Battle of the Toothbrushes: Reach vs Colgate Total

As long as we brush our teeth, dental healthcare professionals should be satisfied, right? Not just dental professionals but our family, friends, coworkers and anyone close enough to get a whiff as we inhale and exhale.

We can brush our teeth but if we brush improperly, we will not maintain good oral hygiene and dental health. The toothbrush used plays a big role in doing an adequate job. The competition is stiff among our choices from the electric to the manual brushes but it probably boils down to a personal preference.

Sonicare is by far the best electric toothbrush in my opinion. I also use a manual toothbrush. The electric one is used in the shower and the manual at the sink and whenever I need to brush discretely.

I like that squeaky clean and fresh feeling, tongue included. Among manual toothbrushes, when I reach for a toothbrush, I reach for Colgate Total. I like the look of Johnson~Johnson's Reach brand but my teeth do not feel as clean after using one. I know how to brush properly so I say it is the toothbrush.

I like the head of the Colgate Total toothbrush. It is wider and has more bristles. The bristles are long enough and spaced so that I can angle the toothbrush to fit inside my mouth as needed. These bristles are especially enjoyed when brushing the tongue. My preference is a hard bristle toothbrush for this task. More surface of the tongue is covered with each stroke and a thorough job is done. I use a soft bristle for the palate and along the gum line to avoid gingival recession.

The Reach has a nice angle, literally, on selling their brushes over any other but the head is rather small and too few bristles. They tout the angle mimics dental instruments. Yes, the toothbrushes are angled to reach the third molars (wisdom teeth) if you have them but my wrist is jointed and angles, too. They report 60% more surface coverage behind the teeth located at the back of the mouth, over other toothbrushes. Less surface area of the tongue is covered with each stroke and I do not feel I have a clean close to what is felt after leaving a hygiene appointment for a cleaning. I get that feel each time I use my Colgate Total toothbrush.

The Reach brand can be purchased in many styles. One even has a tongue scraper on the reverse side of the bristles. They make Reach Advanced Design, Crystal Clean, Fresh and Clean, Ultimate Clean, Tooth and Gum and Ultra Clean designs.

The Colgate Total toothbrush was designed with computer simulated technology. It isn't angled but this design was a breakthrough in toothbrush design. The bristles have a patented triple action which allows for cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line. This design is said to reduce gum disease by 48%, when used properly, of course.

I will agree with Colgate . The Colgate Total toothbrush offers patient compliance, comfort and choice. It ranks 10 out of 10 in those three areas for me. It is conveniently available in child and adult sizes and varying degrees of softness and hardness.

My dentist and hygienist make me feel like a kid at my appointments because of the praise I receive for having excellent oral hygiene habits. I smile all the way home. Thanks Colgate!

Image: Colgate Total's website. Used for educational purposes only.

2009 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

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