If you’ve ever spent much time in the oral care aisle of the grocery store, you know how overwhelming it can be to pick out a simple toothbrush. From thick or thin handles to differently shaped heads, there are a lot of choices to be made! Since your daily habits can really make or break your oral health, it’s worth it to make sure you’re using the tools that can get the job done right. As a dentist in McKinney, we know that great hygiene at home can prevent cavities, gum disease and other problems before they start. Our goal is to give you the information you need to have great oral health for life, so we’ll give you some tips on how to pick the best toothbrush for everyone in the family.
What General Features Should You Look For?
First, it’s worth mentioning that regardless of which toothbrush you use, the way you use it will be just as important. At your next checkup and cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to help you with your technique!
Now for some general guidelines:
– Soft or Hard Bristles? It probably seems counter-intuitive, but we always recommend soft. If you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes and have good technique, a soft brush will do a great job of cleaning your teeth and gums.
We don’t recommend hard bristles because they can contribute to gum recession and wear away at the enamel over time.
– Electric or Manual? Given that an electric toothbrush provides between 6,000 and 30,000 brush strokes per minute, it’s bound to be more effective at removing plaque. Nearly everyone who tries an electric reports that they can feel a big difference!
Also, electric options can be surprisingly cost-effective. If you keep an eye out you can always find great deals, and even the basic models will do a superior job over a manual brush. In addition, couples can purchase just one to use between them and simply switch out the heads.
– Small Head or Large? Generally speaking, the smaller the brush head is, the easier it can be maneuvered into the small spaces of the mouth. Some adults with particularly small mouths even find that using a child’s brush works better for them.
Are There Special Features a Kids’ Brush Should Have?
As a children’s dentist in McKinney, we know that the best brush for your child is the one they’ll use! Thankfully, many brushes feature a variety of cartoon characters to make brushing more appealing.
If you have a child under the age of three, be sure to get a brush specially designed for that age because the bristles will be extra gentle.
Many older children do well with electric toothbrushes, although there are some who are particularly sensitive to the “tickling” sensation and prefer a manual.
Finally, there are many apps available today that teach good technique and encourage brushing for two minutes. As you know if you’ve ever struggled to get your child to brush each night, every little thing helps!
About the Author
The dentists at Oakbrook Dental and Orthodontics are proud to provide their community with the best in dental care for all ages. They understand the impact that hygiene habits have on oral health and strive to give their patients the information they need to have the best chance of success. If you have any questions they can be reached via their website or at (469) 526-4040.