How to Choose the Right Toothbrush
Walk into an oral care store and you’ll be overwhelmed by the variety of items on offer, from cheap one-pound toothbrushes to high-tech electric toothbrushes that can do just about everything except cook and drive home from get off work. So how do you choose the right brush? Luckily, we’ve done some research, so read on to learn what to look out for.
Soft Bristles
This is the most common reason your dentist tells you to replace your toothbrush every three months, because the toothbrush can become stiff and not reach all areas of your mouth effectively. A small brush head allows you to reach your often problematic molars, and a small brush helps effectively remove plaque and other debris.
Size Matters
They used to come in just one size, but now there seem to be a dozen different sizes. So as a general rule, we recommend going with a size that’s 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. Every mouth and teeth size can be different, so just remember that the toothbrush should fit comfortably in your mouth and clean 1-2 teeth at a time. For the reasons mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t use a brush that’s too large, as it may prevent you from reaching your molars or hard-to-reach areas.
Bruxism? Choose a very soft brush
If you grind your teeth at night, you are doing a lot of damage to your teeth. So, in addition to visiting the dentist, we recommend using a brush with extra soft bristles.
Check for quality seals
Most reasonably good toothbrushes have been through rigorous testing to prove their suitability, and therefore come with a badge of honor on the packaging. Our cousins across the pond can look for the American Dental Association (ADA) on the brush, while in the UK you can look for a smiley face with the words “Oral Health Foundation Approved” around the logo.
Consider a timer
If you have an electric toothbrush, you might want one that beeps after 2 minutes. This may seem like a ridiculous addition, but the average person won’t even brush for a minute, which is not enough time for optimal results. So this would be helpful. On the other hand, you can set a timer on your phone.
Teeth Whitening Powder
Comfortable Grip
Now we really start talking about the less important factors, because comfort is not a big deal unless the toothbrush is flimsy and can slip out of your hand or hurt your mouth. But you should try to find a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your mouth and use other little tricks to help you brush longer.
Kids Need Smaller
When buying a toothbrush for a child, you need to be mindful of their smaller mouth and tooth size. Therefore, you may need to opt for a smaller, child-friendly brush. You can also consider the design of the brush, as having a favorite cartoon character on the brush can help increase the likelihood of brushing (not scientifically proven, just a hope).
Don’t Forget the Namer
If it’s a really cheap brush from an unknown brand, steer clear. You might save some money, but you’ll likely spend more at the dentist in the long run. Products should always go through rigorous safety testing to ensure quality, but you need to question this factor when the price is ridiculously low.
