Choosing the Right Toothbrush

You always hear about brushing and flossing your teeth, but you do not often hear about the choices available and which ones are the best ones to use. With such a wide variety of toothbrushes to choose from, deciding on the right one sometimes comes down to color-coordinating the brush handle to the bathroom décor; but it is much more important than that.

Not only are there choices in bristles, length and angles, you also have choices with electric and disposable brushes. Do you choose a brush that stimulates the gums? Are natural bristles better than nylon? Should my electric brush have an up and down motion or circular motion? The choices seem endless.

Toothbrush Basics

There are certain things to look for when buying a toothbrush, regardless of whether you choose a manual or electric model.

• Size – You want to get a toothbrush that will allow you to brush all your teeth easily. Most adults will find that a toothbrush head that is one inch tall and a half inch wide will be the most effective to use. There are some larger toothbrush heads available; however, they can be more difficult to use when cleaning your molars. The handle of the toothbrush should fit comfortably in your hand.
• Soft vs. Hard – Dentists often recommend soft bristles for brushing your teeth. This type of bristle has been shown to be more effective for removing plaque from teeth and it is gentler on the teeth and gums. Harder bristles have a tendency to wear out the gums and cause erosion of tooth enamel, especially if the brush is used aggressively. Rounded tips or feathered tips on the bristles are also more desirable for cleaning and for safe use.
• Dentist Recommended – Your dentist may recommend a certain type of brush for you to use. You can also ask your dentist which type would be best for your teeth. Look for toothbrushes that have earned approval by the American Dental Association. These brushes will have the ADA Seal of Approval on them. The seal is your assurance that the bristles have safe tips and will not fall out under normal brushing conditions. It also indicates that the handle will withstand normal use. With regular brushing, an ADA-approved toothbrush will effectively reduce plaque buildup and gum disease in its early stages.

ADA-approved electric brushes undergo rigorous safety testing in an independent lab. They have been proven through clinical trials to be safe to use on the teeth, gums and any hardware that may be in the mouth.

The bottom line with choosing the right toothbrush is to get one that is comfortable to use, fits well in your hand and does not hurt or irritate your gums. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth in their best shape. When you just need a professional cleaning, call Just Brush My Teeth and make an appointment with us.