How to Choose a Toothbrush | Dental Associates

Standing in the aisle filled with toothbrush options can be a daunting task. With these tips, picking a toothbrush will be a breeze!

What to Look for in a Toothbrush

1. For most adults, the head of the toothbrush should be 1/2-inch wide, 1inch tall, and have a long enough handle to hold comfortably while brushing your teeth. Anything bigger can be difficult to reach your molars and anything smaller may not clean your teeth as effectively.
2. Toothbrushes come in three different bristle varieties: soft, medium, and hard. Soft, nylon bristles are the best and safest choice. Medium and hard bristles can actually cause more harm than good! These stiffer bristles can cause damage to your gums and enamel—especially depending on how hard you are brushing your teeth.
3. Bristles also come either rounded or straight. Rounded bristles are safer as they do not have sharp edges that can cause damage to gums and thus increase your chances for infections and inflammation.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

The age-old question: should I use a manual or electric toothbrush? There are many pros and cons to each. If you have limited manual dexterity (often seen in people with disabilities or those with arthritis), electric toothbrushes can be helpful to remove plaque on your teeth. Many come with timers to ensure you are getting your full two minutes of brushing. Some electric toothbrushes also come with sensors to let you know if you are brushing your teeth too hard and damaging your enamel.

Still unsure?

A good rule of thumb is to look for toothbrushes with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. If you are still unsure which toothbrush is best for you, ask your dentist. They will be able to help guide you to the best choice for your oral health.