The ideal manual toothbrush has a small head and soft bristles. Replace your toothbrush every three months or once it looks worn to maintain its effectiveness and avoid gum damage.
Some patients find that an electric toothbrush is easier to use over a manual toothbrush and does a more thorough job of cleaning the teeth and gums. Inbuilt timers, synchronized phone apps and alarms can all serve as prompts for correct use.
Each type of toothbrush works well as long as you use it as recommended by your health professional. Thorough brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste for 2 minutes twice a day reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.