How’s your bathroom set-up looking? Do you own a top notch razor? A pair of capable clippers? Maybe even a nose hair trimmer? Yes? Good, because being well-groomed is a clear-cut, neatly shaved sign of a self-respecting man. Unfortunately, there’s one item in our bathroom cabinet that even the most tidily-trimmed and well-washed gentlemen tend to neglect; the toothbrush.
And you should never underestimate the value of a megawatt smile. Thankfully, we’ve brushed up on the best electric, manual and specialist tools for the dental job, and separated the decent from the duds below. So don’t despair if your teeth are looking a little worse for wear — there’s a pearly white light at the end of the tunnel…
For the eco-warrior: Humble Brush
Based in Sweden, The Humble Co. is leading a small revolution in personal care products. We’ve all seen the evidence of what non-degradable plastics are doing to the environment — so here’s an ocean-friendly alternative for this most crucial item in your grooming arsenal.
It might not be the most technologically advanced option on our list, but this toothbrush will give you a thorough clean. Dentist and The Humble Co. founder, Noel Abdayem, explains, “Soft toothbrushes are gentler to gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. By brushing incorrectly and too vigorously you damage the gums, root surface, and the protective tooth enamel. A soft toothbrush is thus the safest choice.”
For keeping at your girlfriend’s house: Oub Tortoiseshell Toothbrush
It’s one of the great relationship milestones. Slotting your toothbrush into a sharing cup that sits in your girlfriend’s bathroom. With this in mind, it’s of paramount importance that your toothbrush looks the part. This ‘Oub’ toothbrush by Buly 1803 has been handcrafted in Italy from tortoiseshell acetate. If that wasn’t decadent enough, the brush head is packed with natural silk bristles to ensure effective cleaning.
If you’re looking to impress the one you think might be the one, then let this super suave toothbrush do the talking (and brushing, obviously).
For the gadget lover: Oral B iO9 Electric Toothbrush
How much have you spent at the dentist during the last two or three years? Thought of a figure? Good, because £500 for Oral B and Braun’s incredibly impressive iO9 no longer seems so bad, does it? Especially when this thing is practically a dental surgery itself. With enough functions to rival a smartphone, this brush uses micro-vibrations and magnetic technology to give you the clean of your life.
Seven ‘Smart Modes’ (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Gum Care, Intense Clean, Whitening, Tongue Cleaner, Super Sensitive) tailor the toothbrush to your mouth, smart pressure sensors and a digital display ensure you don’t brush too hard — and the app (yes, it connects to an app) uses AI and 3D teeth-tracking to monitor your progress and guide you to the most thorough possible clean.
For one that doubles up as an objet d’art: Apriori Diamond Black
Now this one makes £500 above seem cheap. Ever struggle with an overflowing bank balance? Or that age-old dilemma; what to buy for the gentleman who has everything? Well, we’ve got you covered with this remarkable brush. In what might be the most decadent grooming inclusion this site has ever seen (and we do not say that lightly), this toothbrush is made using fine black ceramic and inlaid with 512 spectacular pave diamonds.
A small team of artisans from the jewellery industry are employed to precisely hand finish, engrave and assemble the toothbrushes. Each of Apriori’s models requires 18 hours of finishing, engraving and assembly — so perhaps more of a decoration piece than something you want dislodging a piece of lunch.
For when you’re on the go: FOREO ISSA 2
By blending durable PBT polymer and ultra-soft silicone into one remarkable sonic toothbrush (that lasts 365 days on a single charge!), the ISSA 2 will keep you smiling without a seconds pause.
And, as the world opens up after lockdown, this is the ideal gift for the gentleman always on the go — he who always leave too little room in his cabin luggage. Because it always pays to pack an extra toothbrush…
Looking for more grooming essentials? Here’s how to achieve the perfect shave every time…
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Further reading
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