Have you ever felt overwhelmed with options as you enter the toothbrush aisle? There are endless options of toothbrushes that claim to do all these amazing things, but how do you choose the right one? Luckily, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your next toothbrush to help you choose the best one for your teeth.
How to Choose a Toothbrush
Most of the time the dentist will inform you of the type of toothbrush you should purchase at the end of your teeth cleaning, but if you cannot remember what we recommended, we’re here to help.
- Size – This is very important because you want to use a toothbrush that accurately cleans your teeth and covers the surface of your mouth effectively. Typically, an adult toothbrush head should be a half-inch wide and one inch long. Since adult teeth are larger in size, it’s important to use one that is made for adults. It is not advised to purchase one much bigger than this as it will be difficult to move it around within your mouth. Also make sure the toothbrush has a long enough handle so it is easy to hold.
- Bristles – Some people think that it is necessary to brush with a hard-bristled toothbrush, but this is not always true. For most people, a soft-bristled brush is the most comfortable and safest choice. If you vigorously brush your teeth with a medium or hard-bristle toothbrush, it can cause damage to your gums, root surface, and the protective enamel of your teeth. For additional protection, make sure that the bristles of your toothbrush are rounded.
- ADA Approval – When buying a toothbrush, you want to make sure that it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the package. This ensures that your toothbrush has been tested for cleaning effectiveness and safety.
- Damaged Packaging – One of the most obvious but equally important things to note when buying a toothbrush is to check the packaging. You should never buy a toothbrush if the packaging is damaged to the point that the brush has been effected or if the packaging is opened, do not purchase the toothbrush.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
Sometimes we don’t stop to think about changing out our toothbrush like we do many other things in our life, be we should! A toothbrush has a dirty job to do and over time it can accumulate bacteria from daily use. We recommend that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If you notice that the bristles are becoming frayed before that time, go ahead and swap that one for a new one. Also, if you notice that your bristles are becoming frayed after a month or two, you are probably brushing too hard. We recommend talking to the dentist about this to make sure you are not damaging your gums and enamel.
We hope that this guide will help you navigate through the toothbrush aisle with ease the next time you head out to purchase a new toothbrush. If you still have questions about buying a toothbrush or how to choose a toothbrush that is right for your teeth and gums, feel free to contact us here. We would love to give you some helpful tips and if needed, get you in for an appointment.