Hard or soft, big or small, manual or electric?

Experts on dentistry.com explain that it’s important to look for a toothbrush that has bristles that will reach slightly under the gums and around the teeth. Many dental hygienists actually recommend using child size toothbrushes instead of the adult sized brushes that tend to have bigger heads, explaining that the bigger the head on the toothbrush is the harder it is to properly clean the back teeth and the greater the chances of leaving behind plaque. The consensus among dental professionals seems to prefer brushes that have soft bristles over hard bristles since the hard bristles have a tendency to cause damage and irritation to the gums and can actually remove the enamel that protects your teeth.

While many people prefer to keep using their manual toothbrushes, powered toothbrushes are becoming more popular, especially since they can do a more thorough job and they are being made more affordable to consumers.

Automatic/electric toothbrushes are especially great for:

-          the unmotivated brushers

-          those who tend to rush brushing their teeth because they are running late

-          anyone with limited dexterity (use of their hands/fingers)

-          those who are told they need to improve their brushing technique

-          anyone who has a hard time brushing their teeth

When contemplating what kind of toothbrush would be best for you, the experts at dentistry.com say “the best one is one you use properly every day” so to choose one that feels comfortable to you and that you will actually use daily. If you’re still unsure about what type of toothbrush you should choose, keep in mind that most dental hygienists would be happy to provide some recommendations and be glad to see that you’re taking an active interest in your oral health. No matter what toothbrush you decide to use, don’t forget to replace it every 3-4 months or as soon as the bristles start looking frayed. Even with the most perfected oral hygiene regimens using an old toothbrush can damage gum tissue and is likely to leave behind damaging plaque and other bacteria that can reap havoc on your teeth.

Your oral health plays an important role in your overall health and well-being, which is why Mountainside Medical Equipment has a section of their website dedicated to dental care products, with everything from denture kits to toothbrushes.

Sources:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/05/15/health-tip-choosing-the-right-toothbrush

http://www.dentistry.com/daily-dental-care/dental-hygiene/choosing-the-right-toothbrush

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Brushing-and-Flossing/article/Choosing-the-Right-Toothbrush.cvsp