SCMP Wednesday, February 21, 2001

Best of the Best - toothbrushes
VIVIENNE CHOW
Oral B (from $15.90 at Watson's The Chemist)
''Everyone's needs are different, so there's not one perfect toothbrush, but Oral B makes a wide range of designs and sizes and the quality is internationally recognised. Only those who have difficulty in learning the correct manual method need to use electronic toothbrushes.''
- Dr Heung Wing-fun, president, Hong Kong Chinese Dentists Association
Oral B (from $10.90 at Mannings)
''Studies show that soft-bristled toothbrushes remove plaque as effectively as medium or hard bristles. The shape of the bristle tip is also important. All Oral B toothbrushes have the preferred soft, round bristles.''
- Dr Kim Loos, editor, Dentistry On-Line
Oral B (from $15.90 at Watson's The Chemist)
''We advise our patients to choose toothbrushes with soft bristles and small heads. The head size should be less than the diameter of a one dollar coin for adults, and a 50 cents coin for children.''
- Natalie Lo, chairperson, Hong Kong Dental Hygienists' Association
Colgate (from $10.90 at Mannings)
''An ideal toothbrush should have a small head with soft bristles, but most major brands are generally quite good. The brushing technique is actually more important than the toothbrush.''
- Dr Chow Kiang-cheong, chairman, Hong Kong Society of Hospital Dentistry
Braun Oral B ($498 from Fortress)
''This electronic toothbrush scored the highest ratings in our test. It has a pulse action two-minute timer, two speeds and is pressure sensitive. The only disadvantages are that it's rather expensive and the rechargeable battery can't be replaced.''
- Consumer magazine in New Zealand