All toothbrushes are the same, right?
Wrong.
There are many varieties of toothbrushes on the market, all offering selling points on why they are better or more unique than the rest. You may think it doesn’t matter which type you choose – hey, as long as you are brushing your teeth, you’re good. But what you may not realize is that brushing your teeth with the wrong type of toothbrush can actually cause gum recession, inflammation, and other oral health hazards.
So how do you find the right brush for you? From bristle softness to head size, here are a few things to consider before purchasing your next toothbrush.
- Expert-Approved
You wouldn’t trust a nonexpert to give you a haircut or perform a medical examination, so you shouldn’t use a toothbrush that isn’t expert-approved, either. If it doesn’t have the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Approval printed on its packaging, you may want to pass it by. - Bristle Type
There is a range of bristle types available, but in general, a soft bristle is the best course of action. Harder bristles can cause irritation, gum recession, and even wear down tooth enamel if used consistently. Only go for a hard bristle toothbrush if your dentist recommends it. - Head Size
Typically, smaller toothbrush heads are more effective in overall cleaning. They can clean the harder to reach areas, such as the back molars. Although you may feel that larger sized heads will cover more ground and be more effective in cleaning your teeth, they are often harder to manage and ineffective in reaching those smaller areas of your mouth. - Skip the Brandless, Cheap Toothbrushes
We all love a good bargain. And while an inexpensive find at a thrift store is worth celebrating, a 5-pack of brandless toothbrushes does not deserve the same celebration. These toothbrushes often come from manufacturers who don’t use any vetting methods to meet safety standards and are typically made with unsafe materials or chemicals. If you’re putting a toothbrush in your mouth multiple times a day, it’s worth paying a little extra for peace of mind. - Consider an Electric Toothbrush
While manual toothbrushes are effective in cleaning teeth, they are entirely dependent on how thoroughly you use them. If you aren’t taking the necessary time to use a proper brushing technique, you may be missing areas of plaque buildup that could eventually cause problems. For this reason, many are switching over to electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes take a lot of the work from you (but not all!). They use quick vibrations to safely remove plaque buildup while you slowly glide the brush along your teeth and gum line.
Still not sure what toothbrush is the best option for you? If you are struggling with making the best toothbrush choice, our team at CNS Dental can help you make an informed decision! Ask us at your next dental appointment, and we can discuss which option will be best for keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.