What Kind of Toothbrush Is Best for Your Mouth?
Toothbrushes have come a long way since their invention in 1780. Nowadays, you can find toothbrushes in all sizes and shapes, all colors of the rainbow, and manual or electric. With so many choices, it’s hard to know what kind of toothbrush is best. The friendly dentists at Sunrise Dental created the following guide to help you choose the best type of toothbrush for your mouth.
How to Choose the Best Toothbrush
1: Toothbrush Size
One of the most important factors in choosing a good toothbrush is the size of its head. The toothbrush head needs to be able to reach all of your teeth as well as your gums—including the areas way in the back. While a “large head” may sound enticing, it might be too difficult to maneuver inside a small mouth. For most adults, we recommend a toothbrush with a head that is about one inch tall and half an inch wide.
2: Bristle Type
Whether you’re looking for the best manual toothbrush or considering an electric one, you’ll find three types of bristles to choose from—soft, medium, and hard. While you may think harder bristles mean a better clean, if they’re too hard they can damage your gums. We always suggest that our patients choose toothbrushes that have soft bristles and rounded tips that will not cause damage.
3: Handle Shape and Grip
Toothbrush handles come in various lengths and shapes—some have contours designed to fit your hand, and others have grips that make them easier to hold. The shape and grip of your toothbrush should fit comfortably and steadily in your hand so that you can easily move it around your mouth for the best cleaning experience.
4: ADA Seal of Acceptance
No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, we highly recommend using a toothbrush that holds the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. The ADA seal means that the toothbrush has met rigorous standards to ensure it will effectively and safely keep your mouth clean.
5: Manual vs. Electric
We constantly have patients asking if electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones. The honest answer is no—when used properly, both types of toothbrushes are just as effective at cleaning plaque off your teeth. Choosing electric or manual is really a matter of preference, but we find that electric toothbrushes often help our patients form better brushing habits and get a better clean.
We Can Help You Find Your Best Toothbrush
At Sunrise Dental in Peoria, we’re happy to help you choose the best type of toothbrush for your specific dental needs. Just ask us for a recommendation on your next visit! To schedule a cleaning and comprehensive dental exam, call us today at 623-487-4870.
Photo by Henrik Lagercrantz on Unsplash