You’ll spend a significant amount of time brushing your teeth throughout your life. With this being the case, it only makes sense to ensure that you’re using a toothbrush that is both comfortable and effective. A short visit to the dental aisle at your pharmacy will reveal an abundance of choices with a range of features. With all these options, how can you know which one will suit the needs of you and your family? Let’s explore some of the most common features and what they mean for your dental hygiene regimen.
Over 1000 hours of an average life is spent brushing our teeth
So Many Features, So Little Time
The average toothbrush is a pretty simple affair. A plastic handle with a batch of bristles at one end. It’s unsurprising that with such a simple design, there has been extensive innovations of both style and, to some limited degree, function. The two most basic standards that you should be sure your brush meets are having soft bristles and being the right size. Your toothbrush should be able to brush no more (or less) than one or two teeth at a time. Other features you can find on toothbrushes include:
- Raised Bristles – The presence of raised bristles has not shown any meaningful benefit
- Powered Toothbrushes – These haven’t been shown to be any more or less effective at caring for your teeth.
- Oscillating-Rotating Bristles – An exception to the above, those powered toothbrushes with rotating oscillating blades have been shown to have additional efficacy.
- Rounded Bristles – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends this type of bristle for your toothbrush.
Outside of features like these, you should also make sure that the toothbrush is comfortable to hold. For children, this often means a combination of smaller bristles and a larger handle that makes it easier to grip. Beyond these basic elements, any other features that your toothbrush may have are matters of personal preference or, more often, advertising with the illusion of efficacy.
Those who have difficulty brushing normally can benefit from powered toothbrushes
Using Your Toothbrush Properly Is As Important As The Right Brush
Now that you’ve gotten the right brush for you, it’s time to ensure that you’re using it properly. Without the right technique, having the right toothbrush isn’t going to give you the benefit it could. Start with ensuring that your bristles are angled 45-degrees from teeth and gums. Maintaining this angle, you should brush in small circles covering no more than one or two teeth at a time and going gently on the gums. Begin on the outer surface of your teeth, follow with the chewing surface, and then transition inside before brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Follow with flossing and mouthwash, and enjoy perfectly brushed teeth!
