How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Keeping our oral health in check is extremely important. Both children and adults should be brushing their teeth twice a day, for two minutes a day.

Brushing your teeth is such an important task, so choosing the right brush for you should really be a priority. 

Picking the right brush

A lot of people ask, how do I choose the right toothbrush for me? Well, we’re here to break down what you should be looking for in a brush.

Should I choose a manual or electric toothbrush?

Both types of toothbrushes are effective in cleaning your teeth, so long as you’re using the right method to brush. A good way of making sure that you’re cleaning your teeth to the best of your ability is to split your mouth up into four sections.

Spend thirty seconds on each section, that way no area will get missed. Also, don’t forget to clean your tongue as it’s often an area of the mouth we neglect.

Most of the time people do find it easier to use an electric brush, especially if you have limited movement or are elderly. An electric toothbrush essentially does all the work for you as most of them have oscillating heads.

What head should I put on my toothbrush?

A small-headed toothbrush means that you will be able to reach all areas inside your mouth with ease. When shopping for a new toothbrush, search for a head that has a mixture of both long and short bristles.

This is so the brush can clean the surface and in between your teeth.

For most individuals, medium and soft bristles with rounded-end bristles tend to be the most effective option. Also, think about choosing a brush with a pressure monitor on it.

Plaque tends to be a soft substance, so usually, you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to remove it. If you’re struggling with finding a toothbrush that is right for you, then discuss any queries with your local dentist. 

What brush handle is easiest to use?

In order to brush your teeth most effectively, a sturdy and comfortable handle grip is key. If you can, try and touch the handle before buying the brush to make sure that you can grip the handle well.

It’s a step when choosing your brush that is often overlooked, but arguably it’s one of the most important things you should consider before buying a new toothbrush. 

How do I choose a brush for my child?

Choosing a toothbrush for yourself is one thing, but choosing a toothbrush for your child can be slightly more difficult. As soon as your child gets their first tooth through, you should start brushing their teeth, or in this instance, tooth.

As your child gets older, it’s key that you monitor their brushing technique and check they’re using the right technique. A good dental hygiene routine should be instilled in your child from a young age. 

Your child may be drawn towards the brightly coloured brushes or the ones with their favourite cartoon character on. When choosing a brush, make sure to consider that the head of a child’s brush should be small and compact.

If a brush is too big for your child’s mouth, there won’t be enough room for it to move around properly and won’t clean properly. 

How often should I change my toothbrush?

As soon as the bristles start to wear and look separated, then it’s time to change your toothbrush. It’s recommended that you change your brush every two to three months, even if your head looks in good condition.

Our recommendation:

Implementing a good dental hygiene routine, with a good toothbrush is one thing you can do to ensure good oral health for many years to come.

We advise that you should be opting for a small toothbrush, with bristles that aren’t too hard as this can be uncomfortable on your teeth.

A pressure sensor is also recommended to make sure that you’re not pressing too hard on your gums or teeth. If you do have any problems when it comes to selecting the right dental tools for you, then speak to your dentist.