What Toothbrush Is Best For You?

What is seemingly a simple question about which toothbrush is best for you, turns out to have many facets to consider. Walking into the supermarket aisle leads to several options that you may not have previously considered. Here’s what you should know:

Which bristles are best?

With choices such as extra soft, soft, medium and hard to consider, it can be difficult not to just pick the toothbrush with the nicest pattern or the best price. Most dentists will tell you that a soft-bristled brush a good choice for your oral health.  A soft-bristled brush will remove plaque and debris from your teeth without damaging the all-important enamel which protects them.

Powered or manual toothbrush?

There are pros and cons to both a powered and a manual toothbrush. The cost of powered toothbrushes can vary from $20 to over $200, however, the great news is that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a good clean. A cheaper powered toothbrush might not have all the bells and whistles as a more expensive one, but both will provide a thorough clean if you use the correct brushing technique.  All powered toothbrushes have one major benefit over manual toothbrushes in that they do the scrubbing for you so that your only job is to position the toothbrush correctly on the teeth and move it slowly around the mouth to ensure an uncompromised clean.  There are also some models which come with a timer to help you achieve the recommended 2-minute brushing time. This can be especially great for children who have taken on independent brushing.

Manual toothbrushes also have their benefits. There are lower cost options of course and there are also eco-friendly options available such as plastic-free handles. Manual toothbrushes also give you the option of choosing a handle grip that is comfortable for you.

Further considerations should be taken around the size of the toothbrush head. Often the smaller the head, the better as it allows you to get to those hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth. Ultimately you should choose what works for your comfort and your mouth.

It’s also important to keep your toothbrush fresh. This means replacing it whenever signs of wear appear, or every three months- whichever comes first. Continuing to use a worn toothbrush can cause damage to your gums which can lead to other dental complications. It’s also advised that your toothbrush be replaced after you’ve been unwell.

The best way to brush your teeth

Having the right toothbrush is just the beginning of the journey towards good oral health. Focusing on your brushing technique is even more important than the brush that you use. While it can be tempting to ‘scrub’ your teeth as hard as you can, it can prove damaging. Too much pressure can cause damage to your gums and tooth enamel.

Start at the back of your mouth at the gum line, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and gently move the brush back and forth. It’s important that you brush every surface of your teeth twice a day, morning and night. Flossing at least once a day, but ideally twice, will also help prevent cavities from forming between the teeth. Although using a mouth wash may be tempting, you should avoid rinsing your mouth after brushing. Leaving the toothpaste residue on your teeth will provide them with ongoing protection.

Book an appointment to learn more about the best way to brush your teeth