The Best Toothbrush

In general, a brush should fit the following guidelines:-Size. The size of the head is important. Generally speaking, a small head is preferable. Small heads allow you to better reach all the different areas in the mouth. Conversely, having a large bristled head does not mean better cleaning, as it can make it harder for the bristles to get into the spaces between the teeth.-Handle. Ensure that it feels comfortable to hold with a light grip.-Bristles. Do not use a hard (‘firm’) brush (unless your dentist recommends otherwise). Hard bristles can, over time, lead to gum recession and abrasion. Soft or medium bristles are generally better and are sufficient to remove plaque. You may feel you are cleaning better with firm bristles but this is not the case.-Multi-tufted toothbrushes. Bristle groups of different length can help to best clean the awkward places. Many of the best manual toothbrush choices have these.-Flexible angle. If you tend to scrub too hard, a handle angle that bends may help reduce harm to the teeth and gums. ’Over-brushing’ your teeth can lead to problems in the long-term.-Children obviously should be given smaller brushes. Most kids’ versions have the appropriate age on the label. See our guide on brushing kid’s teeth for more advice.