How to Select the Right Toothbrush for You

Finding the right toothbrush is an important part of good oral hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, the average American spends over a thousand hours brushing their teeth over the course of a lifetime.

Given how much time we spend brushing our teeth, it only makes sense to find a quality toothbrush that works well and feels comfortable. That is a lot easier said than done given the large variety of toothbrushes that are available on the market. There are toothbrushes with angled heads, oscillating tufts, raised bristles and a variety of bristle designs.

What you need to know

The reality is that any toothbrush that feels comfortable and cleans your mouth well is a good one. Most dentists have a preference for soft-bristled toothbrushes, but it is up to you to figure out which features you like best. The most important thing is that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes.

Any toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles. Hard bristles may damage teeth enamel if you have a habit of brushing forcefully. Damaged enamel leads to increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods. To make your quest to find the right toothbrush easier, here are some tips from the American Dental Association:

Pick a toothbrush that easily fits inside your mouth

It is important to pick a toothbrush that is a good fit while still being able to provide a professional clean. Especially with children, selecting an age-appropriate toothbrush is crucial.

There is no need to waste money on electric toothbrushes

While electric toothbrushes can be effective, you may not need to go out and purchase the most expensive one. If you are unsure about which toothbrush is the best option for you, give us a call and schedule an appointment. We can examine your teeth and help you find the toothbrush for you.

The toothbrush needs to match the situation

People with joint issues like arthritis are better off with powered toothbrushes since they might have trouble performing the motions to clean the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are also a good option for people with uneven tooth surfaces or those who wear braces.

Replace a toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to wear out

The toothbrush wearing out usually takes around three months from the time you start using it. A worn out toothbrush will not be able to clean your teeth properly. You should also replace your toothbrush when you recover from an illness like a cold or flu.

A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best way to go

We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush since these are less likely to damage your enamel, especially if you have a habit of brushing too hard.

Good oral hygiene starts with the selection of a quality toothbrush

It doesn’t stop there though. There are other things you need to do like flossing daily and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Dental floss performs the same function as brushing your teeth. Flossing is necessary to clean the tight spaces between your teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash will also help you clean the hard to reach places in your mouth while lowering your bacteria count and freshening your breath.

Want to learn more ways to improve your oral hygiene? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte, request an appointment in our Port Charlotte dental office here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com. Or call us at (941) 676-9225.