Choosing The Best Toothbrush For You

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily oral care routine, and selecting the right toothbrush is the first step in optimising that routine. But the best toothbrush for the job depends on a variety of things that are unique to you. It may be difficult to make a choice when surrounded by so many options, especially when your dental professional isn't next to you to help you choose wisely.

When deciding which toothbrush to choose, the first question you need to answer is: "What are your dental needs?" Many people have sensitive teeth, whereas others struggle with plaque retention along the gumline or directly on the tongue. All brushes share in some universally beneficial features, though, and there are specific toothbrushes available to ensure they help each individual user. Here's how to find a product that is both safe and effective, while still addressing your specific dental concerns:

The Brushhead

One important factor when choosing a toothbrush is the texture and material of the brushhead – which should be made of soft nylon bristles. Although many brushes in the store are labelled "medium" or "firm," it's best to use a brush labeled "soft" or "extra-soft". Why? These brushes support gentle bristles that allow for adequate plaque removal without causing damage to the enamel in the process (a common cause of tooth sensitivity).

It is also preferable that the bristles on the brush be of varied lengths. This allows for the proper cleansing of the teeth by accessing the naturally deep grooves of your teeth with each stroke – particularly along the gumline where the teeth make contact with one another.

The Bristles

The best toothbrush can also have added benefits to very basic features; some brushes have extended bristles along the tip, designed to reach back behind the teeth. This allows you to access areas where plaque-forming germs love to hide, and to remove these germs before they can harm the enamel.

Brushes like these also have gentle polishing cups that retain the toothpaste in the brush, allotting a longer amount of time for the ingredients in the toothpaste to maintain contact with the surfaces of the teeth. This allows the toothbrush user to receive the full benefits of the toothpaste, such as enamel strengthening and stain removal.

Peripheral Cleaning

Keep in mind that your toothbrush shouldn't just help your teeth; your oral cavity's soft tissue needs love, too. Another feature that is great to have on a toothbrush is a tongue and cheek cleaner. In the past, tongue cleaners were only available as separate tools. New innovations in toothbrush manufacturing now put this feature right on the back of the brushhead, so you can use the soft bumpy ridges to remove germs from the surfaces of the tongue immediately after finishing with your teeth. This added benefit ultimately decreases the occurrence of bad breath, making the whole mouth feel cleaner as it cleanses not only the tongue, but also the inside of the cheeks and gums.

When in doubt, ask your dental professional for advice. He or she can help guide you to the best toothbrush for your specific dental needs, so you don't need to navigate the oral care aisle without knowing what to look for.