It is highly recommended that you replace you tooth brush every three months, or sooner if it begins to show wear, to maintain optimal oral health. But when it comes to picking out a new brush, what do you look for? With so many options on the market it’s sometimes difficult to choose. Here are some of the top things to consider when picking out a new brush.
Fits Just Right
Toothbrush heads come in lots of different shapes and sizes. Some electric toothbrushes feature small, round, rotating heads while other manual powered brushes feature large rectangular heads. When deciding what will work best for your teeth consider what would allow you to best access all surfaces effectively. The most universal size recommendation for adults is a half-inch wide and one-inch tall. Because size can affect how well you are able to brush your teeth, child sized brushes are ideal and allow for a more thorough clean.
Fancy Features
Having a fancy new gadget, like an electric toothbrush, may improve the overall experience and motivate you to use it more. Whether or not the features themselves make a difference in cleaning, if it makes brushing more exciting, its worth the investment. This is especially true for children. When picking out a toothbrush for kids, the experience is half the battle and with options like songs, lights, and pictures of their favourite cartoon characters built into them, it’s easy to make the experience more enjoyable.
The Best Bristles
Toothbrush heads are available in a variety of bristle strengths. You can choose between soft, medium and hard bristle options. The one you select should be dependent on how hard you brush and your overall preference. For most, soft-bristles nylon brushes are a safe choice. When selecting a brush for your child, it should always have soft bristles. Although some people prefer harder bristles, you should select these with more caution because the harder bristles may cause damage. Vigorous brushing with a medium or hard bristled brush can damage your gums and lead to gum recession. It can also wear down the enamel quicker and cause tooth sensitivity. To protect your teeth you should also opt for having your bristles with rounded tips.
Ask an Expert
Apart from your own research online, you can ensure that you’re using the right toothbrush for you by asking your family dentist for a recommendation, or by checking for the ADA Seal of Approval.
If you have any questions about picking the perfect toothbrush to keep your teeth in their best shape, contact us!
