Your toothbrush is one of the fundamental pieces of equipment that maintains your oral health. Without it, you leave yourself open to developing bad breath, plaque, and eventually other conditions, such as gum disease. It is up to you to make sure you have a good toothbrush that is up for the challenge of protecting you from dental problems.
Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush
Size Does Matter
Your toothbrush should allow you to efficiently brush all the surfaces of your teeth, and therefore, the head of the toothbrush should not be too large. Most adults can effectively brush their teeth with a toothbrush head that is 1.5 inches wide and an inch tall. Additionally, the handle of the toothbrush should be long enough so you can easily hold and maneuver the toothbrush in your mouth. However, the size of your toothbrush really does depend on your own mouth. The most important thing to remember is, comfort is key.
The Softest Of Bristles
A soft-bristled toothbrush is the most comfortable option, and is the most recommended by dental professionals, as it is the safest choice. Medium and hard-bristled brushes can damage your gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel, especially if you brush your teeth vigorously. Soft-bristle toothbrushes also allow you to brush in between the teeth, due to their flexibility, and are safe to use to remove debris from the gum line. Bristles with rounded tips add extra tooth protection when brushing.
Power VS Manual
Powered toothbrushes are great and may make it easier to remove all the plaque from your teeth, but regular toothbrushes do the same job. As long as you brush correctly, twice a day and floss at least once a day, you are effectively maintaining your oral health.
The Seal of Approval
Expert recommendations are a great way to find the cream of the toothbrush crop. Your dentist will also be able to recommend a toothbrush that has passed quality control tests for cleaning effectiveness and safety. Some products may have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval on their packaging.
This seal shows that the toothbrush has the following:
- Bristles that have safe tips
- The bristles won’t fall out of the toothbrush under typical brushing conditions
- The handle will withstand normal use
- The toothbrush will effectively reduce plaque build-up and gum disease in its early stages
- Has undergone safety testing in an independent lab
- Proved, through clinical trials, that the toothbrush is safe for use on the tissues of the mouth and teeth, as well as any dental hardware
Your toothbrush is part of your first line of defense against dental problems, and therefore, it is important that it do its job correctly. Remember these tips and speak to your dentist before buying your next toothbrush, for ultimate dental care.
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