What Type of Toothbrush Is Best for You?

It’s time for a new toothbrush. You run to the store, thinking you’ll grab one and go home. But when you’re in the oral health aisle, there are dozens of options. Different toothbrush head sizes, bristle hardness; electric or manual? Choosing the right characteristics in a toothbrush may make brushing more comfortable and most importantly, encourage you to brush regularly!

In terms of the size of the toothbrush head, for most adults a half-inch to one inch tall head will be the most effective for reaching all surfaces of your teeth and the easiest to use. Toothbrushes larger than an inch may be more difficult to maneuver around the sides of the teeth and the backsides of molars.

Toothbrushes also come with soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. Most people will do best with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium or hard bristles could wear away tooth enamel or damage your gums, especially if you brush your teeth vigorously.

Now for the matter of electric versus manual toothbrushes: there won’t be much difference between which will do a better job, as long as you are brushing regularly. However, some people have a preference for one or the other. Manual toothbrushes are much less expensive, but some people feel like their teeth get a better clean from electric. Also, some people may brush too vigorously with a manual toothbrush so in addition to softer bristles, an electric toothbrush may be easier on their gums.

For children, it’s important that the bristles are soft and the toothbrush head is small. Children’s toothbrushes feature bright colors and cartoon characters that help make pediatric dentistry more fun as they develop the habit of brushing every day.

Dakota Dental is invested in community dental care and stressing the importance of how to clean your teeth properly. The family dentists at Dakota Dental can help you, and everyone in your family, practice good preventive dental care to prevent cavities and gum irritation.

Dakota Dental has many resources for taking care of your teeth and making sure you have a perfect smile!Contact Dakota Dental today.