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Black Friday week
Your first dental check-up now just £70
Black Friday week
30% off teeth whitening & check-up package
Black Friday week
Your first dental check-up now just £70
Black Friday week
30% off teeth whitening & check-up package

How To Choose the Right Toothbrush for You 

March 28, 2025

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, everything seems simple until you see the vast selection of products available.  It can be difficult to decide which one will work the best for you and your teeth.

Choosing the right toothbrush is essential for maintaining good oral health. The right brush will help you to remove plaque effectively while reducing your risk of gum recession and enamel abrasion.

The toothbrush menu includes choice on different bristle types, brush head sizes as well as manual, battery and electric models.  There is also a difference in the technology on offer in the electric models which can offer different cleaning modes, an oral care app and a pressure sensor. Some brushes have a sonic cleaning action while others either oscillate or rotate.

Knowing what to look for ensures you invest your money wisely, and time spent on oral care gives you the best results possible.

When selecting a toothbrush, many factors impact how comfortably and effectively you clean your teeth. Here are some to keep in mind:

1. Bristle Firmness

The type of bristles on your brush plays an essential role in protecting your teeth and gums. Soft or sensitive rounded bristles are most highly recommended.   They provide effective cleaning without causing damage. It’s worth noting here that it's your technique that cleans your teeth effectively and not how hard the bristles are. Hard bristles may seem like they are doing a better job but risk gum recession and enamel abrasion over time.  Combining both short and long bristles in the same brush head is thought to result in a more thorough clean.

2. Brush Head Size

A toothbrush with a smaller, compact head is better at targeting hard-to-reach areas, such as your molar teeth at the back of your mouth.

3. Handle Design

A comfortable and ergonomic handle can make brushing easier and more effective. Look for a toothbrush with a non-slip grip, especially if you have dexterity issues or conditions like arthritis. A well-designed handle ensures better control, helping you maintain the correct brushing technique for optimal oral health.

4. Electric Vs Manual

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can be effective, but electric models tend to offer better plaque removal due to the technology package that comes with the brush.

The main features of an electric brush are:

  • Built-in timer that will encourage you to spend the same amount of time on each quadrant of your mouth and a full two minutes each time you clean your teeth.
  • Pressure sensor that will alert you if you are using too much pressure that could potentially damage your teeth and gums.
  • Different brushing modes are also useful for example a sensitive mode for those that already suffer from gum recession which cleans more gently than the standard mode.
  • If you are getting feedback from your hygienist that you are missing areas, you can use the oral care app that comes with some brushes to track your brushing so you can see which surfaces you have cleaned and which ones you have missed.
  • They can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with brushing technique or have limited mobility.  The electric toothbrush handles are easy to grip for any age.

If an electric toothbrush is not for you then a soft or extra soft manual toothbrush with a small head would be my choice. I would recommend that this is used in conjunction with a timer, so you spend a full two-minute cleaning to ensure you have done a good job.

Choosing the right toothbrush can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy mouth, but everyone’s oral needs are different. Here are some specific factors to consider based on your dental situation:

1. Implants or Composite Bonding

If you have implants or composite bonding, it’s important to use a toothbrush that cleans effectively without causing any damage. A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best choice, as it helps to avoid scratching composite material or irritating the gums around implants. Electric toothbrushes with a sensitive or gum care mode provide gentle but thorough cleaning, helping to maintain your teeth’s restorations. Opting for a smaller brush head can also improve precision, allowing you to clean around implants and bonded teeth more effectively.

2. Retainers

If you have fixed retainers, an electric toothbrush can help clean around the wire and prevent plaque build-up.

3. Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity requires a gentle approach to brushing. An extra soft-bristled toothbrush is the best option, as it cleans effectively without causing further discomfort. Some electric toothbrushes also feature a sensitive mode, which reduces pressure and provides a gentler cleaning experience.

4. Gum Disease

If you’re dealing with gum disease or have inflamed gums, using the right toothbrush can help to prevent further inflammation. Soft or extra-soft bristles are ideal, as they provide a thorough clean while being gentle on the gums. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can also help as you will know how much pressure is needed to clean your teeth without over doing it. The 2-minute timer will also encourage a thorough clean along with the tracking option available on some brushes, so you know you have removed harmful plaque bacteria.

Do Cleaning Modes Matter?

Many electric toothbrushes come with different cleaning modes, such as whitening, gum care or deep clean. While these features can be helpful, they are not essential. By choosing a toothbrush tailored to your specific needs, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while ensuring your daily routine is as effective and comfortable as possible.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush or Toothbrush Heads?

No matter which toothbrush you choose, replacing it regularly is vital for good oral hygiene. It is recommended to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Worn-out bristles lose their effectiveness, making it harder to remove plaque and debris. Additionally, old toothbrushes can harbour bacteria, which may increase the risk of oral infection.  If you have an electric model, then we recommend you change the heads every three months.

Overall, the best toothbrush is one that effectively removes plaque while being comfortable to use. Whether you choose a manual or electric option, the key to maintaining a healthy mouth is using a toothbrush twice a day for 2 minutes with a methodical but gentle technique.

If you’re unsure which toothbrush is best for your specific dental needs, speak with your dentist or hygienist for personalised recommendations. A professional can help you choose the right toothbrush and ensure your oral care routine supports long-term dental health.

Smile Hub’s Expert Recommendation:

The Oral B IO Electric Toothbrush Series

These brushes combine advanced oscillating-rotating technology with micro-vibrations for a deep and effective clean. It features a smart pressure sensor to protect gums, an interactive display for real-time feedback, and AI-driven brushing recognition to ensure thorough coverage. Its gentle yet powerful action helps remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush reducing your risk of gum disease.

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Andrew Newman

A fantastic service from Smile Hub Spitalfields. Catherine and the team are great. I highly recommend.

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Awesome service! They will be my go to dentists in future.

Nimo Ahmed

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Great service, lovely people, very thorough, value for money. Thanks to Cath and the team.

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Very friendly and professional. Always get great service and feel very comfortable. Very nice facilities.

Josh Chamberlain

Fantastic as always. Really efficient. Felt completely safe. Thorough and professional. Lovely new consulting rooms.

Alex Carver

Highly recommended and have been a customer for years.

Mark Jewell

Excellent, caring and friendly service. I am sure to return!

Yadubara Das

Friendly and professional service from all staff at Smile Hub. I had new Vivera retainers made and I am very happy with them!

Dianne Tipping

The service and care offered by the clinic was amazing

Maria Alonso

Kush was super helpful, patient and informative. Happy with the end result.

Christian Hayles

High quality dentists and hygienists in a beautiful office

Caroline Raul

Very professional and excellent customer service.

George Yeboah

Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable and 100% puts me at ease.

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Excellent service and very friendly and competent.

Kenneth Baird

I can't speak highly enough of Catherine Freestone. She has been my dentist for a year and is amazing and a lovely person. Highly recommend Smile Hub.

Timothy Crooks

I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you want great, competent service by friendly experts!

Nicholas Newell

Excellent service and highly recommend Cath and Smile Hub.

Mary O'Reilly

The whole team is friendly and professional and they have the comfiest dental chair I've ever sat in!

D Valdar

My most trusted place for any dental issues. Kush is excellent at what he does and the staff is friendly and makes you comfortable.

Sirsa Majumder

Cath Freestone has been my dentist for just over three years. She has been fantastic and I recommend smilehub highly.

Celia Carr

Appreciate the service and quality, very good doctor. Definitely recommend.

Yuliia Kulykovska

I would definitely recommend people to contact Dr Freestone at Smile Hub.

Alex Wu

Outstanding customer service and the way they treat their customers is like no other dentist I've ever come across.

Nils

I had a great experience with Dr Cath Freestone at Smile Hub! She provided excellent advice and care and the surgery is very professional and modern.

Genevieve Aldridge

Took my 3 year old to see the dentist here last week. Wonderful service.

Sam Cook

Excellent service from Smilehub, the whole team is very professional and attentive.

Jonathan Russo

Dr Kush dealt with my situation with great professionalism and made the whole experience go smoothly.

Renu

I received an excellent service right the way through and the staff were very helpful and knowledgable.

Chris Murphy

Great and professional service! Lovely office as well.

Nadir Chioino

Really great dental practice, came here for a hygienist appointment and everything was perfect

Natalia

I can not recommend there professionalism, compassion, without judgment enough.

Paul Stansfield

I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for an honest and approachable dentist.

Giovanna Hsu

I really felt calm and well looked after. Well worth the visit and seamless experience.

Annette Neto

I would absolutely recommend if you are looking for an honest dentist that knows what they are doing!

Sophia Hannah

Their receptionist is very professional and helpful, and their facilities are kept very clean.

TM

I would give this 6 stars if I could. Great service from Emma who was extremely attentive and thorough. Highly recommend.

Emma Sabry

Kush is amazing and makes you feel so at ease; so friendly and professional.

Chloe Bowden

The results were amazing. Highly recommended.

Matt Scott

They explain everything that is happening in a clear, concise manner.

Claire Slora

I would always highly recommend them!

Bojana Jovanovic

Great service, easily the best dental surgery I've ever been to.

Rachel Edwards

Catherine's guidance is incredibly comforting and I would absolutely recommend

Craig Pechey

A wonderful dentist for small children.

Lucy Blake

Friendly and professional service from start to finish.

Aaron Kempen

Dr Kush was efficient and professional, explaining what he was doing and made me feel comfortable and putting my mind at ease.

Karen German

Have just finished my Invisalign treatment with Cath and I couldn’t be more pleased with my teeth.

Briony Steele

Everyone is very kind and attentive and the care and advice I received from Dr Catherine Freestone were absolutely brilliant.

Ana Draskovic

Staff were very attentive and made sure my whole experience from start to finish was as pleasant as possible.

Stuart Walton

Smile Hub has stood out as being consistently organised, kind and accommodating, and their work have always been impeccable.

Caitlan Lloyd

Excellent practice. Efficient, clean and always accommodating on availability.

Matthew Raeside

Fantastic Service with my Dental Hygienist Emma. Good Banter and a great clean.

Jeames Horn

Dr. Hena was wonderful ! She made me feel calm and explained the whole process calmly to me

Lisa Gabbai

The facilities are modern and clean.

Sean Bale

Fantastic service, best equipment and new techniques always being introduced.

Victoria Harud

Dr K is brilliant, made me feel super secure and relaxed, 100% booking all future visits here!

JW

Really fantastic place, would recommend.

Amanda Yim

Throughout I was confident I was in good hands

Henry Sykes

Hena and the team have been amazing as I worked through various dental issues with them.

Donall Breen

Came in with a toothache and the team there were very thorough and professional.

Jim Wee

Professional and caring. Thank you Kath & her team for your great service. Dr Hannah is a jewel of the dental practice.

Wijay Pitumpe

Comfortable atmosphere despite my initial stress regarding the treatment - would recommend!

Chris Ashfield

I will continue to go to Smile Hub for my regular dentist appointments as they have won me over with their efficient and friendly service.

Jantien Van Renterghem

Dr. Hena went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable during the procedure

Erica Corson

Happy to recommend Hena and Smile Hub to anyone else considering Invisalign treatment.

Gareth Haddow

could not be happier about the results or the service!

Sanjana Suresh

Would certainly recommend this practice to anyone!

Iain French

I highly recommend this dentist to anyone. Their reception team is also very accommodating!

JJ

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Find us

Smile Hub Spitalfields

8a Brushfield Street
London
E1 6AN

Opening times

Monday - Friday

9am - 5pm

Saturday

9am - 1pm

(By appointment only for Invisalign and composite bonding)

Sunday

Closed

Smile Hub Linklaters

Linklaters Wellness Centre
2nd Floor Milton House
One Silk Street
London
EC2Y 8HQ

Opening times

Tuesday - Thursday

9am - 5pm

Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Closed