Most of us know the importance of brushing and flossing each day. We know that practicing a regular oral hygiene routine at home can help prevent tooth decay and lessen the chances of developing gum disease. So it’s important to choose the right tools for the job. And when it comes to oral hygiene, the most important tool you’ll use is your toothbrush. With so many different varieties available, making the right choice for you can be confusing. Here are several considerations to keep in mind the next time you shop for a toothbrush.
- Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This will ensure that the ADA considers the toothbrush to be safe and effective.
- Choose between manual or electric. While it’s true that electric toothbrushes do offer some advantages given the fact that most of them include some type of automatic bristle movement that might make brushing more effective, the fact is that you can keep your teeth and gums just as healthy with a manual brush, assuming you use a proper brushing technique. Choosing between a manual and electric toothbrush is totally up to you. Often it’s a matter of how much money you want to spend since electric toothbrushes and replacement parts can be a little pricey.
- Make sure the toothbrush is the right size. We all have different mouths, and it’s important to find a toothbrush with a brush head that fits easily inside your mouth and allows you to adequately brush the surface of each tooth. The handle is also important – it should be comfortable to hold and allow you to easily control the movement of the brush head.
- Decide which type of bristle is best. Most people prefer a soft bristle because it’s more comfortable on their gums. As it turns out, soft bristles are also the safest choice, since you can actually damage your tooth enamel and gums if you brush too hard with a stiff bristled toothbrush.
The biggest factor in finding the right toothbrush for you is to find the one you’re most comfortable with and are more likely to use twice a day. If the movement of an electric toothbrush doesn’t feel right on your teeth and gums, remember that a manual brush can be just as effective. The most important consideration when you shop for a new toothbrush is finding a brush that you use consistently, since it’s your daily oral hygiene routine that will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
