4 Qualities You Really Need in a Toothbrush

Old and new toothbrushIn order to have good oral hygiene practices, it is also important that we use the right type of toothbrush. Partner that with proper brushing techniques and good fluoride-containing toothpaste – you are sure to remove plaque from teeth effectively. Toothbrushes don’t just clean the teeth, they also help in keeping the tongue and gums clean. Here are the 5 qualities that you need to look for when buying a toothbrush:

Size

The shape of the head of a toothbrush actually makes no difference. What you should be concerned about is the size of the head. Small-headed toothbrushes are ideal because they are able to reach all areas of the mouth including the sides and backs of your molars. For adults, a toothbrush with a half-inch wide and one-inch tall head would be the most efficient and easiest one to use. 

Bristles

If you think that hard-bristled toothbrushes are the ones to use, then you’re wrong. Dental professionals would attest that a soft-bristled toothbrush is the most effective when it comes to removing debris and plaque from your teeth. Not only that, but a soft-bristled brush helps in protecting the gums, the tooth enamel and the root surface. Bristles come in many shapes such as: flat, rippled, dome-shaped – you should choose the one that’s most comfortable to you. There are also brushes that come in multi-height bristles – these reach every corner of your mouth. The bristles on a toothbrush with rounded tips offer more tooth protection. 

Handle

A good toothbrush should have a handle that’s long enough for you to comfortable hold in your hand. There are different types of handles such as: flexible necks or non-slip grips – these can be chosen as per the user’s preference. The grip plays an important factor because a comfortable one will make your brushing experience more effective, especially when you’re brushing the hard-to-reach areas such as your back molars. When you use a toothbrush that comes with a handle that feels comfortable in your hand, it also improves your ability to clean your teeth. Some brushes come with tongue-and-cheek cleaners on the other side of the bristles. 

Manual or Powered

Powered toothbrushes are said to be a lazy man’s way of brushing. However, if you have a condition that limits your movements, then investing in an electric toothbrush is a good idea. Though they may be a bit expensive, they definitely give you a good brushing experience.  Electric brushes loosen effortlessly and they also dispense plaque with their high-frequency micro-movements. Electric brushes are easy-to-use, convenient and effective. 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

If you think that having a toothbrush is enough for oral health care, you’re wrong. Choosing the right toothbrush plays an initial role when it comes to taking care of your teeth.  So how do you choose your toothbrush?

 

The Basics

Since a toothbrush is an exclusive property, you have to choose the one that best suits your preference. Your comfort while using it should be considered. It should fit perfectly on your hand and the toothbrush should feel comfortable in your mouth, reaching every tooth surface.

Soft Bristles

According to the Canadian Dental Association, a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles is the best one to choose. Most people don’t get that ‘clean feeling’ unless they use a toothbrush with stiff bristles but that habit can be unhealthy on the teeth and gums. Brushing the teeth too hard is a leading cause of sensitive teeth.

Mind the Handles

The design of the handle might seem unimportant but there are easier-to-use designs nowadays. Because of their design, brushing becomes more effective. Toothbrushes with straight and rigid handles are difficult to control. The ones that have bent or tilted necks are easier to use and also helpful in reaching behind the teeth as well as around the back teeth.

Consider the Age

Toothbrushes, just like shoes, depend on the user’s age. Babies should use baby toothbrushes because they have small mouths, and the same goes for older children. Since you want to promote oral health care at an early age, let your children pick their own design at the supermarket, making their toothbrushes more personal for them.

 

Quality vs. Quantity

You might be seeing those 5-in-1 toothbrushes for the whole family in supermarkets.  As much as you can save money by buying those, it’s still better to go for the familiar ones, instead.  Nameless products might be made of weaker materials and since you put a toothbrush in your mouth, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  

Power and Battery-Operated Options

Over the years, it has been proven that power toothbrushes remove 10 to 40% more plaque than manual brushes. It’s because these power toothbrushes have round oscillating heads and fixed bristles. Studies also show that more than 35% of adults and children brush for a longer period of time when using power brushes.

 

Ideally, a toothbrush should be replaced every three months, but some people tend to wear out their brushes earlier than that.  If you see that your toothbrush is already worn out even before the three-month period, then it’s time to get a new one. 

Great Dental Stocking Stuffers

It’s always a good time to teach kids about proper dental care.  You know that and Santa does too.  That’s why every opportunity to help your kids learn more about how to keep their teeth clean and bright is a good one.  When Christmas morning comes there are certainly worse things to find stuffed in their stocking then a selection of the great choices below.  

  • Toothbrushes.  You can get them a great (soft-bristled) toothbrush but there are plenty of brushes branded with cartoon characters your kids might love as well.  If they’re a little older you might want to try gifting them with their first electric toothbrush to see if they like the feel of it.  If your kid spends time at sleepovers or at camp grab them a cool toothbrush case as well.
  • Floss.  Flavored dental floss is always a favorite but you might want to put in some interdental picks as well.  Give them the opportunity to choose what they might like to use to clean between their teeth.
  • Sugar-free gum.  A classic favourite.  Kids love gum, and you’ll love that this gum is actually good for their teeth.  Still tastes great, too.
  • Other stuff.  If you’re looking for longer term dental care options you can always throw in a ‘certificate’ you make for something they want, like professional whitening, or a custom mouth guard, that they can ‘cash in’ at the dentist.

The holidays are for families and there’s precious moments in watching kids (and adults) open up their stockings.  If you fill it with the things that will help their teeth they’ll be the gifts that keep on giving.  If you’re looking for a full-service family dentistry for you and your little ones contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.