How to Pick a Toothbrush
Did you know that a new toothbrush has been shown to remove up to 30 percent more plaque than one that is three months old? As such, it’s important to regularly change your toothbrush. This should occur every 90 days or when the bristles start to show wear—whichever arrives first. How do you pick the right toothbrush for your mouth, though?
Picking a toothbrush is important for the overall health of your teeth. Specifically, you are much better off with certain toothbrushes. To help you with the process, we’ve put together a list of factors to consider when it comes time to shop for a new toothbrush. Take a look!
Pay Attention to Head Size
Today, there are a variety of toothbrushes to choose from, each one offering a different brush head size. It’s recommended to pick a small-headed brush instead of a larger one, as this will give you greater access to the deeper parts of your mouth that can be more challenging to access.
Additionally, many dentists also believe a round-head toothbrush is better, as it, too, will make brushing your back teeth easier.
Examine Bristle Design and Firmness
You’ll want to look at both the bristle design and the bristle firmness, too.
Many manufacturers now offer toothbrushes with varying size bristles. This is beneficial, as different sizes of bristles will allow you to, again, reach the back parts of your mouth and clean them more effectively.
Bristle firmness is a significant element, too. You have the option of choosing a toothbrush with either hard or soft bristles. Interestingly, consumers generally believe that firmer bristles will do a better job of cleaning teeth, but this is false. Firm bristles actually damage teeth and gums. Yet, soft bristles clean teeth without irritating the gums or contributing to a receding gum line.
Think about Handle Grip
In case you didn’t know, it’s best to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, three times a day. Therefore, you want to find a toothbrush handle that is comfortable and simple to grip. Finding a toothbrush that you can securely grip should be a priority, too.
Manual Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush
A majority of dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush, as the fast rotations of the head can provide a deep, thorough cleaning of the mouth. Unfortunately, electric toothbrushes and replacement heads can be very expensive. So, if you can’t afford an electric toothbrush, please know that a manual one can still effectively clean the teeth.
Picking the wrong toothbrush can lead to the avoidance of brushing the teeth, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. If you are confused or unsure about which toothbrush would be right for you and your mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you pick a new toothbrush!
Contact Kids First Dentistry Today!
Contacting the skilled and friendly team at Kids First Dentistry is quick and easy: just call (904) 423-1377, or if you prefer, fill out our online form. We look forward to hearing from you and taking care of your and your family’s dental needs, no matter how big or small.