woman with toothbrush and toothpaste
How To Choose The Right Toothbrush?
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The toothbrush is an integral part of our daily grooming tools. It finds a special place in travel bags and vanity. It is an essential cleaning instrument that keeps your pearly whites shining and removes germs and stuck food particles between teeth. The compact and easy-to-use instrument is easily found in stores and often comes in various shapes and sizes. Many people like colour-coding toothbrushes for different family members to avoid mixing them up.

For example, females will choose pink, lavender, and purple shades, while males opt for blue, grey, light green, etc. Kids have their own preferences with cartoon-shaped toothbrush handles and holders that depict superhero characters. The market is flooded with options for different types of bristles, handles, head shapes, etc. It makes choosing the right one quite challenging.

Here is an insightful guide on picking the best toothbrush to suit your needs. It will prevent spending money on poor and flimsy products. 

1. Choose Between Manual and Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are beneficial for people who have sensitive teeth because they have several modes to maintain the speed and impact of the bristles. The electric or battery-operated toothbrushes have advanced over the years and can help remove plaque effectively with thousands of strokes per minute.

Hope Island dentists recommend an electric toothbrush to those who are aged and find it challenging to hold the brush. It also helps people who tend to be too hard on their teeth with the brush or those who need to check the time spent brushing.

2. Pick the Right Head Size of the Toothbrush

Most adult toothbrushes have a big head and wide base to accommodate more bristles that can cover a wider area. However, this design has a serious drawback that can leave the back teeth unclean. These big-headed toothbrushes cannot clean the molars and hard-to-reach areas perfectly.

These teeth develop plaque because of limited brushing. This plaque accumulates and turns into hardened tartar that cannot be removed with a brush. It requires teeth cleaning by a professional dentist who uses specialised equipment to remove plaque and tartar.

3. Check the Toothbrush Bristles Carefully

The bristle type makes a significant impact on brushing.  Experienced dentists in Hope Island highly recommend soft bristles because they easily remove food debris stuck between teeth and plaque. Hard bristles are rigid and do not make their way into the gaps. They superficially clean the surfaces and can even lead to enamel erosion when the brush is moved vigorously.

Hard bristles can also hurt the gums and lead to a receding gum line. On the other hand, soft-bristled toothbrushes are preferred by those who suffer from bleeding gums and other gum problems. Some toothbrushes also have varying bristle lengths, which can help reach inaccessible areas.

4. Find the Perfect Grip of the Toothbrush

According to dental practitioners, the grip of the toothbrush must be comfortable and sturdy. Since the teeth brushing routine should last up to two minutes, having the right hold on the handle is vital. Some toothbrushes have a flexible head to increase their reach, but the decision about the handle should be made after considering your needs.

If you have been struggling with cavities and improper brushing techniques, it is essential to find a toothbrush that is manufactured by a reputed brand. It must be made from quality materials and should be durable. You can also look for those with a non-slip grip that makes it easy to hold the brush even when it is wet.  

5. Choose Your Favourite Toothbrush Colour

When buying toothbrushes for your family members, make sure you pick the colours that they like. This will help encourage them to brush every day and make them feel enthusiastic about the dental routine. Allotting a colour to every family member ensures the toothbrushes do not get mixed up in the bathroom or while travelling.

Children should be allowed to choose their toothbrush colours to give them an additional reason to brush without fail. Also, their toothbrushes must be age-appropriate and can be bought after consulting your family dentist in Hope Island.

6. Replace the Old Toothbrush At the Right Time

Many people use the same old toothbrush for several months without changing it. However, it is best to get rid of the worn-out toothbrush after using it for three months to start afresh. You must note the date of first use and change the brush exactly after three months to avoid making it a haven for germs.

Also, Hope Island dentists suggest cleaning the toothbrush after you have been sick or suffered from cold and cough. It ensures that you do not catch the infection again after getting well. You can clean it by dipping the brush in a container filled with antibacterial mouthwash and rinsing it with water.

Wrapping Up

Toothbrushes are an indispensable part of our oral hygiene regimen. They must be chosen carefully and kept clean to avoid infections. They must be placed in separate cases while travelling. Use the tips above to pick the right one and maintain a healthy smile.