Choosing a toothbrush
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Bristles | Soft |
| Head size | Small enough to reach the back teeth |
| Type | Manual or electric; electric if you brush hard, have braces or limited grip |
| Electric brush features | A two-minute timer and a pressure sensor are the most useful |
| Replace | Every three months |
Choosing a toothpaste
| Your need | Choose |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Fluoride toothpaste |
| Sensitive teeth | A sensitivity toothpaste, used daily for at least 2–4 weeks |
| Bleeding gums | A gum-health toothpaste helps, but see a dentist if bleeding continues |
| Tartar build-up | Tartar-control toothpaste slows it; only a clean removes it |
| Stains | Whitening toothpaste removes surface stain, not the natural colour |
| Children | Fluoride toothpaste, in the right amount for their age |
Cleaning between the teeth
A toothbrush can’t reach between the teeth, where many cavities and most gum disease start. Use floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser once a day. Interdental brushes are often easiest for adults with gaps; water flossers help with braces, bridges and implants.
How to brush
- Angle the bristles towards the gum line.
- Use small, gentle circles, not hard scrubbing.
- Clean every surface: outside, inside and chewing surfaces.
- Two minutes, twice a day, including last thing at night.
- Spit, don’t rinse.
If you’re unsure about your technique, ask at your next check-up or clean and we’ll show you.
Questions patients ask us
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?
On average, slightly. A Cochrane review found electric brushes reduced plaque and gum inflammation more than manual ones. They help people who brush too hard, have braces or have limited hand movement.
Soft or medium bristles?
Soft, for almost everyone. Medium and hard bristles can wear enamel and push gums back without cleaning better.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay. Also after an illness.
Which toothpaste is best?
One with fluoride. Beyond that, choose for your need: sensitivity, gum health or tartar control. Whitening pastes remove surface stains but don't change the natural shade.
Should I rinse after brushing?
Spit, don't rinse. Rinsing washes away the fluoride.
How much toothpaste should children use?
A smear for children under three, a pea-sized amount from three to six, with an adult helping until about seven or eight.
Sources
Yaacob et al., powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2014 ↗NHS: how to keep your teeth clean ↗ADA MouthHealthy: toothbrushes ↗ADA MouthHealthy: toothpaste ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.