Finding the “best” toothbrush can seem like a daunting experience with hundreds of options from shape, size, material, color, features, and more. We hope this article will help answer some of the most common questions about toothbrushes and help you find the best toothbrush for you.
To Choose Your Next Toothbrush, Consider The Following:
1. Do I Want A Manual Toothbrush?
2. Do I Want An Electric Toothbrush?
3. Is It Time To Replace My Toothbrush?
4. What Is My Budget?
What Do You Look For In A New Toothbrush?
For children, pick a toothbrush with a smaller head and definitely soft bristles. But for the fun of it, companies make blinking, singing, and character toothbrushes too. Then we could branch out to electronic toothbrushes for children. When it comes to adult toothbrushes the options are endless. Do you want soft, medium, or hard bristles? What about plastic, bamboo, or electronic handles? There are many, many options.
What Are Benefits Of Manual Toothbrushes?
For adult toothbrushes, you want one that is going to fit comfortably in your hand. As for the bristles, half an inch wide is sufficient. You want a head that is going to fit all the way back to your wisdom teeth. If you have a heavy hand, meaning you push really hard when you brush, you’ll probably not want to go for the hard bristle brush. If, on the other hand, you have a light touch, you might need stiffer bristles as you won’t be pressing especially hard when you brush.
Cost is another aspect that gets weighed when considering toothbrushes. If the toothbrush removes plaque and keeps your gums healthy, it will have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance on it and you will have found a good toothbrush. The toothbrushes that bear that ADA seal of acceptance have undergone testing in a lab to prove they are safe and efficient.
What Makes Electric Toothbrushes So Special?
A lot of people feel that electronic toothbrushes leave their mouths feeling as clean as when they have their teeth cleaned in the dentist’s office. There are electronic brushes that spin clockwise, counter-clockwise, side to side, or ultrasonic. These are all personal preferences. Like manual toothbrushes, you will need to either replace the entire electronic toothbrush or the head of the electronic toothbrush every 3-4 months. Again, the cost can come into play.
What price is too high when it comes to healthy teeth? Electronic toothbrushes may be a better option for people who have dexterity problems, like a disability, or the elderly. Children may also benefit from electronic toothbrushes because they seem more “fun.” If you’re having problems getting your kids to brush their teeth, this may be a step in the right direction. These toothbrushes can also come with lights and songs for kids.
Is It Time To Replace My Toothbrush?
Yes! As was said earlier, every three or four months is an appropriate time to replace your toothbrush. If you’ve had a cold, the Flu, or Covid you want to change out that toothbrush too. If the bristles on your toothbrush are all misshapen or matted together, then that is another opportunity to replace your toothbrush. You can make your toothbrush last longer by rinsing it out after brushing your teeth. Don’t leave your moist toothbrush inside of anything between brushes. Leave it out, head up, so that it can dry. Don’t press too hard on the toothbrush. This can cause bleeding gums and can wear out your toothbrush quicker.
What About A Budget?
As with most things in life, there are low-quality or high-quality options. The cost doesn’t always determine if a toothbrush is low-quality or high-quality though. You can get name-brand manual toothbrushes with the ADA seal of approval for just a few dollars. Electronic toothbrushes can be purchased from five dollars to over $200.00.
As always, the best way to prevent any serious dental or oral health issues is by visiting your dentist twice a year for regular cleaning and check-ups. If you are concerned about a toothache, worried about potential symptoms of tooth decay, or searching for a family or cosmetic dentist in Altoona, IA, consider Altoona Smiles. Call 515-200-1299 to schedule an appointment today.
