How to choose the right toothbrush for your teeth

It's just as important to choose the best dental insurance policy for you as it is choosing a toothbrush for your teeth. The correct toothbrush will help to maximise the benefits of brushing.

Firstly, choose a toothbrush with a small head - it's capable of reaching the nooks and crannies of your mouth that a bigger brush can't get to.

The bristles of the brush should be soft or medium, never hard - dental erosion through abrasive brushing is a common complaint, and soft bristles will help avoid this.

Replace your brush every three months. Your toothbrush need not be top-of-the-range and the priciest in the shop to be effective and an expensive toothbrush with all the bells and whistles won't necessarily make a difference to the state of your teeth. It's the habit of brushing regularly that's more important.

What about electric toothbrushes?

Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly commonplace, especially the more 'disposable', new generation, electric brushes that run by battery. They usually have heads that vibrate or oscillate to help remove plaque and debris. Some dentists believe that these toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque.

If you are looking for an appropriate toothbrush for your child, stick to small toothbrushes with soft nylon bristles. Novelty toothbrushes are also suitable and can help to encourage young children to brush their teeth.

If in any doubt, look for toothbrushes that are accredited by the British Dental Health Foundation. This means that any claims made by the manufacturers have been tested.

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