toothbrush

thumb|upright=1.35|alt=plastic toothbrushes |Three plastic toothbrushes thumb|Head of a simple toothbrush

A toothbrush is a special type of brush used to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue. It consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles, onto which toothpaste is applied, mounted on a handle that facilitates cleaning hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. They should be used in conjunction with tools that clean between the teeth―where toothbrush bristles cannot reach―such as floss, tape, interdental brushes or toothpicks.