You already know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially 30 minutes after eating. However, did you know that selecting the right toothbrush can be nearly as important as choosing to brush at all? The wrong one could damage your dental enamel and irritate your sensitive gum tissue. With so many toothbrushes available, a trip to the drug store can turn into a daunting experience. How will you know which device is the right one for you or for your child? In this post, your Lake Orion, MI family dentist explains the different types of toothbrushes and how to select the right one for optimal oral health.
Important Considerations
When selecting a toothbrush, you should always look for a brand that has the ADA Seal of Approval. The American Dental Association only gives its approval after a brand has passed rigorous safety tests. To earn the seal, a toothbrush must be:
- Free of sharp or jagged edges
- Made with bristles that will not come out
- Durable
- Made of material that is safe for oral use
- Able to protect against plaque buildup and gum disease, when used correctly and frequently
In addition, nearly all dental experts recommend choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush, since hard bristles can damage your teeth and irritate your gums.
Toothbrush Types
Although only looking for soft-bristled, ADA-approved toothbrushes will help shorten your search, there is still a wide selection of toothbrushes to choose from. In most cases, your decision will largely be based on personal preferences and comfort. You should choose a brush that enables you to easily access all of your teeth. For many people, this means selecting one with a smaller head. Toothbrushes also have a variety of handles (flexible, non-slip grip, ergonomic, etc.) and heads (tapered, domed, rippled, etc.) Ultimately, this is all a matter of comfort, and you should simply choose the one that feels best in your mouth.
The Lowdown on Mechanical Toothbrushes
You may also be intrigued by electronic toothbrushes. Again, this is a matter of preference. Research shows that manual and electronic toothbrushes can be equally effective. However, many people feel more motivated to brush using state-of-the-art toothbrushes. They can also be an excellent choice if you are older and have begun to lose flexibility in your hands; mechanical toothbrushes can help you better access all your teeth for more thorough hygiene. Finally, parents often like to give their kids electronic brushes to make dental hygiene more fun.
Ultimately, the choice is largely up to you. If you still feel overwhelmed, however, Dr. Greenfield can help you select a toothbrush, based on your dental history and oral health needs.
About Dr. Greenfield: Dr. Brad Greenfield is a compassionate family dentist, dedicated to pursuing ongoing education and utilizing the latest dental technology. He is happy to provide guidance in oral hygiene to patients of all ages. To learn more about oral health, call (248) 693-6213 today. Dr. Greenfield proudly treats families in Oxford, Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, and neighboring communities.
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