So you brush your teeth everyday for the best oral healthcare, but are you using the right brush? There are so many different toothbrushes on the market that it can be overwhelming when looking at your options in your local oral healthcare aisle. How do you know which one is best for you? Keep reading to learn the importance of using the right brush and when you should be replacing your toothbrush from your Huber Heights dentist.
How to Pick the Right Brush
Picture this: you’re at your local grocery store in the oral hygiene aisle and you’re trying to buy a toothbrush. With so many shapes and sizes of toothbrushes, it can be overwhelming when deciding which one to choose. See below some factors to keep in mind when choosing your brush:
- Your brush’s bristles matter. Toothbrushes that are soft-bristled remove plaque and food debris better, and they are also non-abrasive. Harder bristled brushes can actually scratch your teeth, which hurts you more than helps you.
- Pick a brush that can reach all areas in your mouth. Typically, a small-headed toothbrush is better because it can get to hard-to-reach spots where cavities can form.
- Besides the head and bristles, pick a brush that has an easy-to-grip handle. Whatever shape you can hold comfortably is best. Additionally, some brushes may have flexible necks or different shaped heads, so you should pick one that you think will be able to reach all of your teeth.
Electric or Manual Toothbrushes
So, which toothbrush is better: electric or manual? The truth is, whichever brush you’ll want to clean your teeth with twice a day, every day. If you like the feeling of the electric brushes better, then go electric. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with tried and true manual brushes.
However, if you have mobility problems, arthritis, or you feel you don’t brush your teeth well enough, you may want to switch to an electric brush. They do more of the work for you and are better able to scrub away plaque and debris for those with limited dexterity.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or when you see your bristles starting to wear. Also, if you’ve had a bad cold or sickness, switch your toothbrush to make sure you aren’t picking up any of that bacteria.
Are you using the right toothbrush? You’ll know the answer using the above tips. If you have any doubt about which brush to use, talk to your dentist to see what they would recommend for your specific smile.
About the Practice
Dr. James A. Striebel is committed to providing the best care possible for his patients. He has over 20 years of experience in dentistry and stays up-to-date on all the latest techniques through membership in the American Dental Association and various dental organizations. He currently runs his own practice, and can be contacted through his website or by phone at (937) 235-2400 for any questions.