Choosing the Best Toothbrush

If there’s one piece of personal hygiene equipment you make sure you use at least twice a day, it should be your toothbrush. Brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial to your oral hygiene. You’re going to be using it for the next three months (that’s 180 uses, for those of you that like the numbers), you want to pick one that is comfortable and fits your style. Here are some tips for choosing the best toothbrush for you.

Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance

The American Dental Association seal of acceptance is your sign that a toothbrush meets certain quality guidelines. These include:

  • All components are safe for use in the mouth

  • Bristles are not sharp or jagged

  • The handle material is durable

  • Bristles are secure and won’t fall out under normal use

  • Can be used effectively without special training

These basic requirements make the difference between a good toothbrush and a bad one.

Bristles and Head

Soft bristles are considered best for your toothbrush, because they’re less likely to damage gums or tooth enamel.

Pick a tooth brush with a small head that allows you to maneuver it into all the places hwere you need your tooth brush to be. In general, a head less than a half inch wide and one inch long is good for this purpose.

Pick What You Like

Beyond that, you can make decisions about what you like from a toothbrush. Pick a grip that’s comfortable, a neck that makes it easier for you to reach around and get all your teeth, and a color that pleases you and is easily distinguishable from the brushes of other people in your house. These factors don’t make much difference in the effectiveness of your toothbrush.

Should You Select Electric?

Considering an electric toothbrush? There is some controversy about whether they’re generally more effective, but there’s no doubt that they help some people get better results. An electric toothbrush may be good for you if:

  • You have trouble brushing for long enough (electric toothbrushes often have timers so you brush long enough)

  • Your handedness means you brush better on one side of your mouth than the other

  • You repeatedly have trouble with gum disease or excessive tartar buildup due to poor brushing

  • Your dentist recommends one

Your toothbrush is the primary tool that you can use to ensure your optimum dental health.

At Ascent Dental in Cherry Creek, we have many other tools to support your efforts. To schedule your next appointment, please contact Ascent Dental today.