Home Alone’s Kevin told us that the toothbrush to buy is always the one that’s been approved by the American Dental Association, but apart the ADA’s stamp of approval, there are other factors you can use to shop for an effective toothbrush. The ADA’s seal guarantees that the toothbrush in your hand won’t fall apart from normal use, that the bristles have been crafted with a smooth finish and the materials are safe to put in your mouth.
Aside from that, it’s up to you and your dentist to determine which toothbrush is the best for your oral hygiene habits. Your dentist’s recommendation is a good place to start. At the end of the blog, we’ll tell you which toothbrush Dr. Nehawandian recommends. There are two roads you can take when it comes to purchasing a toothbrush, the manual or the electric. Regardless of which you choose, there are some common denominating factors you should consider.
Soft Bristles
Toothbrushes come in a three bristle stiffness types: hard, medium and soft. Normally, this choice is based on personal preference, on whether you prefer a vigorous scrub or a gentler clean. Although toothbrushes with medium bristles have been shown to be effective at removing plaque, the ADA recommends use of a toothbrush with soft bristles because they minimize the risks and effects of toothbrush abrasion.
If you’re an enthusiastic brusher, it’s likely you brush too hard, and a hard bristled toothbrush can impact the strength of your teeth and gums, making them susceptible to sensitivity. Plus, aggressive tooth brushing is a leading cause of receding gums, just after gum disease. Harder bristles make this worse.
Small Head
Think softer and smaller. Smaller toothbrush heads are better because they make it easier to reach those back teeth that can be neglected. If you have a sneaking suspicion that your back molars aren’t getting enough attention, consider switching to a small-head toothbrush. For those who suffer from temporomandibular disorder (TMJ orTMD), simple dental hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing can be difficult when it’s painful to open your mouth wide. Full-sized toothbrushes can be taxing on jaws that are already under the pressure of TMJ, so a smaller brush can make a difference in symptoms and make brushing an easier task to tackle.
It’s Electric!
So you have to put a little bit of arm power into your brushing routine—that doesn’t mean it’s become obsolete. But if you want the Tesla experience of dental hygiene, you can find it in an electric toothbrush. The Oral-B Genius series features a dentist-inspired, small rounded brush head that wraps around teeth, cleaning from all sides. It’s Dr. Nehawandian’s experience that this brush leads to better cleaning, and that’s why she recommends this as the best toothbrush for keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
Investing in dentist-recommended toothbrushes that are beneficial to your oral hygiene habits, and holistic dental care will help you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they can be. Call us at (408) 354-5600 to learn more.
