Walk down any UK high street and you'll find a wall of toothbrushes, from £1 manual brushes to electric models with apps and pressure sensors. So which one should you actually use? The good news is that the answer is simpler than the packaging suggests.
Electric or manual: does it matter?
According to the NHS, it doesn't matter whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush. Both are equally good, as long as you clean every surface of every tooth and use a fluoride toothpaste.
Where an electric brush can help is in making good habits easier. Many people find they brush more thoroughly with one, and features like a built-in two-minute timer take the guesswork out of how long to brush. If you have limited grip or find brushing fiddly, an electric brush can also make things more comfortable.
The habits that make the biggest difference
Whichever brush you choose, these simple habits matter more than the brush itself:
- Brush twice a day for about two minutes. Make one of those times last thing before bed. The NHS says night-time brushing is especially important.
- Use the right toothpaste. Adults should use a toothpaste with at least 1,350ppm fluoride. You'll find the amount printed on the tube.
- Spit, don't rinse. Rinsing straight after brushing washes away the fluoride left on your teeth, so just spit out the excess.
- Clean between your teeth. A brush can't reach everywhere. Floss or interdental brushes help remove food and plaque from the gaps.
- Replace your brush or brush head regularly. A good rule of thumb is every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to splay.
Choosing an electric toothbrush
If you do decide to go electric, here are a few things worth looking for:
- A two-minute timer, ideally with a pulse every 30 seconds so you know when to move to the next part of your mouth.
- A pressure sensor that warns you if you're pressing too hard, which is easy to do without noticing.
- Easy-to-find replacement heads at a sensible price, because you'll be buying them every few months.
- Battery life and charging that suit your routine, especially if you travel.
- A UK plug or USB charging, so it works straight out of the box.
The bottom line
The best toothbrush is the one you'll use properly, twice a day, every day. If an electric brush helps you do that, it's a worthwhile upgrade. If you're happy with a manual brush and a good routine, that's great too.
Browse our oral care range for electric toothbrushes, replacement heads and everything else you need for a fresh, confident smile.
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your dentist. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, speak to your dental practice.
