Considering the fact that brushing your teeth used to consist of scraping them clean with a twig, I'd say we've come quite a long way. But have we come too far? For such a simple tool there are certainly a myriad of colorful and textured monstrosities out there, with their orange clumps of bristles pointing one direction and their blue clumps another, while they "sweep" debris off your teeth.
And while I love my Sonicare as much as the next girl, design-wise I tend to favor simple brushes that look less like elaborate running shoes and more like what they actually are. These toothbrushes get their pizazz from ergonomic shapes, cool materials and yes, even pops of color.
Top Row:
1. Not only are Preserve toothbrushes recyclable after you've used them, they're made from 100% recycled plastic sourced from yogurt cups. Available from Preserve.
2. These rainbow brushes avoid countertop germs by hooking onto your cup, shower caddy or cabinet. Available from GoodJoyDesign.
3. It may look like a straight razor, but this foldable Brillo toothbrush from METAPHYS is a handy travel tool. Available from AssistOn.
4. Although it's only a prototype, this genius device pre-loads your brush with a measured amount of toothpaste so it's travel-ready with one step. Designed by Kawamura Ganjavian.
5. These handsome Izola bamboo brushes assure there won't be any mix-ups when guests arrive. Available from Amazon.
Bottom Row:
6. These cool Japanese toothbrushes are ergonomic, made of corn plastic, and they're about the edgiest thing I've ever wanted to put in my mouth. Available fromYumaki.
7. The rounded, weighted handle on this prototype will rock but won't fall due to its low center of gravity. Designed by Ryan Harc
8. Okay, so it's not a real toothbrush, but check out this genius Colgate ad campaign to remind kids to brush their teeth! Created by Y&R Agency, Bangkok, Thailand. Via Toxel.
(Images: As linked above)
10 No-Fail Decor Tricks & Tips for Small Spaces
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Shaw's Original Fir...
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Any dentist I've gone to has always suggested the Sonic Care..so this may be cool, but they won't do the job like the Sonic Care.
Yeah, I don't know that attractive really qualifies as "good design" for a toothbrush... Does it effectively remove plaque or just look cool in a cup by my sink?
I use the Preserve. Of course it's just a basic toothbrush, nothing fancy. But it feels good in my hand and my mouth, the bristles don't touch the counter if you lay it down, it looks good, and it's sustainable. The Sonic Care is a whole other ball game, but for a basic, this wins in my book.
I've used Preserve toothbrushes for years and I love them! I like the bend in the handle, and I feel like it does a great job.
I use what my dental hygienist gives me twice a year. I figure she knows what'll work for me.
I'm disappointed by these. I have the wooden ones from Izola, but they are rough and hurt your lips. I'm looking for an ordinary soft-bristle toothbrush that is attractive. Why don't they make them in grey, black, white, beige - just plain? I had a lovely one from Waterworks that was tortoise shell but it wore out and I haven't been able to find another. I have a simple, spa-like bathroom and the typical multi-coloured ones in the drug store just don't go with it. I hide my toothbrush in a drawer.
Jenny S -- try Muji (online), they make very basic plain toothbrushes. There's also a new new one from Pepsodent that's all black with white or grey bristles.