Choosing the right toothbrush might seem like a small decision, but it can actually make quite a noticeable difference to your oral health.
When you’re out shopping and looking for a new toothbrush, there are some facts to keep in mind that can help you with your choice. Once you know what to look for, the selection can be quite simple.
However, if you have an on-going dental condition, sensitive teeth or any other concerns that may require more personalised advice, we recommend getting in touch with our team at Oasis Dental Studio and seeing one of our experienced dentists for a consultation.
Factor one: The type of toothbrush bristles
One of the first things to check when picking a toothbrush is the bristle type.
Soft bristles are usually the best option for most people. They’re gentle on the gums and enamel but still effective at removing plaque and debris.
Hard bristles might seem like they’d do a better job cleaning, but they can actually wear down enamel over time and irritate the gums. This can lead to sensitivity and even gum recession if you brush too aggressively.
Medium bristles sit somewhere in between but, generally, dentists recommend sticking with soft for everyday use.
Factor two: Standard or electric toothbrushes
Both standard or manual and electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth well if you use the right technique.
Sometimes, electric toothbrushes can make it a bit easier to achieve a thorough clean, especially if you struggle with mobility, have orthodontic appliances, or tend to rush brushing.
Electric models often have features like built-in timers, pressure sensors, and different cleaning modes, which can help improve your brushing habits over time. But if you’re someone who brushes carefully with a manual toothbrush, and spends enough time covering all areas, there’s no urgent need to switch unless you want to.
Factor three: Toothbrush head size
The size of the toothbrush head can affect how easy it is to reach all parts of your mouth.
Generally, a smaller head tends to work best. It allows you to navigate around your molars and along the gum line without too much trouble.
A head that’s too large can make it harder to reach the back teeth properly, especially if your mouth is smaller. Being able to move the brush freely makes a big difference when it comes to thorough cleaning.
When to replace your toothbrush
Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s important to replace the brush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to look frayed. Worn-out bristles are less effective at cleaning, and they can be rougher on your gums.
If you’ve been ill, particularly with something contagious like the flu or a bad cold, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush once you’re better, too.
A manual toothbrush will need to be completely replaced, while an electric toothbrush is usually designed with removable toothbrush heads that can be replaced with new ones, as needed. Some toothbrushes will come with a few extra heads, but after these are used, you will normally need to purchase a pack of toothbrush heads to keep in handy.
If you have sensitive teeth and gums
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you might want to look for a toothbrush that is specifically designed for gentle cleaning.
Soft or extra-soft bristles can help reduce irritation, and some electric toothbrushes have a “sensitive” setting that slows the motion down for a gentler experience.
It’s also worth paying attention to your brushing technique. Pressing harder doesn’t mean you’re cleaning better. A light, steady motion is much more effective and less damaging over time.
As we mentioned earlier, if you do have particularly sensitive teeth or a dental health condition, we recommend seeing your dentist for more personalised advice.
Children’s toothbrushes: what to keep in mind
For children, the right toothbrush is just as important. Look for one with a small head, soft bristles, and an easy-to-grip handle.
Children’s toothbrushes need replacing just as often as adult ones, and they’ll sometimes need extra help and supervision until they’ve developed good brushing habits.
Children should have regular dental check-ups and learn about good oral health habits from a young age. Not only can it help to prevent dental issues in the future, but it can make maintaining good habits a lot easier later in life.
The importance of brushing technique
While selecting the right toothbrush is helpful, your brushing technique is ultimately what will be most important when it comes to taking good care of your teeth.
Brushing twice a day for two to three minutes each time and by using gentle circular motions along the gum line is generally the most efficient technique. Try to cover all surfaces, including the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, without scrubbing too hard.
Another helpful tip is to actually focus on covering all areas of your teeth while brushing – often, daily tasks like brushing can become automatic and we can complete the task without paying much attention. When this happens, we may actually regularly miss areas of our teeth.
An electric toothbrush can sometimes help if you’re unsure whether your technique is right, but it’s worth asking your dentist or hygienist for tips if you’re not confident. They can demonstrate the best methods and make personalised recommendations for your brushing routine.
Get personalised dental care advice at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville
With a team of experienced dentists who offer general, restorative and cosmetic dental care, Oasis Dental Studio prioritises high quality care and patient education.
Not only do we care about ensuring that you receive the right in-clinic support, but we take the time to educate you on good dental health habits so that you can continue to look after your teeth at home.
If you need advice on dental care and would like to book a check-up, please contact our team at either our Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville locations. You can also enquire about any of our treatment options that we offer, from restorative to cosmetic treatments.
