^[1]How do you go about choosing a toothbrush? Sometimes, it’s not easy. There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to purchasing a toothbrush, which makes it difficult to know what to look for. A good starting point is to ask your dentist and hygienist for a recommendation.

In addition, here are some general tips on what to look for:

Small brush head and well-designed bristles:

Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you to get to the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.

Soft Bristles

Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.

Comfortable Handle

Many toothbrushes have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet. Additionally, the handles on many Oral-B toothbrusheshave been modelled based on research into the five different ways that people hold their toothbrush while brushing.

Remember that regular replacement of toothbrushes contributes to maintaining a consistently high level of oral hygiene because clinical research shows a new toothbrush can remove up to 30% more plaque than one that’s three months old.

^[2]General Tips For Choosing A Toothbrush

There are certain characteristics that you should look for in whatever toothbrush you choose, regardless of whether it is manual or powered.

Size

The best toothbrush head for you should allow you easy access to all surfaces of your teeth. For most adults, a toothbrush head a half-inch wide and one-inch tall will be the easiest to use and the most effective. Though there are larger toothbrush heads available, you may find that it is difficult to maneuver them to clean certain hard-to-reach areas, such as the sides and backs of your molars. The toothbrush should have a long enough handle so you can comfortably hold it in your hand.

Bristle Variety

If you go to the drug store to purchase a manual toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush, you will be able to select a toothbrush with soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. For even more tooth protection when you brush, be sure the bristles on the toothbrush you select have rounded tips.

Expert Recommendation

To ensure your toothbrush has undergone rigorous quality control tests for cleaning effectiveness and safety, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

For disposable toothbrushes, this seal ensures that: the bristles will have safe tips; the bristles will not fall out of the toothbrush under typical brushing conditions; the handle will withstand normal use; and the toothbrush will effectively reduce plaque build-up and gum disease in their early stages.

In addition to satisfying these conditions, powered or electric toothbrushes bearing the seal also must undergo safety testing in an independent lab and prove through clinical trials that the toothbrush is safe for use on the tissues of the mouth and teeth, as well as any dental hardware that may be in place.

Toothbrushes: Disposable Or Electric?

As long as you clean your teeth regularly using proper brushing technique, you should be able to reduce plaque build-up and keep your gums healthy with either a manual or powered toothbrush. Here are some things to keep in mind as you go about choosing the best toothbrush:

Cost

Although there are some more affordable powered toothbrush options being sold, electric toothbrushes cost many times more than manual toothbrushes. In addition to the initial expense of an electric toothbrush, you will need to replace the removable toothbrush head as often as you replace your manual toothbrush. Of course, if using an electric toothbrush helps you keep your teeth cleaner, you may make up for the expense with a reduction in dental bills.

The Best Toothbrush For Children

When it comes to choosing the best toothbrush for your child, it’s important to opt for one that they will use properly and regularly. There are a variety of disposable and electric options available for kids. And they come in a variety of colors and often feature children’s favorite characters from classic stories and popular cartoons. Some varieties even play music to help your child know how long to brush.

To choose a good toothbrush for your child, try the following suggestions:

• Make sure the toothbrush you select has an ADA Seal of Approval.
• Pick a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
• If your children are old enough, have them help you pick out their toothbrushes. Getting your children involved in the process and excited about a new toothbrush may make tooth-brushing a more enjoyable task.

^[3]When In Doubt, Consult Your Dentist

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed every time you go toothbrush shopping, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’ll be able to provide recommendations regarding the best toothbrush size and shape for your mouth.

No matter which toothbrush you choose, make sure to replace it (or its head, if you’re using an electric version) at least every three months—or as soon as the bristles start to look discolored, matted, frayed, or otherwise worn. Also be sure to invest in a new brush (or brush head) after an illness. By being mindful of your toothbrush purchases and brushing properly, you can enjoy better oral health for years to come.

1. https://www.oral-b.co.in/en-in/oral-health/conditions/oral-hygiene/how-to-choose-toothbrush ↑
2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/choosing-a-toothbrush-the-pros-and-cons-of-electric-and-disposable ↑
3. https://www.rifkindental.com/blog/6-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-new-toothbrush ↑