A manual toothbrush needs to work to your specific needs. Anyone with sensitive teeth needs a softer bristle and families might require a multipack that gives everyone a new brush. Since it is recommended that on average, you change your brush every three to four months, there is always a need for a new manual toothbrush.
Since you use it twice a day, you want it to be comfortable to hold and for it to last a while before you need to replace it. Some people think they can just grab any old brush off the shelf, but with so many options, you are probably doing your teeth a disservice. To help maintain a brilliant smile, and make the most of your two minutes in front of the bathroom mirror, here are our top ten manual toothbrushes.
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Our Top Picks for the Best Manual Toothbrush
Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush
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This pack of 3 manual toothbrushes is impressive and incredibly popular. This is partially down to the slim bristles that delve deeper between teeth to remove plaque and keep your mouth healthy. They are soft enough to be kind on enamel but still make light work of stains when used with the right toothpaste. What a lot of people like is that they contain antibacterial ingredients such as tea tree oil and magnolia bark. This alone helps to freshen breath. There is also a non-slip thumb grip to make sure you stay accurate and get to the areas you want.
Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Toothbrush
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These high-quality manual toothbrushes are disposable, making them convenient when you are on the go or planning a trip away. Still, it doesn’t affect their performance and you get plenty in a pack. With 24 prepasted toothbrushes, you will never be caught short when you get to work or want to go from the office to a night out. They remove surface stains to whiten teeth and have a peppermint flavor. There is even a soft pick at the bottom to get rid of stubborn bits of plaque and food.
Dental Expert – 5 Pack Charcoal Toothbrush
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These soft brushes are great for sensitive teeth and have been made with the conscious brusher in mind thanks to the design that is good for the whole family. They say they eliminate 99% of plaque by getting into the hard-to-reach places and are kind on sensitive gums. What is most impressive here is the value. The functionality is good, and they will serve kids and adults alike, and you are getting 5 for a small price. They keep using the word charcoal when marketing the brushes, and whilst they do not contain any, they can, of course, be used with any toothpaste.
Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Antimicrobial Toothbrush
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In just six hours, these toothbrushes get rid of 99.9% of bacteria. They even say that bacteria can’t survive on these brushes, which is something we can get on board with. The technology that goes into the bristles is antimicrobial, which protects them from bacteria and keeps things sterile. The anti-slip handle feels grippy compared to a lot of the smoother options, and you can get a firm hold of it when brushing. The flossing bristles measure a meager 1 micrometer which helps the brush to get to places others cannot.
Curaprox 5460 Ultrasoft Toothbrush
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These well-designed toothbrushes come in a pack of 3, so if they are only for you, then they should last around a year. Ultrasoft is so great for sensitive teeth and gums. The bristles are ultra-thin but combine to help keep your teeth clean. They offer a gentle brushing sensation that makes light work of plaque and is still able to help lift stains. The handle is in an octagonal shape which makes it very comfortable in your hand when brushing and the fine filaments on every brush are packed tight on an angled head to improve its performance.
Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrushes
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When big brands make bold claims, you get the feeling they can back them up. Oral-B says these soft toothbrushes remove up to 99% of plaque, something that is worth a closer look. It gets into hard-to-reach areas and has a comfortable, non-slip handle that makes brushing more accurate. In four weeks, it can help to improve gum health and prevent gingivitis. These are great for sensitive teeth thanks to the soft bristles, and with 6 in a pack, you are getting some serious value. For manual toothbrushes, they will certainly help to remove stains and maintain your dental hygiene.
Wowe Lifestyle Natural Organic Bamboo Toothbrush
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For the conscious-minded, these are certainly impressive brushes. Made from organic bamboo, they are kind to the environment, and the soft bristles are kind to gums and sensitive teeth. You get 4 in a pack which should last you a year, and the packaging and even the handle are all 100% biodegradable. The brushes are numbered in case you intend to share them with the family, and most people would consider the fact that they are made from bamboo much better for their mouths. Cruelty-free and vegan-certified, they are holistic, to say the least.
Oral-B 3D White Radiant Whitening Toothbrush
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The medium bristles on this manual toothbrush ensure you can give your teeth a deep clean and scrub any stains away. It features cross-bristle technology to ensure it can get into tough-to-reach places and lift plaque to keep your mouth healthy. There are even soft gum massagers that work to stimulate the gums and ensure they are clean as well. You get two in a pack and each one has an anti-slip handle so you can accurately clean your teeth. Great for everyday use and for brightening that smile.
GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush
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A popular toothbrush online, these deep cleaning brushes make it easy for you to angle the head thanks to the quad-grip handle. Because the finely tapered bristles are narrow, they can reach some intricate and tight places, lifting plaque and keeping your mouth hygienic. You get 3 in a pack, so for some people, this will be a year’s supply, but even if you’re sharing them with the family, they are great for everyday use. They come highly rated by thousands of happy customers, but the proof is in the smile.
Manual Toothbrush Guide
If you are one of the many people who grab a new manual toothbrush from the store without paying much attention to what you are buying, you could be missing out on some of the benefits of getting a quality product. Not only do the best manual toothbrushes last longer, but they clean better and leave your teeth in a better condition than average products.
It’s not always easy to find a great product when you don’t know what to look for. To help you understand what a quality manual toothbrush should be capable of, we have created the following guide.
What To Look For In A Manual Toothbrush
Comfortable Handle
Cheaper manual toothbrushes will come with a smooth plastic handle that can be difficult to hold when they get wet. The better products will make it easy to get a good hold of the handle by adding more grips and different textures.
One problem that many people face with manual toothbrushes is that once they have reached their lifespan of around 3-4 months, they are thrown away. The environmental impact concerns a lot of people, which is why there are certain products made from more sustainable materials such as Bamboo. Alternatively, replaceable heads are a good option.
Quality Bristles
Some products tend to position bristles at different lengths, which helps the brush to cover a larger area and create angles that scrub a little better, whilst some are positioned to promote gum health.
Longer bristles at the top can help to get between teeth and remove those difficult-to-reach particles and plaque.
Changeable Brush Heads
To save you money and to make sure you always have a replacement lined up, changeable brush heads can be a great option. This isn’t to say it is an essential thing to look for, but if you are the sort of person who forgets to replace their toothbrush every 4 months, then changeable heads are a sensible idea.
Value
The best thing about using a manual toothbrush is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to find a product that works well. The more features and unique materials a toothbrush has, the more expensive it will be, but there should be a good option for every budget.
Tongue Cleaner
The back of a lot of the best manual toothbrushes has a rough surface to clean your tongue with. This is especially beneficial since bacteria tend to build up there, so a product that has this will allow you to have better dental hygiene.
Indicator Bristles
These are less common when it comes to a manual toothbrush and are mostly found in electric options, but they can help the user to know when it is time to change their toothbrush. This is because the bristles (sometimes all, sometimes a section) feature a dye that fades over time. When the color goes, it is time to get a new toothbrush.
What Is The Best Manual Toothbrush Brush Head Size?
These can vary pretty wildly depending on the brand, but a lot of experts advise that the optimal brush head size is not the bigger one because a smaller head allows you to get into harder-to-reach places.
A round head also makes it easier for you to clean the teeth at the back of your mouth, which is the place that needs a bit of extra attention when brushing.
What Is The Best Hardness For Toothbrush Bristles?
This is a matter of personal choice for the most part, as those with sensitive teeth and gums should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Although many people opt for medium hardness, and they might be better at removing plaque, they tend to be harsher on the gums.
This is why a lot of dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Finding a firm-bristled toothbrush can be difficult as not as many people use them. This is because they can cut into gums and even affect enamel.
How Long Should I Brush My Teeth For?
The advice can differ slightly, but generally, you should brush at least twice a day and for 2 minutes at a time. This is a good amount of time to thoroughly remove plaque, maintain a good level of dental hygiene and prevent dental issues such as gum disease.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to look for in a manual toothbrush, hopefully, you will think twice before adding a random product to your basket. Whether that is online or in-store, there are plenty of great options to keep your teeth sparkling and promote good dental hygiene.