Think about the objects you use most. Your phone, your keys, your kettle. And, twice a day, every single day, your toothbrush.

It's the first thing you hold in the morning and the last thing you hold at night. So why is it always the most boring object in the house?

The case for a toothbrush with something to say

It's the cheapest mood upgrade in your home. A toothbrush that says Good Morning Dear or Use Your Power, Little Flower is a tiny pep talk, delivered before you've even had your chai.

It's a running joke with yourself. Can't Wait Till My Mouth Tastes Like Coffee Again is funny at 7 am in a way it has no right to be.

It ends the "whose brush is this?" problem. In a shared bathroom, a brush that says Ghosts Are Real is very obviously yours.

It's a gift that gets used. Twice a day, for three months. Few presents can say that.

Pick one by mood

• For slow mornings: Getting Out of Bed, because some days that's the whole achievement.
• For the coffee-dependent: Tastes Like Coffee.
• For a confidence boost: Hello Lovely, You Invented Smiling or Use Your Power, Little Flower.
• For the dog person: I Sad. I Pet Dog. I Happy.
• For the dreamer: All Those Stars or Gonna Do That Thing.
• For the one who loves a spooky story: Ghosts Are Real.

Looking after your toothbrush

A funny toothbrush still has a job to do. The American Dental Association's advice is simple:

• Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look frayed. A worn brush cleans less well. Conveniently, that's also when you get to pick a new joke.
• Choose soft bristles. Firm bristles can be hard on gums and enamel. All our toothbrushes have soft bristles.
• Rinse it after brushing to wash away leftover toothpaste.
• Store it upright and let it air-dry. Damp, closed containers are where bacteria like to live, so skip the cap for everyday storage.
• Keep brushes apart in a shared cup so they don't touch.
• Never share a toothbrush. Not even with someone you love.

A good habit: replace your brush at the start of each season, or after you've been ill.

Making the bathroom less beige

Once the toothbrush has personality, the rest of the bathroom starts to look a bit plain. A few easy wins:

• A cup or holder in a bold colour, so brushes stand upright and apart.
• A small plant on the windowsill, if there's light.
• A zipper pouch for the travel kit, so your toiletries have a home when you leave.

Start small. The toothbrush is the easiest place to begin.

Shop all toothbrushes → · Gifts for her · Gifts for him

Source: American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, according to the American Dental Association.

Are soft or hard bristles better?

Soft bristles. Firmer bristles can be hard on gums and tooth enamel. All Madons toothbrushes have soft bristles.

How should I store my toothbrush?

Upright, in the open, so it can air-dry. Avoid closed containers for everyday storage, and keep brushes in a shared cup apart.

Is a funny toothbrush a good gift?

Yes. It's useful, personal and used twice a day, and it pairs well with socks or a pouch for a bigger gift.

Are your toothbrushes BPA-free?

Yes. Our Blue Q toothbrushes have BPA-free handles and soft bristles, in a standard adult size.