Doctor Recommended Toothbrushes

When buying a toothbrush, it’s important to choose well as the type of brush can impact your oral health. If a toothbrush isn’t a good fit for your teeth, you may be doing more damage than good! Instead of cleaning plaque and protecting your gums, the brush could inadvertently create a breeding environment for bacteria, and in the worst-case scenario, cause an infection that can lead to gum disease. So, what type of toothbrush should I be buying, you may ask? Here are two main characteristics dentists recommend looking out for:

Types of Bristles

Whether you’re looking to purchase a manual toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush, you’ll have a selection of various types of bristles from soft to medium to hard. It’s a common recommendation by dentists to go with the soft bristles as they will cause the least amount of damage when brushing. Depending on how hard you brush your teeth, medium to hard bristles have the potential to erode away your enamel, which cannot be restored back once it’s gone. Particularly hard bristles can increase the chances of gum recession, which can expose the root of your teeth. Gum recession and the loss of enamel can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and potential tooth decay, so using softer bristles help you take preventive measures.

Shape

It’s important to select a toothbrush head that can easily cover all surfaces of your teeth without being too harsh on your gums and teeth. There are specific bristle shapes or patterns that are designed for cleaning bridges and partials, and others for various sizes of teeth. Overall, it’s best to choose a toothbrush head size that can maneuver around hard-to-reach areas like the sides and backs of your molars. Brushes too large or too small for the size of your teeth can lead to improper cleaning and could potentially create hotbeds for thriving bacteria.

Good Oral Hygiene at Springhurst Hills Dentistry

Practicing proper oral care may start with choosing the right toothbrush for you. But it may take trial and error to figure out the appropriate size and shape. The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush head every three to four months, so testing out different sizes as you rotate out your old toothbrush could help you find your ideal fit. If you have further questions about practicing good oral hygiene, we invite you to schedule a cleaning with us today!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Lan Tran, Springhurst Hills Dentistry