What to look for when buying a toothbrush

What to look for when buying a toothbrush

Choosing the right toothbrush makes all the difference in your daily oral routine and will lead to a more effective cleaning and healthier smile.

When you’re standing in the dental aisle of your local drug store, the selection of toothbrushes can be overwhelming. Big or small heads, electric or manual, hard or soft bristles, the options seem endless.

Your toothbrush is personal, so not everyone needs the same things in a toothbrush. Here are some things to remember next time you find yourself on the hunt for a new toothbrush.

Brush size matters

The majority of people think a bigger brush head will give a better clean. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. When you’re selecting a toothbrush size, you have to take into account the size of your mouth.

You wouldn’t get a large toothbrush for a child or a child size for an adult mouth. By selecting a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth you will ensure it can fit correctly in the tight spaces of your mouth, reach your back molars, and effectively clean the entirety of your mouth.

Choosing the smallest brush that will comfortably fit in your mouth will be the best option, as smaller head toothbrushes resemble dental equipment, and will clean your teeth the most effectively.

Electric or manual?

There is a misconception among consumers that electric toothbrushes are superior compared to manual. Although great, electric and manual toothbrushes will both effectively clean your teeth.

Electric toothbrushes are great for individuals who may not brush their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes, but will still give the user a proper cleaning. These types are also great for individuals with mobility issues, as there is less movement needed to operate one.

Manual toothbrushes will give you a cleaning equal to an electric but it must be done for 2 minutes. They are also great for individuals who dislike the feeling of the electric toothbrush in their mouth and on their teeth, or for people who do not want to pay the potentially high cost of an electric toothbrush and their bristle replacement.

Hard or soft bristles?

There is an age-old debate surrounding the hard or soft bristle selection for your toothbrush. A lot of people assume that a hard bristled brush will provide better cleaning. If used too aggressively, a hard bristled brush can lead to gum bleeding, loss of enamel and abrasions to your teeth.

Conclusion

The best selection you can make is a soft bristled brush, these are known to clean your teeth better and prolong the overall health of your teeth and gums.

At the end of the day, the best toothbrush is the one you will use. A toothbrush is only effective if you use it frequently and properly. The tips outlined here will help you select the right toothbrush the next time you catch yourself scratching your head in the dental aisle.

If you have concerns about your teeth, a dentist can recommend the right solution for you. Book a dental visit to find out how we can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy.

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