5 Things to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
Going down the toothbrush isle can be either mindless where you grab the first toothbrush you see, or overwhelming because there are so many options. They all brush the same, right? Well, not exactly. The truth is toothbrushes, although similar, can have very distinct differences.
To choose the best toothbrush for your mouth, there are some key factors to look for. Such as the size of the brush head, shape and type of bristles, and whether it has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Today we are going to look at the top 5 things you should consider when choosing the best toothbrush.
Choosing a toothbrush is key to your oral health, and by following these 5 tips you will have confidence in buying your next toothbrush!
1. The Size Of The Brush Head
The size of your brush head can greatly affect the quality of your brushing. Seems simple but brush sizes come in a variety of sizes, but the best size is a head that is one inch tall and a half an inch wide. This will allow you to clean all of your teeth (top, front, and back) with the greatest reach for a maximum cleaning.
Choosing a larger brush can make it difficult to get to those hard-to-clean places such as your molars in the back of the mouth. You should only buy a larger brush if your dentist has recommended it for you.
2. The Type of Bristles
There are three types of toothbrush bristles: Soft, Medium, and Hard. Whether you are going with a manual or mechanical toothbrush they will always have these 3 varieties of bristles. When it comes to the density of your bristles, a key component you want to look for is soft nylon. If you are a hard brusher or not, soft nylon will not damage your teeth.
Teeth may seem hard to you, but they can be weaker by sugary foods, acidic drinks, or by poor oral hygiene. Using a brush with medium to hard bristles can add to that damage. Like the size of your brush, only use medium to hard bristles if your dentist recommends it.
3. Rounded Vs. Straight Bristles
You may have never realized that the tips of toothbrush bristles come in two different shapes - rounded and straight. While this may not seem like a big deal, the shape of your toothbrush can have a huge impact on your oral health.
Straight bristles may leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh but may be doing more damage than you think. Bristles with sharp, jagged tips are more likely to damage your gums by cutting them, which can increase your chances of infections and inflammation.
Buying a toothbrush with rounded bristles will ensure that your gums are protected from infections and inflammation. Rounded bristles are also the best option if you are prone to sensitive gums.
4. ADA Approved
When buying a toothbrush that is ADA approved, you are ensuring that your toothbrush has gone through strict testing to ensure that it provides the best cleaning and safety for your mouth and passed those certifications. If you have questions it is always best to ask your dentist if it is an ADA approved toothbrush. Most toothbrushes will have the ADA Seal of Approval on it.
This is true whether you are buying a manual or electric toothbrush.
For manual toothbrushes, the ADA Seal of Approval means that the:
• Bristles have safe tips
• Handle is sturdy enough for recommended daily use
• Bristles won’t fall out if you brush as frequently as recommended
• Brush reduces the accumulation of plaque and gum disease in their early stages
The ADA Seal of Approval guarantees the same thing for electric toothbrushes. On top of that, it guarantees the disposable brush heads have gone through exhaustive safety tests and clinical trials. This is to show that the brush is safe enough for teeth, mouth tissue, and dental hardware such as braces.
5. Manual Or Electric Toothbrush?
This one comes down to personal preference. Both types of brushes do an excellent job at cleaning your teeth. Find a toothbrush that you know you will be comfortable using 2 times a day for 2 minutes per the dental recommendation.
These tips of picking out a toothbrush that suits your needs will ensure that you are practicing good oral hygiene at home. Another important practice is making sure to come to your dentist for a semi annual cleaning. Make sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have at these cleanings to make sure your oral health is always taken care of.
Whiting dental is here to help with all your dental care needs. Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online.