Fighting Dental Decay: How to Find the Right Toothbrush

Posted on: 1 March 2016

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The Australian Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. There is a massive range of toothbrushes available on the market and while having a choice is great, it can also be overwhelming. When you are out shopping for a new toothbrush how do you know which is the right one for you? It can be tempting to pick up which ever toothbrush is cheapest or to choose the one that looks the best or comes in your favourite colour, but what should you really be looking for when picking up your new toothbrush? Below are some top tips to make sure you get the right one.

Soft Bristles Beat Stiff Bristles

While you might feel that a toothbrush with stiff bristles does a better job of cleaning your teeth when compared to a brush with softer ones, this isn't always the case. A toothbrush which has very stiff bristles can actually cause damage to your teeth and gums. Very hard bristles do remove plaque and stains from your teeth but they also remove enamel from your teeth and can cause your gums to recede. Enamel is the hard, pearly white layer on the outside of your teeth which protects the softer, inner part. When enamel becomes worn it can lead to sensitive teeth and tooth decay.

Use Your (Toothbrush) Head

You should also consider the shape of the head of your toothbrush. Toothbrushes come with a variety of different sized and shaped heads. You should experiment by using different toothbrushes until you find the one that fits your mouth. If you use a toothbrush with too small a head, not only will it take you longer to brush your teeth but you are also likely to miss parts of your mouth, as the bristles will not provide enough coverage. On the other hand, if your toothbrush head is too large it will be difficult to manoeuvre to reach those hard to clean places.

Get a Handle on Your Oral Health

The final thing to consider when looking for the perfect toothbrush is the design of the handle. Traditional handles are smooth and straight, making them difficult to keep a grip of when wet and uncomfortable to hold. This can make it tempting to skimp on the amount of time you spend brushing. You should choose a toothbrush with a comfortable handle that fits easily into your hand and which features a tilted head, which will make it easier for you to clean hard to reach places when brushing your teeth.

Taking the time to find the right toothbrush can take the hassle out of brushing, making it more efficient, effective and enjoyable to do. For more information, talk to a dentist.