Braun D6011(D6)

I first noticed a problem with my gum when I had given up smoking (again) and was chain-chewing Nicorette gum. After a week, I noticed that I couldn't bite my teeth together on one side and so, reluctantly dragged myself off to the dentist. He discovered a pocket in my gum (well, I had to have somewhere to keep my loose change) and he inserted a peridontal chip. This was a piece of acetate, approximately the size of my little finger nail and apparently impregnated with enough antibiotics to fell a rabid buffalo. He slid it in with the immortal words 'This may not be the most pleasant experience you've ever had'. I thought he was referring to the insertion of said chip and was pleasantly surprised at the lack of discomfort.

Half an hour later, the pain hit me like an express train and by the time I got home I was openly sobbing. I have experienced childbirth (twice) and this came a very close second. It was unrelenting and agonising - I sat for most of the day with a plastic bag full of ice clamped to my jaw. Several painkillers and herbal sleeping tablets later, I collapsed into bed in a drugged haze, waking four hours later. When I rang the dentist to meekly enquire how long I should expect this anguish to last, he informed me that it is the second worst, non-fatal pain that one can experience. Now he tells me.

I swore that I would visit the hygienist on a daily basis if only never to endure such agony again. She suggested this lifesaving toothbrush and I am pleased to report that the pocket is closing, the tooth is firm and I am a much happier bunny.

Despite the pain and the endless promises to whichever God would listen, I did balk at the £19.99 price tag. However, after using it for the first time, I felt like I had never really cleaned my teeth properly before. They had that smooth, shiny feeling that I only used to get after a polish. After 2-3 days, my gums stopped bleeding and started to look a better colour. This brush is so powerful that it rattles your head and you do have to use a firm hand to stop it skittering about over your teeth - but practice makes perfect.

It comes on a rechargable battery stand, and includes one extra replacement head. You can tell when the head needs replacing as the outer coloured bristles become white halfway down. It also pulses after two minutes to let you know your brushing time of 2 minutes has been achieved - although brushing with this toothbrush is such a pleasurable experience that you are not clock watching at all.