Proper oral hygiene is important for reducing the build-up of plaque and to avoid painful cavities, tooth decay, gum disease that may cause serious health problems, and costly dental bills. When choosing the best toothbrush, softer bristles are usually recommended over firm ones. Consider whether you prefer manual brushing or an electric, vibrating cleaning tool, as there are many options available. Selecting the appropriate size for your mouth is also important to be sure you can reach all of your teeth easily.
When it comes to your toothbrush, its size and shape make a difference. For instance, if the head of the brush it too big, it may be difficult for you to reach your back teeth. Also, certain varieties, usually made for travel, may have shorter handles, and that can sometimes make them difficult or uncomfortable to use. Many times, a toothbrush with a rubber grip can make it easier to hold than the ones without it
The head of the toothbrush has multiple bristles. The firmness of these filaments is usually indicated on the package. Dentists generally recommend that you choose a soft to medium variety, as opposed to firm bristles, because you can actually compromise the enamel of your teeth if you brush using too much pressure. Using vigorous motions may also damage your teeth.
An electric toothbrush is an alternative to a traditional manual type. Some varieties may keep your teeth cleaner. They are believed to be more effective at removing plaque than manual versions, especially those with oscillating bristles that move in circular motions as well as back and forth. The removable heads on these models usually require replacement every three months. The cost of these toothbrushes may be considerably more than others.
As another option, you can choose a disposable, battery-operated, vibrating toothbrush. This type usually lasts about three months and is much more affordable than high-tech brushes. In fact, there are some brands priced comparable to the manual toothbrush.
For kids, there are many versions, both manual and electric, that are designed to make brushing fun. Some toothbrushes are made with themed handles that incorporate popular cartoon characters printed on them. Others play a melody or light up when in use. When choosing a toothbrush for a child, you want to make sure that the handle is easy for little hands to hold, and the brush head is small enough to reach all surfaces of the teeth.