It’s that most wonderful time of the year again. You may be looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer … or maybe you are just looking to take advantage of discounts to get something nice for yourself.
Few items in your home are used as frequently as your toothbrush. If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, every day, your toothbrush sees quite a bit of action. Given how important good oral hygiene is, you should make sure you are using the right toothbrush to get the job done.
When toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented in the late 1930s, there weren’t a lot of options to choose from. That is certainly no longer the case. These days when you visit the store to shop for a toothbrush, you are confronted with an extensive collection of different kinds of toothbrushes.
Today, our team at Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX is sharing some information that could help you pick the right brush to keep your smile looking its best.
How to Choose A Toothbrush
The first decision you will have to make when shopping for a toothbrush is whether you want a manual toothbrush or an electric one. Both types can get the job done well as long as you use the proper technique, so it’s more of a matter of personal preference.
Then, look for a toothbrush that has earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. This seal guarantees that for manual toothbrushes, the bristles are safe and won’t fall out under typical conditions, the handle will withstand normal use, and the toothbrush will effectively reduce the build-up of plaque to prevent gum disease. For electric toothbrushes, the ADA Seal guarantees the above conditions, and also means the toothbrush has undergone safety testing and clinical trials to ensure that it is safe to use.
From there, you can narrow down your options by looking for certain characteristics that cater to your needs.
Size
To make sure your toothbrush will work as effectively as it should, you want to choose one that will allow easy access to all surfaces of your teeth. For the majority of adults, a toothbrush with a head that is a half-inch wide and one-inch tall should be just the right size. Using a toothbrush with a larger head might make it difficult to reach the sides and backs of your molars.
You also want to look for a toothbrush with a handle that is long enough to hold comfortably in your hand. There are many varieties of toothbrush handles and grips to choose from.
Bristles
When shopping for a toothbrush or toothbrush head, you will be given the option to select soft, medium, or hard bristles. For most people, we recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush because they are the safest and most comfortable choice. Especially for people who vigorously brush their teeth, a medium- or hard-bristled brush can damage your gums and wear away your enamel.
Dentist Recommendations
It’s always a good idea to take your dentist’s advice into consideration. Feel free to talk to our Davenport Dental Group team members about which toothbrushes they typically recommend when you visit us. We are more than happy to share information on our favorite manual and electric toothbrushes.
To plan your next appointment, contact us online, or call the location nearest to you at 956-242-6745Â for our Junction Drive office or 956-517-2695 for our Winfield office.