Spotlight was founded by Irish dentist sisters Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven to create oral health products for their own patients. Ones to consider include timers to make sure you’re not cutting corners with brushing, dedicated modes for sensitive or whiter teeth, pressure sensors and even accompanying apps for detailed information on the way you brush.

Sometimes you’ll find iO Series brushes selling for less than older Genius series brushes, or Smart series brushes selling for more than a better Genius series brush. Electric toothbrushes are suitable from ages 3+, with specific kids electric toothbrush models available, and are gentle on gums and suitable for sensitive teeth. The iO Series brushes do a better job of actually monitoring where you’ve brushed and where you haven’t.

Better still, the bristles fade in colour when it’s time to replace the head so you can always keep your teeth in tip-top condition.

Oral-B electric rechargeable toothbrushes (from Pro 600 model upwards) also whiten teeth starting from day one by removing surface stains. Plus, like the more expensive iO brushes, its pressure-sensing indicators and built-in OLED screen give you instant feedback on your brushing and whether you’ve done the full two minutes or slinked off early. The pressure sensors and coloured indicator ring help you apply just the right amount of pressure and keep track of a typical two-minute session. It’s not clear that all of these make a huge amount of difference, but having a slower, gentler mode that you can switch to a faster, more intense mode can be useful when you’re getting used to a new brush.The apps from Oral-B and Philips have had some time to mature, and they can guide you towards a better technique that could keep your teeth and gums healthier for longer. Its flexible design makes it easier to remove plaque from tricky areas including between teeth and the bristles adapt to the shape of your gums for greater surface contact area.