The British Dental Association has various fact files on toothbrushes, toothbrushing, mouthrinses and numerous other topics, which are available to members.

Toothbrushing is such a familiar process that it is often easy to forget how crucial it is to oral health and how important it is for us to brush our teeth properly. Women brush their teeth at least twice a day compared with only 58% of men. Adults should brush at the neck of the tooth where it meets the gum and use very short horizontal movements, at a 45-degree angle to dislodge plaque.

Children may find it difficult to brush effectively until they are at least 6 or 7. One common method for adults to help children clean effectively is for the adult to stand behind the child and tilt the childs head upwards so that all tooth surfaces can be brushed using a gentle scrub method.

Toothbrushing should be introduced as soon as the first teeth appear. If a baby resists brushing, use a clean piece of moist gauze with a tiny spot of fluoride toothpaste to wipe the teeth. An infant toothbrush ought to be used by the age of 2 with twice daily brushing.

There is little evidence at presence to support any specific toothbrush shape or design but it is sensible to buy a toothbrush from one of the companies that are well known for oral healthcare products, as they are often carrying out research to constantly try to improve them. Soft to medium textured, round ended, synthetic bristles are advised.

Teeth can be damaged through toothbrush abrasion if there is a faulty brushing technique. It is not advisable to use a brush, which is too old or too hard, or to brush too aggressively. Strictly speaking, the abrasive agents in the toothpaste cause the damage. Low abrasivity toothpastes are desirable if the patient has any exposed root surfaces.

Toothbrushes should not be shared as studies have shown that bacteria and viruses can live on a toothbrush so there is a risk of infection moving from person to person.

The bathroom could be a germ-laden room, and toothbrushes left lying at the side of a washbasin maybe vulnerable to bacteria. Also, when a toilet is flushed, a fine mist of water spreads through the air, contaminating the toothbrush and other surfaces.

A recent study by Janina has indicated that a significant number of adults (82%) do not realise they risk infection from there own toothbrush. The focus of the study was on the cause of long-term gum disease and halitosis (bad breath). Janina researchers found that high levels of bacteria accumulate on the toothbrush overnight.

During the study the method of cleaning the toothbrush was simply rinsing the brush with tap water. No antibacterial agents were used to disinfect the toothbrush. When this brush was used the next morning the bacteria was then reintroduced to the areas of the gums already infected therefore prolonging the patients infection.

A questionnaire was given to a selection of adult patients asking which method they used to clean their teeth when on holiday. 76% indicated they used bottle water to clean their teeth and rinse the mouth but then proceeded to rinse the brush with tap water. The assumption was that the toothpaste being used for brushing the teeth was sufficient to disinfect the toothbrush. They were unaware that the use of tap water to rinse the brush introduced a secondary source of contamination causing infection and possible intestinal disorders (Holiday Belly).

The introduction of Janina ULTIMA BrushClean sprayed on the toothbrush at night after brushing and rinsing - dramatically reduced the levels of bacteria on the toothbrush therefore promoting the rapid recovery from gum disease and the possibility of contamination from tap water.

A toothbrush should be changed about every two months although patients with active gum disease should change their toothbrushes more often if Janina ULTIMA BrushClean is not used.

Sonic and electric toothbrushes - because these brushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual ones higher levels of bacteria can accumulate on the brush over night. However, with the use of Janina ULTIMA BrushClean no bacteria was detected on the brush head.