When I’m cleaning, I like to feel as if I’m really working at it, or else I’m not convinced that I did a thorough job.  I don’t go for the self-propelled vacuum cleaners, or the shower mists, or the magic sponges.  Give me a good old cellulose sponge and a can of Ajax instead.

Likewise, I tend to apply the same “scrub it ’til it shines” approach to myself.  And over the years, I’ve discovered that body parts - especially teeth and gums - don’t respond well to the Ajax approach.

So I’ve tried to be more gentle while brushing.  It does seem to have helped slow the recession of my gums - which is a relief, considering how much I look forward to a third round of gum surgery - but I still don’t feel as if the surfaces of my teeth are as clean as they should be.

Obviously, it was high time that I tried an electric toothbrush.

The Oral-B Triumph with Smart Guide (available in stores September 2007) arrived on my doorstep, and I took it right upstairs to hook it up and charge it up.  It comes with a base where you charge the brush and can store additional brush heads inside.  But the really cool part is the wireless display that adheres to your mirror.  It shows how long you’ve been brushing (even gives you a signal after every thirty seconds so that you can move on to another quadrant of your mouth), notifies you when it’s time to replace your brush head, and even flashes a warning if you’re applying too much pressure to your gums (score!).

All of which is all very well, but the best part is how my teeth look and feel after brushing.  Honestly, it’s like a professional brushing - but without the gross, gritty toothpaste they use at the dentist’s office.  My teeth feel totally slick and smooth, and they actually shine.  And while I don’t struggle too much with stains, since I don’t smoke or drink red wine, I expect this brush would really help those who do.

I’m sold on electric toothbrushes now, and I’m especially sold on this one.  No more manual brushes for me.  And if I can be converted, then I’ll bet you can be too.