8 Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush

1. Tips for Choosing
the Right Toothbrush
8

2. In our Arlington, TX dental office,
we often offer advice
about proper tooth brushing
habits –
Many times we are asked more
about toothbrushes.
What kind to buy,
what about electric toothbrushes,
and how often should they be replaced,
are among the top questions we hear.

3. Manual Brushes
1.
Manual toothbrushes are found in nearly every bathroom
across the country.
Besides being the most affordable,
they are also available in several different colors and designs.
Choose your favorite
and spend two minutes using it to completely
clean your teeth.

4. Battery Powered Toothbrushes
2.
A battery powered toothbrush is a better alternative
than a manual toothbrush, but not as effective as a sonic brush.
The battery powered brushes work
by either spinning or moving bristles back and forth.
For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative
to a manual toothbrush.
Especially for those who have difficulty brushing
or who have limited manual dexterity.

5. Sonic Toothbrushes
3.
Sonic technology is used in the rechargeable
power brushes available at most retailers.
Sonic brushes utilize a wave-like pattern to remove plaque,
access difficult areas and massage gum tissues.
Research shows that these toothbrushes
are the best option for obtaining the cleanest mouth possible.

6. Children’s Toothbrushes
4.
You’ll know a children’s toothbrush when you see it.
They are the ones with bright colors and cartoon
characters on the handle.
These brushes are more than just a load of fun features;
they are also smaller and designed
especially for a child’s smaller mouth.

7. Bristle Texture
5.
Although there are several varieties
of toothbrushes available,
most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush
is best for most teeth.
They do an excellent job of removing plaque
and debris from your teeth and they aren’t too harsh.
Medium and hard bristles are best for cleaning
dentures and other appliances.

8. Type of Bristles
6.
The most common type of bristles on the market,
and probably the kind in your toothbrush right now,
are synthetic bristles.
Synthetics are usually either nylon or polyester.
Natural bristles are another type, though far less common.
Natural bristles are usually made of boar’s hair.
These brushes are not widely used as they are not as resistant
to bacteria and the bristles tend to fall out of the brush.

9. Size of the Brush
7.
When it comes to the size of the brush,
a good rule of thumb is to pick the size
that is most comfortable for you.
Small-headed brushes are usually the best choice.
They can better reach all areas of the mouth,
including the hard-to-reach back teeth.

10. Toothbrush Designs
8.
Oftentimes, the details of the brush are a major
consideration for being able to do
an effective job of brushing your teeth.
The type of handle is an important point to consider –
maybe you are more comfortable
with a non-slip grip or flexible neck.
And what about the shape of the head –
do you prefer tapered or rectangular?
And even the style of bristles –
there are rippled, flat or a dome shape.