Have you ever been standing in the dental health aisle of your local drugstore struggling to decide which of the numerous options of toothbrushes is the best? There’s always a new design or model that promises to get your teeth the cleanest, but when each package promises the same benefits despite the fact the brushes vary in shape and size, you can’t be sure which model to trust. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, shopping for a new toothbrush can be downright confusing. Lucky for you, we’re here to help things a little simpler. Below are some of the things to keep in mind the next time you’re at Walgreen’s, stressing over which toothbrush to buy. 

 

If you’ve ever asked your dentist about what type of toothbrush is best, you’ve likely heard that soft bristles are the way to go. Here’s why: soft bristles are flexible, and therefore much more effective at cleaning the hard-to-reach places in your mouth than hard bristles. They also clean your teeth in a less invasive way; hard bristles can actually scratch the enamel of your teeth, weakening their defenses against sugary drinks and acids that you ingest.

 

When tooth enamel is weak, decay sets in more easily. Hard bristles also irritate the gums, causing them to bleed or even recede, which exposes the teeth roots and makes them vulnerable to disease and decay. Tooth sensitivity is often caused by improper oral hygiene practices—one of which includes brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush.

 

When it comes to selecting the proper aesthetic of your toothbrush (i.e. handle and head size or shape), we recommend selecting whatever will be most comfortable to you. One thing to note is that the smaller the head (the end with the bristles), the less limited the maneuverability of the brush. A brush with a larger head may restrict your ability to cover all your teeth, but the general shape of the brush doesn’t tend to make a ton of difference in the long run.

 

Electric toothbrushes are actually a great option for people who find it difficult to brush using only manual power. We recommend them for small children—who maybe just haven’t fully mastered proper brushing techniques—or for people with limited motor capabilities.

 

No matter what toothbrush you choose, make sure it has the ADA seal of approval, and replace it every three months (or directly after you’ve recovered from a cold). Stick by these simple rules, and your mouth should be in great shape!

 

To learn more about dentistry in the Norcross, GA area, call (770) 446-5700 today.