29 Jan Does It Matter What Toothbrush I Use?

Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have to fight tooth decay, gum disease, and so much more. But choosing a toothbrush requires more thought than finding one in your favorite color. To help you, we’ve answered some of the most important questions for deciding how to choose your next toothbrush.

The first thing you need to look for is a brush that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Opt for soft bristles over hard or medium, and make sure that you’re using the proper brushing technique. When buying a toothbrush for your child, choose a brush that they will enjoy using that will also help teach them how to brush correctly.

What should I consider when buying a new toothbrush?

You should choose a quality toothbrush that will clean your teeth that also keeps them safe while brushing. One of the best ways to do this is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. 

It guarantees that a brush has been tested under the strictest conditions to verify that it provides maximum safety as well as the maximum cleaning experience. You can ask your dentist for a recommendation or choose a brush with the seal next time you’re shopping. 

When you choose a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, you’re getting one that has:

• Safe bristle tips
• Bristles that won’t fall out
• A sturdy handle

ADA-approved brushes also help to reduce the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease later on.   

The same goes for electric brushes. ADA-approved disposable brush heads for electric toothbrushes have been fully tested for safety and clinical effectiveness. This makes them safe for teeth, mouth tissue such as gums, and dental hardware such as braces.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?

Our team at Arlington Family Dental will be able to tell you if you need a manual or electric brush. With that said, the most important factor in a toothbrush is how you use it. Make sure that you are brushing:

• Twice per day
• For two minutes

For many people, the biggest factor between manual and electric brushes is the cost. Electric and battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than manual brushes to start, then you have to factor in the cost of replacement brush heads every three months. This may seem like a lot, but many people think they’re worth it thanks to how clean their teeth feel after using them.

Are there any common mistakes I might make when purchasing a toothbrush?

There are some common mistakes patients often make when buying a toothbrush. The most common we see are:

• Buying a brush with bristles that are too hard
• Buying a brush with a brush head that is too big

When choosing a brush, always choose soft nylon bristles. The hardness or softness of your brush’s bristles plays a huge role in the health of your teeth. If teeth have become weakened, hard or even medium bristles can damage your enamel, gums, and root surfaces.

The size of the brush head can also have an impact on how effective your brushing is. Look for a brush head that’s one inch tall and half an inch wide since it will allow you to clean your mouth the most effectively. Avoid large brush heads unless recommended by your dentist. They can crowd your mouth and make it difficult to reach certain areas, like your molars.

How do I get the most out of my toothbrush?

If you’ve bought a brush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance then you’re already ahead of the game in getting the most out of your toothbrush. Another important factor is technique. The basics of oral hygiene — brushing, flossing, and regularly seeing our dentists — are extremely important, but you still want to be sure that you’re doing it correctly.

For proper brushing technique:

• Hold your brush’s head at a 45-degree angle to your gums
• Use gentle strokes to brush back and forth
• Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth
• Brush the inside front of your teeth by brushing vertically with up and down strokes

Make sure that you’re doing this twice per day for two minutes each time. If you’re still not sure if you’re doing it right, ask one of our hygienists or dentists to show you during your next appointment. You’re sure to feel the results immediately and have an even better checkup at your next routine teeth cleaning!

What are some of the best toothbrush options for kids?

At Arlington Family Dental, we’re passionate about helping kids develop good oral habits as early as possible. One of the best ways to do that is by giving them a brush that makes brushing fun while also helping them clean their teeth more effectively. 

Our personal favorites are:

• Spin brushes
• Toothbrushes with timers
• Brushes with cartoon characters

Spin brushes are electric toothbrushes that spin or oscillate. There are a huge variety of these types of brushes, but their biggest benefit is that they do a lot of the brushing for you. Some are fully disposable while others have disposable brush heads. They can be a huge benefit for kids who haven’t mastered proper brushing technique and could use some extra help.

Toothbrushes with timers are great for helping your child keep track of how long they brush. These brushes will beep, light up, or do something else to let your child know that they’ve brushed for the full two minutes. 

Brushes with cartoon characters can make brushing more fun for your child, ensuring that brushing isn’t just a chore that they have to do, but something to look forward to. All of these elements combined can help your child develop healthy oral health habits that they carry into adulthood!

No oral hygiene plan is complete without regular dental appointments. Contact us today to schedule your family’s next appointment!

Arlington Family Dental is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m, Monday through Thursday to help with all your dental needs. Call us at (229) 725 – 4545 or schedule an appointment online.