What Toothbrush Is Right for Me?

Walk down the toothbrush aisle and you’ll be bombarded by a vast array of options. From hard to soft and electric to manual there are many things to consider. And all the companies out there don’t make it easier on you. Here are a few things to consider when picking out your next toothbrush.

Head

There are a variety of different sizes and shapes of toothbrush heads. If you have a larger mouth you might opt for a larger and more rectangular toothbrush head. If your mouth is smaller you may want to go with a smaller or more compact toothbrush head. Some adults even like using toothbrushes intended for children as the smaller head might make it easier to brush behind the back teeth. Here are some specifications in toothbrush heads: 

• Full vs. Compact: A full-sized toothbrush head has more bristles and is larger than a compact toothbrush head. While a compact brush head might be easier to use for some, others prefer more bristles and a larger head to clean their teeth. 
• Bristles Hardness: Extra-hard bristles are not better at cleaning your teeth. They can in fact be more harmful in the long run leading to gum recession. Softer bristles with the right toothpaste are still very effective at cleaning teeth and might be more comfortable. If your teeth feel like there is still a film on them after you brush, you might be using a toothbrush with bristles that are too soft. 
• Angle: Both the head and the bristles can come in different angle options. Certain angles can make it easier to brush tough to reach spots in your mouth. Take note of the shape and angle of the bristle and head to see if it can help you better brush your teeth. 

Handle

The shape of the whole toothbrush also varies. If you find a smooth brush handle to be too slippery you might want to go with one the has a grip outfitted with non-slip features. The shape of the handle can also alter how easily you can reach your back and upper teeth. 

Manual vs. Electric 

Manual toothbrushes are perfectly fine for brushes who are diligent and don’t use too much force. Electric toothbrushes provide some extra help for those who might want friendly reminders. Some electric toothbrushes come with a pre-installed timer and will run for two straight minutes then automatically shut off. This is an ideal amount of time to spend brushing your teeth. Another feature that comes with some electric toothbrushes is an automatic off function when you are brushing too hard. This is great for younger brushers or people who have been told by their dentist that they brush too hard. Brushing too hard can wear away your gum line creating bigger gaps between teeth and more exposure to cavities. 

The right toothbrush can make a huge difference. Don’t waste your time brushing with the same old toothbrush. Try something new to make sure you are doing all you can to take care of your oral hygiene.