What to Look For in Your Toothbrush

How often do you find yourself standing in the aisle of your local pharmacy scanning an entire wall of toothbrushes? How do you know which toothbrush to choose? When looking for the right toothbrush, there are some factors you should consider and others you can completely ignore. Here are our top suggestions for finding the best toothbrush for you.

Size

The size of your toothbrush should coincide with the size of your mouth. Many people with smaller mouths don’t realize that a toothbrush with too large of head can make it very difficult and uncomfortable for them to brush their teeth, especially when trying to reach those back molars. For a person with a larger mouth, however, a smaller toothbrush head could make it difficult to reach and cover all teeth.
The best way to determine a good head size for your toothbrush is simple trial and error. If you’re replacing your toothbrush and aren’t happy with its size, try a smaller or bigger toothbrush, depending on the size you have now (i.e. change big from small, or vice versa). You may be surprised to find out how much the size of your toothbrush can improve your brushing experience.

Bristle Strength

While you may not think about bristle strength at all, or think that tough bristles are the best way to scrub your teeth clean, bristle strength is actually a major factor in choosing a toothbrush. Often, that means choosing softer bristles.
The reason softer bristles are sometimes a better choice is that they are easier on your gums. While your teeth may be able to handle tough bristles, your gums can be damaged very easily by harsh brushing. It’s better to consider a medium bristle strength toothbrush to use. There are also soft bristle toothbrushes, however you should only use those if your dentist recommends it.

The Toothbrush's Handle

Bright colors or a translucent handle might look fun, but they have very little to do with what toothbrush you should buy. When considering the handle, make sure the neck reaches long enough so that you can easily brush your back teeth. The neck should also be slightly angled from the handle. Notice the grip on the handle too. A cushioned, non-slip surface works well for people with arthritis and those with a bad grip.

Cost

You’re probably surprised by the range of costs every time you go to buy a toothbrush (especially the high-priced toothbrushes). Don’t be fooled into thinking the most expensive toothbrush is also your best option. While they may look shiny and new with bright colors and a curved handle, most expensive toothbrushes won’t do much more than a cheaper toothbrush that works for your mouth. In fact, an expensive toothbrush could be less effective depending on the needs of your teeth and gums. It’s better to consider the above options and find a toothbrush that works for you.

Electric Toothbrushes Are the Best Option

Though there are many toothbrush options out there, electric toothbrushes are by far the most efficient at cleaning your teeth. The pulsations from the brush break up plaque much better than manual scrubbing does, and their advanced designs allow for easier access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the backs of molars and gum lines. Many electric toothbrushes, such as SoniCare, also have built in timers to ensure that you’re brushing for as long as you need to. We highly recommend that you invest in an electric toothbrush.
When considering these factors while buying a toothbrush, that big selection of toothbrushes in the pharmacy aisle becomes a lot smaller and easier to handle. If you have any more questions on how you should pick your toothbrush, or would like a dentist to recommend the right toothbrush for you, stop by Water Tower Dental. We can sit you down for a routine check-up and help you determine the path to a brighter, whiter smile.