With many dental products, the smallest of differences can have a big impact and nowhere is that clearer than when it comes to the type of toothbrush you choose.

Choosing the best toothbrush depends on a wide range of factors that are almost impossible to see but are noticeable on your teeth and gums and can affect your dental health when used for long enough.

Generally, the most important part of a toothbrush when it comes to dental health is the bristles, both in terms of positioning but also in terms of rigidity.

Toothbrushes are grouped in terms of having soft, medium and hard bristles, but, somewhat remarkably, the brush that feels like it has the most effect is probably the one that is doing your teeth more harm than good.

A lot of people like the feeling of a firmer toothbrush for the same reason they like the flavour of mint in toothpaste; minty fresh breath feels clean and a vigorous brushing feels more effective than one with soft brushes.

This is ultimately not really the case. Firmer bristles often lack the flexibility to reach between teeth and that leaves some gaps in teeth cleaning that unless you also use mouthwash and floss could mean bacteria is growing on your teeth and contributing to tooth decay.

What could also contribute to tooth decay is over-brushing and brushing too hard, which scrape away tooth enamel and can cause damage to the gums. This is compounded if you use an electric toothbrush, which has a more vigorous brushing action by design.

Softer bristles are far more effective in that they can reach places firm bristles cannot, but also do not irritate the gums and damage the surface of teeth, allowing for better, more effective teeth cleaning.

Technique matters as well, and make sure you are brushing softly with circular motions.