Have questions about choosing the right toothbrush and looking to understand the different types of toothbrushes? We are here to help answer all of your toothbrush questions!
How to Choose a Toothbrush
There are several general guidelines to follow when selecting a toothbrush, including:
Soft Bristles – You should always choose a brush with soft bristles as medium and/or hard bristles can cause permanent damage to the enamel of your teeth. On the package of the brush it will state what kind of bristles are on the brush.
Right Fit – Your brush head should easily fit into your mouth and brush 1-2 teeth at a time.
Change Regularly – If your brush head starts to look worn at all it is time for a new one!
Electric is Not Necessarily Better – Manual toothbrushes can clean teeth just as effective as an electric toothbrush.
ADA Seal of Approval – Any dental product you choose should have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the package. If you do not see this label it means that the ADA has not verified this product’s safety and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Now that you have a general understanding of how to choose a toothbrush let’s chat a bit more about how to select the right brush for you.
Manual vs. Electric
As we mentioned above a manual brush can be just as effective as an electric brush. However, an electric brush may be more appropriate for individuals who need assistance to brush, are experiencing dental decay/dental health issues, or may find they need a bit more help/structure to brush properly.
Remember, your dental hygienist is a great resource for any questions you may have about switching from a manual to a powered brush.
Personal Preference
Selecting the right toothbrush is very personalized. Meaning, what’s right for you may not be right for your husband/wife. Trial and error may be required until you find the right soft bristle brush.
More Toothbrush Questions
If you have any additional toothbrush questions feel free to ask during your next visit, we always love to chat over dental questions!