Which Toothbrush Is Best For Good Oral Health?
No single toothbrush is necessarily right for everyone. And you may need to experiment with multiple brushes before finding out which one is right for you.
But here are 5 basic factors to consider during your search for the perfect brush:
- Size. You want a toothbrush with a handle long enough to easily reach to every corner of your mouth and that fits comfortably inside of your mouth. Adults generally do best with a brush with a head half an inch wide and an inch long – handle length should vary more with the individual. Kids should use smaller-sized toothbrushes.
- Contours. Look for an ergonomically shaped handle. Ergonomic brush heads may also be easier to get into the back of your mouth and around on the back side of teeth.
- Bristle hardness. For most people, choose a soft-bristled brush so you can safely brush teeth without scraping off enamel and brush over the gum line as well. Hard and medium bristles are better for some people, but it’s rare.
- Bristle shape. Rounded or staggered bristle shapes can aid in getting food particles out of your interdental spaces and give the toothbrush a little more cleaning power on tooth and gum surfaces too.
- Seals of approval. Look for the ADA seal of approval on your toothbrush to ensure bristle tips are safe, the handle won’t wear too quickly, and the brush is effective at plaque reduction. And be sure to ask your local dental professional for his/her opinion on the best brush choice.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Superior?
An electric toothbrush has some advantages over a handheld brush, but it can also have some risks and, overall, it’s a personal choice. Electric brushes are not automatically superior for everyone.
If you do opt for an electric toothbrush, you should choose a rotation oscillation electric model since this is the only type that studies have shown to be at least somewhat more effective, all other things being equal, to a manual brush. Also, still look for the ADA seal of approval, which indicates the product passed extensive safety testing.
An electric brush obviously costs a lot more than handheld toothbrushes, but it may be worth the extra cost if it helps you better maintain good oral health. Some find manual brushing too difficult, for example, those with arthritis. On the other hand, some people are bothered by the vibrations of an electric toothbrush.
Whether you use an electric or handheld brush, you should never brush too hard or too long in one location in your mouth. Putting an electric brush on too high of a setting would create real risks – but of course, this is easily avoided with proper use.
Concerned about your oral health? Talk to Dr. Stuart Beauchamp of Ormond Beach Periodontics today for more helpful tips or to schedule an appointment to check up on your tooth and gum health.