THE UK will be the first to try out a new smart ­toothbrush that connects with your smartphone and reports back on brushing habits.

Oral-B unveiled the Smart Series toothbrush at technology show Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February, and now the manufacturer has confirmed the device will launch in the UK in May.

Combined with an app, the Smart Series will link with users' phone and relay data on brushing habits, including pressure and time taken. Information can also be sent the other way, with users able to set up a brushing mode that suits them using their smartphone.

Dr Uchenna Okoye, Oral-B Smile director, said: "The Oral-B Smart Series is a powerful new dental health tool. Not only can it remove twice as much plaque as a manual brush but the innovative new Bluetooth technology can help combat bad brushing habits."

Figures quoted by Oral-B as part of the launch suggested that using the Smart Series and app had increased brushing time from under one minute to over two among those who took part in the trial. A figure which is the recommend time.

The partner app for the toothbrush has also been designed to keep consumers motivated during brushing by including news and weather updates.

The announcement follows a Public Health England report last year that found that 27% of five-year-olds have tooth decay.

The companion app will be available on both the iOS and Android platforms.