brushing · sustainability · tips and techniques ·Nov 02, 2022

4 Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is essential for healthy teeth and gums. A good toothbrush is important to your daily oral health care routine.

Dental plaque finds areas to hide in your mouth, for example, around crowded teeth or along the gumline. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause gum inflammation, cavities, and even bad breath.

With so many different toothbrush options available, how do you choose the right one?

Here are four tips when choosing your toothbrush.

Bristle Texture: Toothbrushes are available with different bristle textures, and the end of the bristle can be rounded or not rounded. Choose an end-rounded and soft-bristled toothbrush, as they are gentler on your teeth and gums. Brushing with a hard-bristled brush will wear away at your enamel if excessive force is applied. Hard-bristled toothbrushes have the potential to cause gums to recede or pull back from your teeth. This can expose the root of the tooth and increase your sensitivity to cold, heat, and certain foods and drinks.
Size and Shape of the Brush Head: The shape of the head should feel comfortable in your mouth and reach all your teeth. Often a smaller toothbrush head is easier to access hard-to-reach areas. You should also consider the shape. A tapered design will allow greater access to those back teeth and may even help prevent a gag reflex.
Shape of the Handle: The handle should be comfortable in your hand. A broad handle is often preferred. If it is difficult to grasp, it may cause you to use too much pressure when brushing. You want to have a light grasp for your brushing technique.
Sustainability: It is important to know what our brushes are made of and where they are produced. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint by using sustainable material, sustainable energy, and reusing or recycling material.

Additional Tips:

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles show signs of wear, whichever comes first. A worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth well.
Other than having the right toothbrush, it is also important to brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes.