After careful consideration, we strongly believe that the Dental Expert Charcoal toothbrush is the best manual toothbrush you can purchase today. This dentist-tested toothbrush comes with ultra-fine charcoal bristles, helping it to achieve 99% plaque reduction in just four weeks of use. It is a no-brainer that a good toothbrush is an important element of your bathroom essentials.
To help you find the best manual toothbrush we’ve collected specs, compared consumer reviews and tested the most popular choices. We looked for bristle count, flexibility, reach and ergonomics. We also considered purpose-built manual toothbrushes, seeking the best manual toothbrush for braces and the most eco-friendly toothbrush. Since many choose manual over electric toothbrushes for reasons of gum sensitivity or due to having braces, we made sure to note the top rated soft and extra soft manual toothbrushes. Cost and convenience for travel also factor in when considering the best manual toothbrush, so we looked for cost-effective options to round out our list. Keep reading to learn more about the Oral-B CrossAction and the other models on our list.
Top 7 Best Manual Toothbrushes
#1 Dental Expert 5 Pack Charcoal Toothbrush
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This soft manual toothbrush was designed with input from top dentists, and it benefits from ultra-porous charcoal’s unique ability to absorb dirt and plaque without irritating gums.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Safe for inflamed gums
- Angled, ultra-fine bristles
- Removes stains more easily than plastic-bristle toothbrushes
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not the cheapest toothbrush option
- Some may find the charcoal brush’s appearance unsettling
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This charcoal toothbrush is the most effective manual toothbrush we’ve seen when it comes to removing plaque and stains. It requires less vigorous motion to get the job done than with plastic-bristle toothbrushes, since the activated charcoal bristles have more cleaning power and can more actively absorb dirt, bacteria and residue.
Packaged in a convenient 5 pack, this product allows for the whole family to try out the benefits of charcoal toothbrushes. Each toothbrush in the pack is a different color, so you know whose is whose. The ultra-fine bristles make it among the least irritating and best ultra-soft manual toothbrush options on the market, and the handle is well-designed and comfortable as well. You might also want the best toothpaste with these toothbrushes.
#2 Oral-B CrossAction All In One Manual Toothbrush
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This soft manual toothbrush is the top performer on our list when it comes to reach and cleaning efficiency, boasting a 99-percent plaque removal rating and carrying 550 CrossAction bristles for gentle lifting and cleaning, even in hard to reach areas.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Removes up to 99% plaque removal
- Highest bristle count on our list
- Color changing wear indicator
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No travel case included
- Large size can hinder control
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This is among the most advanced and well designed manual toothbrushes on the market, and our pick for the best soft manual toothbrush if you’re looking to replace as much of the cleaning power of an electric toothbrush as possible. The heads pack in 550 bristles each, a higher count than the other toothbrushes on our list, and the angled, extra long outer bristles serve to gently lift and scrub away plaque and residue, leaving teeth noticeably whiter.
There’s also a tongue and cheek cleaner feature, which helps remove unwanted germs and bacterial biofilms, helping to ensure fresh breath and promoting overall dental health. The bristles are soft enough that they won’t cause gum irritation for most people, and there is a color-changing wear indicator that tells you when it’s time to switch. This 4-pack is also a good value, giving you theoretically a year’s worth of toothbrushes. If you prefer electric, check out the best electric toothbrush instead.
#3 Colgate Extra Clean Full Head Manual Toothbrush
Award: BEST FOR WHITENING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Circular pattern bristles help remove stains, giving this manual toothbrush extra brightening ability, and its elongated end bristles reach behind molars especially well.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Elongated tip bristles for added reach
- Circular center section for stain removal
- Ergonomic, comfortable handle
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Fewer bristles than the Oral B
- Lacks wear indicators
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
A simple yet comfortable and highly effective toothbrush, the Colgate Extra Clean manual toothbrush is inexpensive enough to pack extra for travel, and its circular bristle pattern adds a stain removing boost. Thanks to its thick, easy to hold handle, this is one of the most ergonomic and maneuverable manual toothbrushes you can buy.
It doesn’t have as many bristles as the Oral B manual toothbrush, but the bristle pattern of the Colgate and the comfortable design of its handle makes this a good choice for those looking for the best manual toothbrush for braces. The elongated end bristles help get spaces between teeth and allow for cleaning rear molars especially well. With the best toothbrush, you’ll need the best toothbrush holder.
#4 Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Manual Toothbrush
Award: BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Made from 80 percent post-consumer materials and has eco-friendly and health conscious BPA-free bristles as well as a sustainable recycled plastic construction. It also has very effectively angled bristles for removing plaque.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- BPA-free bristles
- Made from 80 percent recycled materials
- Plaque removing angled bristles
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Fewer bristles than the Oral B
- Lacks the Colgate’s circular pattern with braces-friendly gaps
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Not only is the Tom’s of Maine Whole Care toothbrush one of the best performing manual toothbrushes for plaque removal, but it’s also eco-friendly and has certified BPA-free bristles, ensuring your toothbrush isn’t exposing you to this potentially teratogenic compound. These toothbrushes are made of a minimum 80% post-consumer material and are themselves recyclable using Terracycle.
In addition to making products with verified eco-friendly features, Tom’s of Maine donates 10% of their profits to children’s health, education, and other charities. The toothbrush itself is a top choice for its performance and softness, too. The bristles are flexible, non-irritating, and good for sensitive gums. They do a good job of lifting out plaque and may irritate the gums less than the longer bristles of the Oral B CrossAction manual toothbrush. If you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom, take a look at one of the best bathroom sinks too.
#5 Amazon Brand Solimo Clean Plus Manual Toothbrushes
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed for comfort, reach and maneuverability, these simple and very affordable toothbrushes are a great value. Staggered bristles and an integrated tongue and cheek cleaner add to their cleaning power and help boost dental and oral health.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Angled end bristles for reaching behind molars
- Easy grip handles
- Sold in generous 10-pack
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Bristles not as fine as with the Oral B
- Larger head impedes motion relative to the Colgate manual toothbrush
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
A basic manual toothbrush that comes in an excellent priced 10 pack, this Solimo toothbrush from Amazon is great for travel and to keep as a backup so you can avoid having to use an accidentally soiled toothbrush. Each toothbrush in the pack is a different color, too, so you know which ones you’ve used. This also makes them convenient for couples and family use.
The bristles are well designed for scrubbing molars and cleaning front teeth but fall short when it comes to reaching in between teeth for removing harder to reach plaque. Still, the value for the money with these manual toothbrushes is hard to beat, making this the best manual travel toothbrush.
#6 TEPE Supreme Soft Manual Toothbrush
Award: BEST FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
WHY WE LIKE IT: This dentist-recommended ultra-soft toothbrush gets rid of plaque without irritating sensitive gums, thanks to ultra-soft, angled and multi-height filaments.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Flexible neck for excellent reach
- Bi-level bristles simultaneously clean gum line and tooth crowns
- Softest manual toothbrush on our list
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Relatively expensive
- Fewer bristles overall than the Oral B
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Benefiting from a great design that incorporates a flexible angled neck for molar reach, this extra soft manual toothbrush is the best manual toothbrush for sensitive gums we’ve tried. It features bi-level bristles that allow it to clean and whiten enamel vigorously while also gently lifting and removing plaque from the gum line and in between teeth.
With the extra flexibility of the neck, this TEPE manual toothbrush has the best reach of any we’ve tested, making it a great choice for those who have retained wisdom teeth. The head itself is smaller than that of the Tom’s or Colgate brushes, helping it maneuver well even around braces. Also helpful is the very comfortable thick handle, which features a non-slip thumb-pad for dexterity. While you’re grabbing a new toothbrush, grab some of the best kids toothpaste too. In case you are also looking for a great product that can simplify how you wash your kids, read our guide on the best handheld shower heads.
#7 Reach Crystal Clean Firm Adult Toothbrush
Award: BEST FOR BRACES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Reach manual toothbrush is well priced and has a few innovative features to its credit, such as an angled handle that lets it rest cleanly on the countertop without getting bristles dirty.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Angled handle keeps bristles off countertops
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Bi-level bristles to clean teeth and gum line at the same time
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Likely too firm for those with sensitive teeth or gum disease
- Coarser bristles than the Oral B
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
For those seeking a firm bristled manual toothbrush, this Reach Crystal Clean is one of the best value choices on the market. A narrow, extended set of tip bristles and a well-angled neck give it good reach and the ability to clean between teeth and around the wires of braces. Some of those who wear braces may actually prefer a firmer bristled manual toothbrush since firm bristles are less likely to be deflected by wires and braces.
This toothbrush also benefits from an innovative handle designed to act as a stand, keeping bristles off the countertop and letting you store your toothbrush more hygienically. While it may not be the best soft manual toothbrush, it’s a solid alternative for those who prefer coarse bristles and those with braces. If you also want to learn about great shaving soap options, read our best shaving soap guide.
How We Decided
To narrow down the choices and bring you a concise list of the best manual toothbrushes you can buy, we only included those with proven plaque removal ability, good reach and well-designed ergonomics. To research long term durability of the best manual toothbrushes, Reddit reviews and Consumer Reports were taken into consideration, and we also considered dentist recommendations.
We only picked toothbrushes that had at least 100 bristles per head, and we looked for innovative features like multi-level or multi-angle bristles. An extended tip for reaching back teeth was considered a bonus.
We included soft and ultra-soft manual toothbrush options, and also considered firmer brushes, since some prefer a firm manual toothbrush. For soft and ultra-soft toothbrushes, we required that they be designed for gentle plaque removal and to minimize irritation for sensitive gums. Among firm toothbrushes, we looked in particular for great maneuverability and an angled neck to help clean around braces.
Best Manual Toothbrush Buyer’s Guide
Features to Consider
- Bristle Count
In general, the higher the bristle count, the more thoroughly a toothbrush will clean enamel. A trade-off is a maneuverability and between-teeth reach, however. Those looking for a whitening toothbrush will want the highest bristle count, and for plaque removal, a high bristle count plus multi-angle filaments is best, such as with the Oral B (our top pick). - Material
While it goes without saying that the best toothbrush should be made from gum-safe, nontoxic materials, some toothbrush makers include eco-friendly certification and make a point of using BPA-free plastics, such as you can find with the Tom’s of Maine toothbrush. - Handle
The best manual toothbrush should have a handle that feels comfortable to hold at your preferred grip, and that allows you enough dexterity to brush front and back and to reach molars and wisdom teeth. - Gum and Cheek Cleaner
Some manual toothbrushes feature gum and cheek cleaners, usually mounted on the head opposite the bristles. These help clear away excess bacterial biofilms that may adhere to the tongue and cheeks and thus promote a healthier oral microbiome. - Firmness
How soft or firm you want a manual toothbrush will depend on your personal considerations; in general, a firm toothbrush is good for cleaning between teeth and for scrubbing stains off of enamel. However, many people choose a manual toothbrush over an electric one in order to have a softer brushing experience. If this is the case, consider an ultra-soft manual toothbrush like the TEPE (our #5 pick).
