Looking for a toothbrush sounds like a simple enough task, but when you’re faced with an aisle full of brushes, which all look fairly similar, it can actually be really difficult to choose a brush. Do you go for a manual, battery-powered or electric toothbrush? Do you go for a small, medium or large brush head? Do you need soft or medium bristles?

If you’re looking for a new toothbrush, we will be happy to make recommendations for you based on your needs and preferences.

Electric versus manual toothbrushes

We recommend electric toothbrushes because they are clinically proven to remove more plaque than traditional manual brushes; this is because the brush heads tend to be smaller, which means that they can cover more of the mouth and the speed of the rotation of the head is much quicker. There are many different makes and models and brushes range in price from less than £10 to more than £200; you don’t need to spend the earth to buy a decent brush and we will happily make recommendations suited to your budget.

There is nothing wrong with using a manual brush and some people prefer to stick to traditional brushes, but it is important that you brush in the right way and cover all the corners of your mouth.

Choosing a brush head

There are many different sizes and shapes of brush head available. Normally, it is best to go for a brush with a small head, as they are easy to manoeuvre around the mouth and can reach into the corners of the mouth, which can attract plaque and trap food debris. In most cases, we recommend a soft or medium brush as brushing too hard can damage the tooth enamel.

For children, it is best to stick to products that are specially designed for kids; however, many adult products are also suitable for younger people. If you are unsure, we will be happy to offer advice.

How often do I need to change my toothbrush?

Ideally, you should swap your toothbrush every 3-5 months; look out for signs of wear on the brush head and replace as soon as you notice these changes. If you have an electric toothbrush, you can usually buy replacement heads, rather than buying a completely new brush.