How To Choose A Toothbrush
When it comes to good oral health, brushing your teeth twice a day is a standard. It is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. Regular brushing removes plaque and harmful bacteria, which cause tooth decay and gum diseases. But it can be challenging to decide which toothbrush is the right one for your oral health. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a toothbrush.
Types of Toothbrushes
There are two main types of toothbrushes; manual and electric. Both are effective at removing plaque, but each has its unique dental care benefits.
- Manual: This is the most common type of toothbrush. They are available in various styles, heads, and bristles and are cost-effective. Since you control and maneuver them with your hand and guidance, manual toothbrushes can help you feel like you’ve got more control over the brushing process, including how hard the pressure is on your teeth. This can be particularly helpful for people with sensitive teeth and gums.
- Electric: Electric toothbrushes are battery-powered or rechargeable. Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums. The vibration allows for more micro-movements every time you move your toothbrush across your teeth. This can be a huge benefit for people with arthritis or other conditions which limit dexterity.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is an important symbol of safety and quality and has remained the gold standard of quality oral care products for over 80 years. The seal is designed to assure you that a particular toothbrush has been vigorously tested for quality, effectiveness, and safety.
What Does a Toothbrush Need to Do?
Your toothbrush needs to be able to do the following:
- Reach all surfaces of your teeth– the ideal brush should allow you to clean the top, front, and back of your tooth surface for maximum cleaning. For most adults, a toothbrush head that’s ½ an inch wide and 1 inch tall will be the easiest to use and the most effective.
- Has bristles that can reach between your teeth- bristle design is equally important when choosing your toothbrush. A toothbrush with varying-sized bristles can easily get into the deeper gaps between your teeth and those hard-to-reach locations.
- Have a comfortable grip so that you can use it most effectively- the recommended two minutes of brushing will feel a lot longer if your hand isn’t comfortable when brushing your teeth twice a day!
Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have to fight tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health issues. That’s why it’s important to choose the right toothbrush – opt for one with the ADA Seal of Approval, soft bristles, and allows for proper brushing technique. If you have any further oral hygiene questions, don’t hesitate to contact Thrive Dental Studio in Portland, ME, or ask us for recommendations at your next appointment!
