Brushing our teeth forms part of our daily lives and contributes to maintaining good oral hygiene—and toothbrushes form a big part of that. So, choosing the correct toothbrush is essential. But how can you know which is the right toothbrush for you?
With so many features to choose from, including manual versus electric toothbrushes, bristle firmness, head shapes and sizes, and more, it can be a challenging task. Moreover, choosing the right toothbrush for your needs will be different for each person because our teeth and gums require varied care.
So, we’ve created a guide to help you. Learn more about how to choose the best toothbrush for your personal needs:
Manual Toothbrushes
One of the first decisions you should make is whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush. Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own advantages, and this guide will examine both options in detail.
Let’s start with the benefits of selecting a manual toothbrush:
Simple to use and maintain
Most of us learned how to brush our teeth using these types of toothbrushes. They’re easy to purchase, use, and maintain, as they do not require battery replacements or a charging station.
Easy to find
Manual toothbrushes can be found at any pharmacy and even in convenience stores. This is opportune when you’re in a hurry or forgot to pack your toothbrush for a vacation.
Inexpensive
These are the least expensive types of toothbrushes on the market and are extremely easy to find. Their affordability allows you to replace them every 8 to 12 weeks—the ideal timeline for a toothbrush refresh.
Electric Toothbrushes
As the global population starts to prioritize oral health, interest in the electric toothbrush option has surged. This is because electric toothbrushes:
Decrease tooth decay
Electric toothbrushes reduce plaque, which is a sticky layer that forms on teeth. Plaque is dangerous as it produces acid, which can deteriorate the enamel on teeth, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.
Provide a reliable, healthy clean
The power of electric toothbrushes allows for more enhanced dental cleaning as they produce hundreds, if not thousands, of rotations per minute. A manual toothbrush won’t reach these numbers during a single cleaning.
Contain specially designed features
Features like pressure sensors can help ensure your teeth get the most optimal brush with minimal effort. Built-in timers in an electric-powered toothbrush also ensure your brush is long enough to keep you fresh and plaque-free throughout the day.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush
Below is our guide on what we think is essential to look for when choosing the right toothbrush option for you:
Bristle Firmness
There’s a common misconception that stiff bristles will clean teeth more effectively than soft bristles. However, dental experts recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because they help you gently clean your teeth and gums without harming them or the enamel on your teeth.
Before you decide on bristle firmness, consider the design of your toothbrush bristles, too. Your Saskatoon dentist suggests choosing angled bristles with multiple layers so you can brush in every nook and cranny. Round soft bristles are also recommended because they’re gentler on your gums. Round bristles are also an excellent option for sensitive teeth, as their softness cleans well and prevents pain simultaneously.
Size and Shape of the Head of the Toothbrush
The size and shape of your toothbrush head are also important factors to consider. Many toothbrush heads are round or almond-shaped—and this is a crucial point. Experts recommend choosing a smaller head size, as the smaller the head of the toothbrush, the better the soft bristles can get into smaller areas of your mouth, as well as your teeth and gums. A round brush head is also recommended as opposed to a long or angular head—so you don’t have to contend with hurting your gums each time you brush.
Toothbrush Handle
Another defining toothbrush factor is the part that doesn’t enter your mouth—the handle. Why? The handle is vital when thinking about the grip. If you think about it, brushing your teeth should occur at least twice daily for at least two minutes each time. That’s a reasonable amount of time to warrant a handle with a good grip.
Try to choose a toothbrush handle that feels natural and comfortable in the palm of your hand. This will also help you achieve the proper brushing technique. Some handles are curved, and others are straight. You can also choose variations in the softness of the handle. But the choice is entirely up to you. We suggest picking one that feels the most natural and makes teeth cleaning a pleasant experience.
Your Dentist Can Help You Select the Best Brush for Your Needs
Now that you know all the factors you should consider when buying the right toothbrush, why not try a professional dental cleaning in Saskatoon to get an expert’s take on your choices and see if you’re on the right track for your oral health needs?
Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss the best toothbrush solutions for your unique smile!