The Gadgets Page

Unlike the Cola Wars and the Burger Wars, the Toothbrush War has gone largely unnoticed. It has only resided in my peripheral vision, confusing my toothbrush selection because the brush in my medicine cabinet doesn’t exist anymore and I must choose a new one from the wall of toothbrushes. I was faced with that choice last week and this time I selected the Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothbrush.

I can’t say that all the new technology has changed my brushing experience. I bought a medium brush, but it feels like a soft-bristled brush. My teeth feel just as clean as they did with my boring toothbrush. Those orange plastic bits aren’t bothersome, but I haven’t noticed any benefit in the cleanliness of my teeth. I think their primary function is to look really cool.

The casualties in the Toothbrush War have been swept under the rug, unnoticed. I can no longer find a Firm toothbrush. Every once in a while, I can find one in a store brand, but on the whole, firm bristles are dead. The compact head “Reach” toothbrush is difficult to find anymore, we fear its extinction. It’s impossible to buy a toothbrush with all white bristles unless you go with the store brand.

I can’t take sides in the Toothbrush War. All I can do is stand and gaze at the wall of toothbrushes in disbelief.