A good toothbrush plays a very important role in good dental hygiene.  Although having a good brushing technique, using a good toothpaste, brushing frequently and spending time cleaning your teeth every day, the type of toothbrush you use will also directly affect how well you remove plaque buildup on your teeth. 

You can find toothbrushes of all shapes, sizes, colors and brands.  Variations include tapered heads, boxy heads, angled heads, neon handles, handles with bending rubber, handles with your kid's favorite cartoon character, electric or battery operated, rubber bristles, indicator bristles, etc.  The options vary in price as much as they do in color.

Choosing the best toothbrush for you can be a challenge considering the wide range of options.  It is essential that the toothbrush be able to move freely in your mouth to clean every tooth surface and that the bristles be soft enough to not injure the gums.  Not every toothbrush is suitable for every mouth.  Age, size, braces, etc. are all factors that need to be considered when selecting toothbrush.  The following tips might be helpful in choosing a good brush for you.
    A good place to start looking is to consult your dentist and hygienist for a toothbrush recommendation.  After all, this is their profession and they have on-hands experience to know what works well and what doesn't.
    Bristles are the most important thing to consider when buying a toothbrush. Choose soft nylon bristles.  You will want bristles that will last long and be gentle on the gums even after vigorous brushing.  In addition, you will want to choose a bristle design that helps you to access the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.
    Select a toothbrush with a brushhead that is small enough to access the hard-to-reach areas.  The size of the toothbrush head should be appropriate to the size of the oral cavity.  In general, the size of a brush head which is the same as the diameter of a one-dollar coin will be suitable for adults.
    Pick a toothbrush with a comfortable handle. Many have non-slip grips, which make them easy to use even if wet.  The handle design is one option that should be determined by personal preference and habit. 
    There has been no evidence to prove that electronic toothbrushes work any more effectively than conventional ones. Both manual and powered toothbrushes clean the teeth effectively as long as they are used correctly.  However, people who are handicapped or who wear braces may prefer them.  If you choose to use an interdental brush or a powered toothbrush, you should consult your dentist first.
    Replace your toothbrush once every three months or whenever it becomes worn.  Regular replacement of toothbrushes contributes to maintaining a consistently high level of oral hygiene because research has shown that a new toothbrush can remove up to 30% more plaque than one that's three months old.  Many toothbrushes today have indicator bristles that fade over time and indicate when you need to change out toothbrushes.  These can be very helpful to know when to throw out the old one because it isn't always obvious.

An important thing to remember is that you should always change your toothbrush after recovering from an infection because bacteria in your mouth and saliva might have transferred to your toothbrush.  In addition, it is good practice to clean your toothbrush regularly with mouthwash to kill bacteria that naturally lives in the human mouth and thrives on toothbrushes.  A ten-minute soak in mouthwash every day can keep your toothbrush and mouth healthy and clean.

In summary, toothbrush options are as varied in color as well as they are in effectiveness.  Not every toothbrush is effective for every person.  To choose a toothbrush for you, follow these tips to assess what your toothbrush needs are.