Choosing the Right Toothbrush

With so many different toothbrushes available, each claiming to be the definitive one that will clean your teeth like no other, it’s difficult to know which one to buy.

Surely a cheap toothbrush from the supermarket will do the job or they wouldn’t be allowed to sell it? Well that can be true but the fact is, some are better than others and since it is highly recommended that you change toothbrushes every three months, this is a choice you will have to make several times a year.

So what do you need in a toothbrush? Here are the factors to look out for:

Comfort

Brushing your teeth is an activity you should be doing at least twice a day so you need to make sure your toothbrush is one you can comfortably use. The general rule here is, if it hurts, change it, otherwise you may be damaging your mouth which can cause complications over time. You also need to be able to grip it comfortably so keep an eye on the shape.

Size

You won’t get very far if the toothbrush is the wrong size for your mouth. A good brush should fit easily between the teeth and be able to get to all those hard to reach places. A larger head will cover more area but if in doubt you should always go for a smaller head for more accuracy.

Bristles

Softer bristles are safer for use in the mouth. Your gums and the inside of your cheeks can only take so much abuse so you don’t want to rub anything to abrasive on them. Added to this, there is always the risk of harder bristles damaging the enamel on your teeth. Medium bristles are also acceptable if you use them carefully as they allow you to put more pressure on the tooth for more intensive cleaning. Look at the shape of the bristles too, as rounded ones can reach more easily between teeth.

Recommendation

If you’re really stuck as to what toothbrush you should use then you can always get one recommended. A lot of good toothbrushes will carry the British Dental Association’s seal of approval on the packaging so you can keep an eye out for that. Alternatively you can ask your dentist what brand they would recommend. Either way, if a professional says it’s ok then you’ve found your toothbrush.

Manual or Electric?

Electric toothbrushes are in fact a highly effective and efficient method of brushing your teeth. Their small heads vibrate in such a way that is just perfect for both removing plaque and giving your teeth a safe but thorough scrub. You can do just as good a job with a manual toothbrush so don’t worry if you can’t afford an electric one but it certainly makes the job quicker and easier.