How to Pick the Right Toothbrush

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You

Your toothbrush is an important part of dental hygiene, sometimes even more so than the type of toothpaste you are using. With the large number of toothbrushes on the market, it can be hard to choose which one is best for your personal, optimal dental health. So, how is your current toothbrush working for you? Is it working as hard as you are to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean? Here are some ways to tell if your current toothbrush is working or if you should consider a new one.

It is Comfortable to Use

Does your toothbrush feel comfortable in your mouth? Is it too big or too small? It is important to not worry so much about the fancy add-ons that certain toothbrushes have, like built-in flossing devices or whitening paste, but more so if you are comfortable using the brush and if it feels good to you.

The Brush has Soft Bristles

The majority of people should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that most people use this type of brush to help avoid unnecessary damage to their teeth and gums. If you are questioning what type of bristle you should be using, consult with your dentist to see what they recommend for your personal dental health.

The Toothbrush is (Almost) Brand New

Toothbrushes do not have an overly long life and should be switched out every three months or so. If you cannot remember the last time you bought a new toothbrush, it may be time to get another one, especially if you are noticing the bristles begin to fray and become discolored.

The Brush is Clean and Dry

Having a clean, dry toothbrush when it is not being used is very, very important! It is vital to make sure you rinse your toothbrush well after you brush your teeth to avoid any bacteria or build-up from occurring in the bristles. When bacteria is present on your toothbrush, it ends up in your mouth!

Consider Using a Powered Toothbrush

It has been proven that powered toothbrushes have a superior cleaning ability to manual toothbrushes. If you are not experiencing the level of cleanliness you desire from your manual toothbrush, consider switching to a powered one. An additional benefit to having this type of brush is that, instead of having to replace the whole unit every three months, you will only need to replace the toothbrush head.

If you are unsure about your oral hygiene products, it may be time to consult with your dentist. If lack of dental insurance is preventing you, consider an alternative dental plan , such as Wellness Dental Plan. This plan can save you as much as 20 percent of routine and emergency visits. For more information, please click here.

*Photo Courtesy of Axel Naud via Creative Commons License