You might be sitting there thinking a toothbrush is a toothbrush, as though there’s no thought that goes or should go into shopping for one, right? Well, that state of mind could be one of the worst things you can do for your oral health because not all toothbrushes are created equally.
In fact, did you know that on average, you will likely spend over 1,000 hours brushing your teeth? The reality is that if you’re going to spend that much time taking care of your oral health, you might as use that time wisely by picking out the right toothbrush that will ensure your brush reaches those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth as well as effectively removes plaque.
Of course, if you want to make sure you’re choosing the right toothbrush you can always consult with your local Palmdale dentist. But before you go and buy the first toothbrush you see on the shelf, consider these aspects of a good toothbrush for your mouth.
Soft or Hard-Bristled Brush
Many people tend to feel more satisfied using hard-bristled toothbrushes, but the reality behind them is that you have the potential to damage your teeth and gums, and because of that, it’s recommended to use a soft-bristled brush.
The Grip
The grip of a toothbrush is your preference of how the toothbrush feels when you hold it in your hand, which will translate to how it feels when brushing your teeth. Today, you have all kinds of options, as toothbrushes have handles of different shapes, textures, and hefts. Again, it’s all about your preference.
Electric or Manual
Whether an electric or manual toothbrush is better has been a debate since the electric toothbrush was created in 1939 and debuted in 1960. On the one hand, electric toothbrushes tend to be more effective at reducing plaque and the likelihood of gingivitis. However, manual toothbrushes can do the same but require more manual work on your effort. Plus, with electric toothbrushes, you’ll end up having to spend quite a bit more that some aren’t willing to pay when the manual does the same but just requires more time to do so. Again, this is up to your preference and what you can afford.
ADA Seal
Whether you’re shopping for your everyday toothbrush or just grabbing one on the go because you’re traveling and forgot yours at home, you still want to take the time out to look only for toothbrushes that have the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on them. Toothbrushes with the ADA seal may cost a little more than toothbrushes without it but the seal is a signifier that the product is safe and effective.
Toothbrush Head-to-Mouth Ratio
You’ve probably never thought about how the size of your toothbrush plays a role in the comfort you feel in brushing your teeth. Think about your mouth, or better yet, the next time you eat something, take a look at the size of your bite to see just how big or small it is. One of the most uncomfortable feelings is having a toothbrush that’s not the right size for your mouth. It can indeed be uncomfortable or ineffective for properly cleaning your teeth.
For example, if you find it difficult to get to those hard-to-reach areas at the back of your mouth, you may need a smaller toothbrush. Things to consider for that is the shape of the toothbrush head. Some heads are broad while others are more narrow and tapered.
Which Toothbrush is Right For You?
From the ADA’s seal of approval to simply how well the toothbrush feels when you hold it, there are many factors to consider that go into buying the right toothbrush. And even with the tips listed above, you can still feel free to reach out to your local dentist whether you get in contact with a Palmdale or Lancaster dentist.
A dentist local to your area will simply help to put your mind at ease, and you can easily set up dental appointments to ensure your brushing techniques and brush are contributing to your overall good oral health.
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