What to Know When Choosing a Toothbrush

When you go to your local store to shop for a new toothbrush, you are likely enamored by the many different types of toothbrushes for sale.  It is awfully difficult to determine the differences between the types of toothbrushes while standing in the supermarket aisle. The better option is to prepare ahead of time so you know exactly what to look for when staring at the seemingly endless options.

Here is a helpful guide to the many different types of toothbrushes and how to select the one best for your oral health needs.

Types of toothbrushes

Bristle Softness is Essential

Toothbrushes are sold with bristles that are either soft, medium or hard.  Most dentists are adamant patients should use toothbrushes that have soft bristles.  Hard bristles are a threat to tooth enamel and the gums.

While hard bristles certainly remove debris and stains, they will eventually do more harm than good.  In fact, hard bristles will harm your gums to the point that the gums might recede and expose the root surfaces of the teeth. Such exposure leads to an increase in sensitivity as well as an increase in the risk of cavities.

Toothbrush Size

Toothbrush size is also important.  The toothbrush needs to fit comfortably in the mouth.  The back of the brush should not hit the opposite arch during the brushing process.  Nor should the tip of the toothbrush contact the back of the jaw bone.  If necessary, use a youth-size toothbrush to clean your mouth.  

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes require you to do all the work when cleaning your teeth.  Plenty of people are willing to exert the effort required to clean their teeth with this traditional brush.  However, the odds of enjoying a comprehensive clean are higher if you let an electric toothbrush do the work on your behalf.

Otherwise, you will have to employ a perfect brushing technique to perform a full clean with your manual toothbrush.  This is certainly possible yet it requires considerable effort.  If you brush your teeth late at night while groggy, you might not have the necessary energy to maintain your technique.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes basically require you to move your hand left and right.  The brush moves in circular motions to eliminate food particles, bacteria and other debris.  These rotating bristles do a fantastic job of cleaning the mouth.

The main drawback to the electric variety is cost.  You will pay significantly more money for an electric toothbrush than a manual toothbrush.

Sonic Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes are electric toothbrushes but much faster.  This style of toothbrush provides upwards of 30,000 strokes in a single minute.  This means you do just about nothing while the sonic toothbrush cleans your chompers.

While sonic toothbrushes are expensive, they are perfect for those who have mobility limitations or simply detest brushing with an old-fashioned manual toothbrush.  When in doubt, discuss the many different toothbrush options with your dentist to determine which is ideal for your oral health challenges.

Call (770) 239-2722 to schedule an appointment with Ping Hai DDS in our Marietta dental office.