Follow these easy tips for the best toothbrush
The vastness in choice of toothbrushes out there can be overwhelming. Do you choose a soft, medium or hard bristled brush? Should it be longer or shorted in length? Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one? What colour and brand should you go for? And, of course, does any of it really matter?
Aesthetics aside, there are a few tips that professionals like us, at TLC Dental, recommend you use when selecting the best toothbrush for you. If you follow these tips, you should be able to select the most comfortable and most effective toothbrush option for you.
Size does matter
When it comes to a toothbrush, size does in fact matter. The size of the toothbrush head you select will depend on the size of your mouth, and therefore will need to be selected carefully. The size of the toothbrush head you choose should allow for it to easily cover over your teeth surface, and not be too long or too wide. If the head is too long or too wide, you may find it difficult to manoeuvre around your teeth, and won’t be able to get into those hard to reach places easily. The most common size that professionals suggest is a head of 1cm wide and 2.5cms long – but again this will all depend on your mouth and teeth size.
Choosing a comfortable handle-size is also important. The right handle should fit into your hand comfortably and be long enough to allow the head to reach your back molars.
The best bristle
The range of bristle textures available from most pharmacies and stores are a soft, medium or hard bristled option. Most dental specialists recommend using a soft-bristled brush as the harder varieties can actually damage your gums and even wear down your teeth’s protective enamel.
Electric vs Manual
There are no statistics to suggest that an electric toothbrush is better than a manual or disposable one, or vice versa. The same apply when choosing between an electric or manual toothbrush in terms of size of the head, handle comfort and bristle texture. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones, so your budget and affordability might determine which option you choose. Some people with health concerns, like severe arthritis, prefer an electric toothbrush over a manual one as they do not have to use the dexterity or strength of their hand as much. The real decision on this one will come from your own personal preference.
Make sure its approved
No matter what colour or brand you decide to go for, make sure that it is adequately approved. The Australian Dental Association offers their Seal of Approval to products “that meet the relevant Australian standard, which are quality and safety criteria set by the government.” Products with this seal have been tried and tested by specialists and you will be able to rest assured of a great product when purchasing one with this seal.
Being informed before buying the right toothbrush will help you in making the best choice for you and your teeth, ensuring your best oral health. Click here to learn more about the best tooth brushing techniques for your teeth.
For more information on tooth brushing and other dental care information, contact TLC Dental today.
