How to Buy a Toothbrush

We are fortunate enough to live in a society with so many purchasing options readily available to us in nearly every category of shopping one could imagine. This is great news as it allows each of us to find the right products for our specific needs. However, it can also become a little confusing when we lack the knowledge of what each product offers.

We see this at our clinic quite frequently when it comes to toothbrushes. Many of our patients are often confused with regards to what toothbrush they should be using. The good news is that we are great listeners! This is why we have decided to break down the different choices of toothbrushes available so that you can find your best fit the next time you’re at the store.

There are pros and cons to both manual and electric toothbrushes. While one may be a great option for one person, it might not be the preference of another. Here are some things to consider when deciding between these two choices.

Manual toothbrushes are an effective tool for cleaning your teeth and keeping your gums gingivitis-free. They have built years of trust amongst the majority of the population and truly are a great option for anyone that prefers them.

Manual toothbrushes are accessible in that you can find them in nearly any store around the world. They are easy to use as they do not require charging or batteries. They are also a lot more affordable than electric toothbrushes. In addition, manual toothbrushes provide you with the ability to be in control of your brushing technique.

 

On the other hand, electric toothbrushes can be a little more exciting. The bristles on these toothbrushes have the function of either vibrating or rotating to help remove the built up gunk in your teeth.

There have been studies done that showcase that electric toothbrushes are better at decreasing plaque and gingivitis by as much as 21% more than their manual counterparts. These gadgets have also proved their worth amongst people who suffer from limited mobility. Individuals who are dealing with carpal tunnel, arthritis, and developmental disabilities might find this option much more user-friendly than the manual toothbrush.

There are also other things to consider when it comes to electric toothbrushes. Many of them come with built-in timers that can help with brushing long enough to actually remove the yucky stuff on your teeth and gums. Electric toothbrushes also have the potential to produce less waste seeing as most of them only require you to change the bristles part of the brush. As an added bonus, this tool is quite fun for kids who aren’t too excited by manual toothbrushes!

Now that you are familiar with the differences between manual and electric toothbrushes, there are two more details to consider; bristles and size.

Toothbrush bristles can be soft, medium, or hard. Most people have a tendency to brush their teeth with quite a bit of force which means that the recommended option is to get a toothbrush with soft bristles. Using a toothbrush with harder bristles can increase the chances of damaging the enamel or gum tissue. However, if you’re someone that doesn’t use a lot of force, you can opt for medium or hard bristles.

 

Size matters when it comes to toothbrushes. Some people think that getting a toothbrush with a larger head will help them clean their teeth better. This is actually the opposite! Large toothbrush heads are unable to reach those sneaky corners in the mouth. The general consensus is that most adults can use a brush that is roughly half of an inch wide and one inch tall.

We do want to clarify that while you have options to skim through, the single most important thing for your oral health is that you choose a toothbrush that you feel comfortable using twice a day every day! If you are looking for more guidance on what would be the best choice for you, please do not hesitate to ask our team the next time you visit us for a checkup. We are happy to assess your individual needs and recommend a toothbrush option that will work for you.