Brushing your teeth regularly is a vital part of good oral hygiene, but many people fail to consider the importance of buying a toothbrush. According to dentists, you should replace your toothbrush once every three months or after a major illness. In addition to spreading germs, an old toothbrush with worn out bristles is much less effective at cleaning your teeth. In fact, studies have shown that buying a toothbrush on a regular basis helps you remove up to 30% more plaque from your teeth.
Toothbrushes are readily available at drug and discount stores. You can find toothbrushes in a variety of colors, which can be quite handy if you have a large family. If you are buying a toothbrush for a child, cartoon characters printed on the handle help make oral hygiene seem more enticing. If you have trouble remembering when you last purchased a new toothbrush, try buying a toothbrush that features a special bristle indicator that fades when it needs to be replaced.
The firmness of the bristles is probably one of the most important factors to consider when buying a toothbrush. Contrary to popular belief, brushing your teeth with hard bristles is not the best cleaning method. In fact, most dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles to avoid irritating sensitive gums.
Price is not necessarily an indication of quality when buying a toothbrush, but you should look for a brush that features bristles with rounded edges. Sharp edges on the bristles of a toothbrush will damage delicate oral tissues, particularly if you’ve developed the habit of chewing on your toothbrush. If you see the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on your toothbrush package, this means the quality of the product is acceptable.
Although the manual toothbrush is still the preferred choice of most adults, electric toothbrushes are another option to consider. Some research has shown that an electric toothbrush is slightly more effective at removing plaque from the teeth. If you suffer from gingivitis, this could make an electric toothbrush a wise investment. Of course, an electric toothbrush is also a great convenience if you suffer from arthritis or have limited mobility in your hands.
Once you’ve selected your new toothbrush, it’s time to choose a good storage location. Don’t store your toothbrush in an open holder near the toilet, since tiny water particles released when you flush will cause unnecessary contamination. Typically, a closed plastic container is the best storage option for your new toothbrush.