Choosing the Right Tooth Brush

Most people know that the main job of a toothbrush is to remove plaque, clean your teeth and help you maintain a fresh, clean mouth and teeth. A toothbrush, when used properly, can help you avoid tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and more. This tiny tool has a big job to do when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Have you ever wondered if size matters when it comes to a toothbrush? How about the shape of the handle you choose or the stiffness or softness of the toothbrush bristles? If you have ever wondered if you are using the right type of toothbrush, you are not alone.  Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect toothbrush for your teeth!

Size Matters: Start by looking at the size of the toothbrush head. There are all different shapes and sizes of toothbrush heads depending on the size of your mouth. It is important to pick a toothbrush that can fit comfortably into the back of your mouth and around the rear molars.

Bristle Business: When in doubt, choose softer bristles. When it comes to toothbrush bristles, you don’t need hard or stiff bristles to properly clean your teeth. Soft bristles do a great job reaching and bending between teeth and under the gum line. Stiff or hard bristles are not as flexible and miss many of the tight spots; they can also harm the gums and erode tooth enamel. You can feel good about any type of bristle design. There is no specific research indicating that any specific formation of bristle designs is better or more effective than others. The best way to get your teeth clean is simply to brush with a soft bristle brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time you brush.

Mix It Up: If you have never tried an electric toothbrush, research published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene states a power toothbrush with a rotating or oscillating head does an excellent job at reducing the risk of gum disease as well as removing plaque. The rotating head on electric toothbrushes has been proven to do a better job at getting between teeth than standard manual toothbrushes.

Replace Rather Than Reuse: Once a toothbrush is three or four months old, it’s time for a new one, don’t wait for the bristles to fray. For optimal oral health, replacing your toothbrush once every quarter is ideal. If you have questions on which toothbrush is best suited for your mouth and teeth, ask Dr. Juban at your next dental cleaning or checkup.