Buying the Right Toothbrush: A Primer

Some things are so basic, it’s easy to forget how important they are. Buying the right toothbrush, whether for yourself or family members is one of the things we take for granted. Yet, when it comes to long-term oral health, choosing the right toothbrush for everyone in your family is very important.

How to Pick the Right Toothbrush**

There is no "One-size-fits-all" or "One-type-fits-all" in toothbrushes today. It is almost too obvious to say, but we must remind ourselves, people of different ages need different types of toothbrushes. The right toothbrush is important to have proper cleaning and maintenance of your teeth, gums, and mouth. So, let’s look at a few important factors for buying the right toothbrush:

• Fit – How well the toothbrush fits your mouth is the first thing to consider. They come in large, medium, and small and the size of your mouth determines the brush you buy. Different types of toothbrushes provide a variation of angles, which works better for different people in your family.
• Bristles – The bristles on a toothbrush are just as important as the fit. While they are available in hard, and medium, we recommend avoiding the hard types because they only clean the rounded surface of your teeth. Instead,buy bristles in soft or extra. That way the bristles reach and curve around your teeth and do a better job of cleaning them.
• Electric – While a traditional, manual toothbrush is fine for most people, an electric brush is better for you and your family.
• Replace often – Finally, replace your toothbrush (or electric brushing head) every 4-6 weeks. Contrary to popular belief, your toothbrush does not last forever. The bristles wear out and simply cease to do a good job cleaning your teeth.

Ultimately, the most important factor in maintaining oral health and a bright smile is how often and how much time you spend brushing your teeth. Whether you use a manual or electronic toothbrush, you should always brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes. You need to be able to spend the proper amount of time brushing to make sure you can clean your teeth.

Dr. Kaushal Dhawan and staff at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry are available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.