	HX6932/10	HX6972/10	HX9332/05	HX8111/02
Rechargeable											An easier way to floss
•	Battery	•	•	•	•	•	•	•	•	•
Quadpacer											For best results use your Philips Sonicare rechargeable toothbrush with Air Floss
•				•	•	•	•	•	•	•
Brushing Modes
Ages 4 - 7	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean	Clean
Ages 7 - 10					Clean and White	Clean and White				White
						Sensitive	Sensitive	Sensitive	Sensitive	Sensitive
							Massage	Massage	Massage
							Go Care/Max Care	Go Care/Max Care	Refresh	Polish
									Gum Care	Gum Care	Air & Microdroplet Technology
Handles
1	1	1	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	Clean between all teeth in only 60 seconds with one teaspoon of water or mouthwash
Included Brush Heads
2	1	1	2	1	1	2	1	2	2	2
UV Brush Head Sanitizer
								•	•
Travel Charger
				•	•	•		•	•	Deluxe travel case with USB Charger
Illuminated Display
									•	•

Product Description

With nearly 80% of adults suffering from gum disease, Philips Sonicare, the #1 recommended brand by dental professionals, brings you FlexCare+. Clinically proven to improve gum health in only 2 weeks, FlexCare+ features a unique Gum Care mode, which provides 2 minutes of overall cleaning plus 1 minute to gently clean problem areas and along the gumline, reducing gum inflammation and bleeding, and protecting against gingivitis. Patented Sonic technology drives fluid to stimulate gums, while the contoured brush head removes plaque along the gumline. FlexCare+ also includes a UV Brush Head Sanitizer, which helps you keep select bacteria away from your brush head, and out of your mouth. The sanitizer helps eliminate up to 99 percent of select bacteria and viruses. Includes: 1 Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ toothbrush with 2 ProResults brush heads, 1 UV Brush Head Sanitizer, 1 travel charger, 2 hygienic travel caps, 1 hard travel case.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 6.7 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002CVTVVY
• UPC: 075020007964 075020008152
• Item model number: HX6972/10
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (453 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #1 in Health & Personal Care > Baby & Child Care > Personal Care > Oral Hygiene
  • #5 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Oral Hygiene > Power Toothbrushes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2,625 of 2,644 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DIFFERENCES between Flexcare and Flexcare+, November 17, 2009

By 

K. Benson "Benny90" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus HX6972/10, Rechargeable Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)

The differences between this model and the "older" Flexcare are minimal, that is probably why all they did is add a + to the end of the name. But there are a few differences between the two.

1. Most notably is the "new" look. It has a cleaner appearance with most of the front being a dark chrome look, also instead of the green led's, it has a backlight behind the selected brushing mode.
2. Gone are the 'Go Care' and 'Max Care' and in their place are 'Gum Care' and 'Refresh' mode. They do exactly what the other one did except for one important change on the 'Gum Care' mode which replaced 'Max Care (which is why I picked the new one over the old) '. Instead of having a 3 minute routine with 45 seconds each quad (30 normal + 15 massage) for a total of 3 min; they now have it where it goes 30 seconds each quad with an added 1 minute at the end for 'problem areas' which is broken down into four 15 second intervals.
3. 'Different' color, looks very similar - its 'Soft Sky Blue' instead of 'Medical Blue'. Basically bluer color than the old one which was more of a green color.
4. Supposedly lasts longer - 42 2-minute brushings, vs. 20 2-minute brushings of the old one
5. Case is now hard plastic instead of the soft case that comes with the old model

There is also a few changes in what the battery display shows with its charge but I'm not going to go into it that far with this review. I decided to upgrade from the Sonicare Elite as I was getting tired of seeing the nasty gunk that would grow inside of the handle. It was time to get a new brush head so I decided to go ahead and get a new brush while I was looking around. Overall I think it has been a good decision as this brush shouldn't need the constant cleaning of the old one and I like the new 'Gum Care' routine. So if wanted to know the differences, there you go, you probably now know more than you wanted about a toothbrush. If your like me and wanted to know at least some of this, it should help you decide between the two. I hope this helps you out.

739 of 741 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slight Improvements Over The Previous FlexCare Model, November 25, 2009

By 

Philip R. Heath "Gadgets, Music, & Books" (DFW) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus HX6972/10, Rechargeable Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)

(What's this?)

BACKGROUND: I have been using the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush (see my previous review for a detailed write up) for about a year and a half before getting the FlexCare Plus with the UV Sanitizer. For this review, I will highlight the differences between the two models as well as comment on the UV Sanitizer, and I will conclude with an overall recommendation between the two.

SETUP: Much like previous units, this is a breeze. Simply plug in the base sanitizer/charging unit combo and place the base handle on the peg to begin charging. The instructions recommend charging 24 hours prior to the first use, but I doubt this is necessary given that the brush will only be used minutes a day and likely be able to charge 23 hours minimum every day that you use it.

For multiple users, Philips again includes the standard colored rings to distinguish one brush head from another. For this unit, Philips includes both a standard and a compact brush head. These compare well with manual toothbrushes so it's a matter of preference. However, some will find it nice to try out both sizes before ordering new brush heads.

USAGE: The basic operation of the FlexCare Plus is the same as the previous model. It uses the same Quadpacer signal in thirty second intervals over two minutes in the "Clean" mode. It seemed to me that this unit pulses a little faster, yet it is also quieter while running. You can still discern the signal when it is time to change "zones" on your teeth.

Philips did a nice job of simplifying the mode selection over the previous FlexCare model. There are five modes to choose from: Clean, Gum Care, Refresh, Sensitive, and Massage. This is much more user friendly than the previous model's Clean, Sensitive, and Massage modes paired with the separate routines of Go Care and Max Care. I stick to the Clean mode for the most part, but the Refresh is a nice one minute version of Clean if you doing a simple between brushing touch up.

As for the UV Sanitizer, I am not able to do a scientific test of whether or not it provides added benefit. I did some research that suggests that UV Sanitizers are effective, but that is taking someone else's word for it. What I can say is that it does operate as the instructions indicate. Once you remove the brush head and insert it into the peg stand and close the door, pressing the power button once starts a 10 minute cycle that shuts off automatically. The blue light is fairly bright and much larger than the green battery indicator on the main brushing unit. If you use this right before bed, you will probably want to close your bathroom door to avoid having the nice blue glow in your bedroom. I did find that after the 10 minute cycle was complete, the brush head was dry as far as I could tell. This is important since the sanitizer becomes a closed container, and excess water could cause mold/mildew. In the end I can't offer any negatives on the UV Sanitizer which is good because (as of this writing) the only FlexCare Plus model you can by is this one. There is currently no standalone model.

Battery life is rated for 42 two minute brushings, but I don't think most people will ever put this to the test. An individual would have to be away from home for three solid weeks and not take their travel charger to drain the battery.

ACCESSORIES: One of the things I criticized on my older FlexCare brush was the soft travel case. Philips stepped up on the FlexCare Plus and added a hard plastic case that holds the base unit and two brush heads. They also include a travel charger, which is nice, but you would only need this for an extended trip away from home with the increased battery life.

DRAWBACKS: There really aren't any. Some may find the price steep, but you do get what you pay for. Perhaps offering a unit without the UV Sanitizer could lower the price some, but I wouldn't expect a large difference.

CONCLUSION: Philips has done what all manufacturers should strive to do in the next generation of a product. They kept what worked and made improvements in the shortcomings of the prior version. After having used a Sonicare FlexCare brush for over a year and a half, I highly recommend this model to anyone looking for a new power toothbrush. If you have the older FlexCare model, I would wait until it is time to replace your old one before upgrading as the differences, while improvements, are not substantial.

230 of 232 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, September 15, 2009

By 

Steve R. Cook - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus HX6972/10, Rechargeable Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)

This is a GREAT investment in your dental hygiene. I have had this for only a few days and it knocks the pants off of my old Sonicare Elite that I have had for almost 5 years. New Flexcares are the way to go in my opinion. The look and feel of this tooth brush is very high tech and sleek. In comparing the Elite model with the Flexcare plus I have noticed a tremendous amount of improvements. The first is the Procare brush heads that come with this toothbrush. They are slightly more course (which I like) than the original brush heads that I bought for my Elite. They also have a blue strip on them which diminishes in time to signal when you need to replace the brush head. It just feels like my teeth are cleaner than when I used the Elite. Also the 5 modes of cleaning you can choose from compared to only one with my Elite. The quadpacer feature is pretty nice. It is basically a small and short beep every 30 seconds to signal you when you should switch brushing from one quadrant of your teeth to another. And the last thing that leapt out at me was the UV sanitizer built in to the charger. After 5 years with one model, I was growing paranoid about the cleanliness even though you change up brush heads. Some added accessories come in very handy if you travel a lot. A miniature travel case with an extra brush head and a miniature charger come with this purchase. I highly recommend this item to anybody.