There seems to be a never-ending abundance of choices these days, with everything from your garbage bags coming in unique sizes, scents, and colors to smart phones featuring a million different apps and gadgets. At first glance, it may appear as though your choice in toothbrushes should be less complicated than choosing a car, but oftentimes the amount of brushes in the dental aisle is downright overwhelming! If you’ve ever wondered about how to best choose the brush for you, read on to learn a little bit more about what the most important factors in a toothbrush are!
The Stamp of Approval
The most important thing to look for when picking a new brush is the Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA rigorously tests new products before issuing their coveted seal of approval, so you know that the brush you’re about to invest in is trustworthy if you see their thumbs up.
Beware of Bristles
When it comes to the firmness of the bristles of your brush, always opt for soft or extra soft. While it may seem counterintuitive, firmer brushes actually cause far more damage than they help! Medium and firm bristles can roughen up enamel and cause permanent damage to the protective layer of your teeth. Soft or extra soft bristles use a gentle touch to lightly brush away debris and plaque without harming your teeth.
Manual or Electric?
The debate rages among people who swear allegiance to either side of the manual or electric debate, but the truth of the matter is that it all comes down to preference. While it’s true that electric brushes do more of the work for us, that sometimes leads people to do a less thorough job than they might when strokes are in their control. Alternatively, manual brushes require a bit more care to scrub away all of the built-up plaque on your teeth. At the end of the day, your diligence and brushing technique are the most important things when it comes to brushing, so as long as your toothbrush is ADA-approved and you brush for at least two minutes, both manual and electric will do the job.
Size and Shape
Lastly, the size and shape of your brush head is worth taking into consideration. Smaller heads work better for smaller mouths and they can also get harder to reach spots, like the back of the molars. If you have a narrow bridge or crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend a specific style of brush to help ensure you’re reaching every part of your mouth.
When it comes down to it, the most important components of brushing your teeth are your frequency, technique, and the instrument you’re using. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months to keep the bristles strong and bacteria-free, and see your dentist regularly to ensure you’re doing a thorough job.
To schedule your next dental exam, give us a call at Oradent Associates in Chicago today!