Sonic Spinbrush from Arm & Hammer

The UK's largest oral health charity, the British Dental Health Foundation, has urged more people to start investing in new toothbrushes more regularly, before ithey develop into a "breeding ground" for germs and bacteria.

Numerous studies over the years have reported the toothbrush to be the cause of repeated infection in the mouth. Not only able to grow and reproduce on the bristles of the brush, the bacteria also have the ability to transmit organisms responsible for diseases throughout the body.

With that in mind it's worth remembering not just to replace a toothbrush every three months but to make sure you clean it as well. Milton Sterising Fluid is great for this and you can buy it in tablet form as well. Just follow the instructions and 15 minutes later your brush is ready to use – no rinsing necessary. As you make up the Milton in five litres of cold water there's plenty for all the family toothbrushes (or brushheads) and any other items like water bottles that could do with sterilising. Would be great to be able to make up a smaller amount.

PWT Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Of course if you are using an electric toothbrush you just need to change the head every three months. The latest one on the market to be tested by PWT is the Sonic Spinbrush from Arm & Hammer. In trials this toothbrush removed 90 per cent of plaque in hard to reach places.

The Spinbrush is designed to reach between teeth, with a dynamic fluid action that drives toothpaste and water where bristles can’t get to, effectively removing unwanted plaque.

The replaceable brushhead is larger than I am used to so it took a little time to adjust to but one's teeth certainly feel clean afterwards plus as it uses batteries you don't need a base unit or plug socket to recharge it so it's useful for taking away with you on holiday or to festivals. My rating would have been a heart higher if the toothbrush had a cap to protect the brushhead while being transported around.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥