Brushing your teeth is an essential part of looking after your teeth and gums. With so many different toothbrush options available in the store, how do you choose the right one?
Choosing a Toothbrush
Here are three things to look for when choosing a toothbrush:
1. Soft-bristles. Any toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are more gentle on your teeth and gums, especially if you have soft gums or enamel erosion.
Brushing with a hard-bristled brush can remove more plaque, but also wear away at your enamel if excessive force is applied. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can also cause your gums to recede, or pull back from your teeth. This can expose the tooth root and increase your sensitivity to cold, heat, and certain foods and drinks.
2. Small head. In regards to the shape of the head, there are conventional or small head options available. Smaller-headed (like diamond-shaped) toothbrushes are recommended as they can get into the hard-to-reach places, like the back teeth. The shape of the head should feel comfortable in your mouth, which will help ensure that it can reach the entire tooth service and make it more pleasant for you to brush your teeth.
3. Powered toothbrush. Although a manual toothbrush is fine, a powered toothbrush can do a better job removing plaque from your teeth. It can provide extra mobility in hard-to-reach places and make brushing easier. In addition, many powered toothbrushes have a set two-minute timer, which can motivate you to brush for the recommended duration.
When selecting other criteria like the bristle pattern and handle design, choose the toothbrush based on your specific dental needs, and one that will be comfortable for you to grip and allow you to reach the entire tooth surface.
Additional tips
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles show signs of wear. A worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth well.
- When shopping for a toothbrush (or any dental product), look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. The seal indicates that the product has been tested for safety and efficacy. Search toothbrushes here that have an ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Other than having the right toothbrush, it is most important to brush your teeth correctly and for long enough (at least two minutes at a time, twice daily).
If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush, give us a call at (925) 705-7093.
