How to choose a toothbrush

Everyone knows that the foundation of good oral health is a good oral hygiene routine. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day.
But to brush your teeth effectively, you need to choose the right toothbrush. A toothbrush is one of the most important things when it comes to taking care of your teeth since you use it every single day. There’s a wide variety of different toothbrushes available on the market, designed for all types of people and oral conditions, which can make choosing one difficult.
So in the post, we’ll help you choose the toothbrush that’s right for you.

Types of toothbrush

Each toothbrush has its own characteristics that make it suited to a certain group of people. The main types of toothbrush are:

Manual toothbrushes. Manual toothbrushes are the most widely used type of toothbrush. They have three or four strips of bristles. The bristles of some toothbrushes are very soft for people with sensitive teeth, while others are harder for cleaning stains.
Electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes have become quite popular since their invention way back in 1954. One reason is that they don’t require you to make a brushing motion since the toothbrush brushes for you. For that reason, they’re especially good for very old people who find it difficult to brush their teeth manually.
Interdental brushes. An interdental brush is used to remove the food or plaque from between your teeth. They’re often used by people who have large gaps between their teeth. Interdental brushes come in different sizes so you can get one that matches the size of the gaps between your teeth.
Periodontal toothbrushes. Periodontal toothbrushes have only two bristles and are used to remove the plaque from your gums. They’re for people suffering from gum disease.
Orthodontic toothbrushes. Orthodontic toothbrushes are a special kind of toothbrush designed to remove food and plaque from braces.

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

If you’re after a manual toothbrush, then look for one with medium or soft bristles. This is because hard brushes can prematurely wear down your gums and enamel.
If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush, then go for one with a rotating or oscillating head.
However, the most important thing isn’t what toothbrush you use, but how often you brush and how well you do it. It doesn’t matter how good your toothbrush is if you only brush your teeth once a week: you’ll still get cavities.

Should I use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter too much whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush. Studies have found that there is no major difference between the cleaning power of the two. What does matter is that you clean all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly, and you can do this with a manual or electric toothbrush.
If you’re in doubt about what toothbrush to buy or how to brush your teeth properly, don’t be shy to ask your dentist. Make an appointment at Willows by calling 01432 274749 or emailing info@willowsdentistry.co.uk.