May 31, 2021 - minute readminutes read

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for You

Everyone’s oral health needs are different. Choosing a toothbrush that is right for you can help significantly enhance your oral care experience and contribute to better oral health.

In-Context-GUM-Toothbrush-Collection v2 (w/ Sonic TB)

Braces, plaque build-up, sensitive teeth? You need a toothbrush that is adapted to your specific needs. Not sure where to start? This page can give you some pointers to help you find the best toothbrush for you.

Experts recommend [1] the use of toothbrushes with soft bristles. Stiff bristles can damage your gum tissue and enamel which can potentially lead to bleeding, gum recession and tooth sensitivity. All of our toothbrushes are equipped with gentle bristles, some softer than others to suit special needs. Discover our complete toothbrush range.

What matters most is your brushing technique. So, if you’re a skillful brusher, the difference between the two should be minimal. However, studies show that electric toothbrushes generally achieve better results in terms of plaque removal. That’s because they do most of the work and help compensate for weaknesses in your brushing technique. If you have bleeding or tender gums, or limited dexterity, an electric toothbrush could be a really good solution to help you achieve great results with more ease.

Both are great tools to help optimize your brushing technique and obtain better results. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes are typically more sophisticated in terms of features, for added control and ease when brushing. Battery-powered electric toothbrushes are a great option for travel: they're more compact and don't require you to carry a charger around. If you're on the road a lot, we recommend using GUM ActiVital® Sonic Battery Tootbrush.

If you choose an electric toothbrush there are a number of features that can make your brushing experience even more effective. Some of the most worthwhile ones include timers and pressure sensors which help you optimise your brushing technique. For people with extra sensitive teeth and/or tender gums, a sensitive mode could be a valuable option.

The size of the toothbrush head is important for effective brushing. Toothbrush head sizes are typically full, compact or ultra compact. The compact size is ideal for most adults. However, if you have trouble reaching the sides of your back teeth, consider using a toothbrush with a smaller head such as GUM ActiVital.

If you have bleeding or receding gums, this means your gums are inflamed. This could be due to a number of factors, including plaque build-up, vigorous brushing and/or use of a hard brush. Whatever the cause, your gums are going to feel tender, particularly when brushing. We recommend using a brush with very soft bristles, specially designed for brushing with heightened sensitivity. A great option is GUM SensiVital®, designed for gentle and effective plaque removal around the gum line, which is key to help prevent or reduce inflammation.

If you have plaque build-up on your teeth, look out for toothbrushes with tapered bristles which are specially designed for greater plaque removal. Thanks to their super fine extremities, tapered bristles are particularly gentle and effective at removing plaque around the gum line and between teeth. Even when trying to get rid of plaque, it’s important that you use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging delicate gum tissue. Try using GUM ActiVital Sonic Battery Toothbrush or GUM Technique® PRO if you prefer a manual brush.

If you have sensitive teeth, it is important to use a toothbrush with ultra soft, tapered bristles for a featherlight touch. These are designed to help you clean effectively without damaging your enamel and reduce any discomfort you might feel while brushing. Check out GUM SensiVital manual toothbrush or GUM ActiVital Sonic Battery toothbrush.

It is normal for teeth to become stained over time. Food and drink, smoking and poor oral care are major causes of tooth discolouration. If you want to minimize the effects of your lifestyle on the appearance of your teeth, you could use a toothbrush specially designed for stain removal. GUM Original White features elastomer-coated bristles which are particularly effective at removing stains and plaque, to help you both restore the original whiteness of your teeth and improve your oral health.

During an orthodontic treatment, cleaning your teeth properly is more important than ever as food debris and plaque can build up around the braces. The good news is that there are toothbrushes specially designed to help prevent this. They come with a smaller head with V-shape cut bristles to help you easily clean around wires and brackets. Check out the GUM ORTHO Toothbrush.

It’s important to help children develop good oral care habits from a young age, so choosing a comfortable and easy-to-use toothbrush is key. Children’s toothbrushes usually have a smaller head for easy reach. A built-in suction cup at the base can also be useful as it allows the brush to stand upright to dry off and reduces clutter around the sink. For babies and toddlers, a toothbrush with a longer handle can help parents maintain a good grip while brushing their child’s teeth. Check out our toothbrush range for children.

[1] Zanna FB, Bergoli AD, Werle SB, Antoniazzi RP. Biofilm removal and gingival abrasion with medium and soft toothbrushes. Oral health Prev Dent 2011; 9 (2):177-83