How to Choose a Toothbrush

Could you be using the wrong toothbrush? It is possible. With many different options on the market, it is harder to decide which toothbrush is right for you. But finding the right toothbrush is essential when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. The right toothbrush can lead to a more comfortable brushing experience, especially if your teeth are sensitive. Here are a few items to consider when choosing a toothbrush. 

Bristle Firmness

When browsing toothbrushes, you will notice that they are available in soft, medium, or firm bristles. A soft bristle toothbrush is often preferred over a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. A firmer bristle toothbrush can be too harsh on your teeth’s enamel and gums, especially if you tend to be more aggressive and use more pressure when brushing your teeth.  

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush

A manual or electric toothbrush can give you a quality cleaning. When it comes to deciding between a manual disposable toothbrush and an electric toothbrush, think about the following:

Cost

The upfront cost of an electric toothbrush is much higher than a manual toothbrush. It is important to note that you will need to replace the head of an electric toothbrush just as often as a manual toothbrush. 

Dental Procedures

Consider the dental procedures you have had done. If you have recently had a dental crown or dental bridge, it is recommended that you do not use an electric toothbrush right away. The vibration of the electric toothbrush can cause the crown to loosen. 

Timer

If you tend to have plaque and build-up when seeing the dentist, you may need to brush for the recommended two minutes. If you want to ensure you reach this recommendation, an electric toothbrush with a built-in two-minute timer might be right for you. 

Dexterity

For adults with poor dexterity in their hands, an electric toothbrush with a more oversized handle may be a better choice since the toothbrush does the majority of the work. 

Toothbrush Size

There are different sizes of adult toothbrushes. Adult toothbrushes are typically an inch long and a half-wide. An adult toothbrush that is too large can be difficult to maneuver inside your mouth. A large brush head can make reaching the nooks and crannies in your mouth difficult.   

For kids, the size of the toothbrush is essential. It is recommended to use a kid-sized toothbrush until the age of 10. Before this age, an adult toothbrush can be difficult for a kid to hold onto, which makes it difficult to brush their teeth properly. As we mentioned above, an adult toothbrush for kids can also take a lot of work to maneuver inside their mouth.   

American Dental Association Seal of Approval

To ensure you are getting a quality toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal of Approval on the packaging of your toothbrush. Toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Approval have undergone various tests to ensure they are effective when used correctly. 

Now that you have the right toothbrush check out our blog post on how to brush your teeth properly. This quick refresher will help you properly brush your teeth with the right toothbrush.