Shopping for a new toothbrush can be overwhelming. The dental aisle at a grocery store boasts dozens and dozens of different sizes, shapes and firmness, so it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
1. Start Considering an Electric Brush if You Haven’t Already
Electric toothbrushes may be more expensive however, they will provide you with a better and more consistent teeth cleaning than the manual brushes. There are a lot of electric toothbrush options available. Keep the following toothbrush traits in mind for both manual and electric options.
2. It Reaches All the Way to the Back of Your Mouth
Children’s’ toothbrushes are short for a reason. Your brush should be able to reach all the way to your back teeth without having too much extra length to make brushing awkward. The head of the brush should be large enough to hit more than one tooth at a time but small enough to cover your back molars. Most adult toothbrushes are a standard length but watch out for ones that are overly long or short. It’s a good idea to stock up on different toothbrushes when they go on sale so you can experiment with different lengths until you find one right for you.
3. The Brush Handle Feels Comfortable in Your Hand
Brush handles come in all different shapes and slopes which don’t affect the brush’s ability to clean your teeth, so choose one that feels comfortable in your hand. Comfort grips or treads are all about personal preference so experiment with different ones if you like.
4. The Bristles Don’t Irritate Your Gums
According to the American Dental Association, softer bristled toothbrushes are safer for your gums and tooth enamel. A brush with extremely firm bristles can scratch your gums and tooth surfaces, causing injury or damage. In particular, people with sensitive teeth should avoid firm bristles as it can aggravate the condition.
Remember to switch out your brushor the brush head of an electric brush every 3-4 months or after any type of sickness involving the throat or sinus or tonsils and see your dentist regularly for cleanings. Contact Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts for an appointment with Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller today.