Whenever you walk down the oral care aisle at your local pharmacy, you might be wondering why there are so many types of toothbrushes to choose from. How are they all different? Is one particular kind of toothbrush better than all of the others? How can you choose the toothbrush in San Antonio that’s best for your unique smile? With so many factors that come into play, trying to pick out your next toothbrush can be confusing. Read on as a dentist shares a few things you should consider when getting a new toothbrush.
Manual or Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Better?
First things first, you need to decide whether you’d like to buy a manual toothbrush or an electric one. Both options have their pros and cons, so it mostly comes down to your personal needs or preferences.
Some studies have found that electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning plaque off of your teeth. Because their bristles constantly rotate, they do much of the “work” for you, which can be particularly helpful if you have conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Many of them even come with built-in timers that let you know when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes.
Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, are typically more cost-effective, rarely costing more than five dollars each. Plus, you can find them at pretty much every grocery store, pharmacy, and even some gas stations.
Does a Toothbrush’s Size Matter?
Yes. If the head of a toothbrush is too big, it becomes more difficult to maneuver around in your mouth. As a result, you’re more likely to miss some spots when cleaning your teeth and gums.
If the toothbrush you’re using seems a bit large, it never hurts to try a child-sized toothbrush instead. After all, the only real difference between the two is the size – and maybe the colors or patterns on them. So, you’d still be getting a thorough clean.
How Hard Should a Toothbrush’s Bristles Be?
Medium or hard bristles might seem like they’re more effective at scrubbing food particles and plaque from your teeth, but this is actually a myth. In fact, most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. This is because hard or medium bristles can exert too much pressure, which may wear down your teeth or cause your gums to recede. Be gentle on your pearly whites by choosing a brush with soft bristles.
As your dentist can tell you, the exact type of toothbrush that you use doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you remember to brush twice a day for two full minutes each time. If you have specific questions about which toothbrush would be best for you, feel free to reach out to your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani earned her dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, and she currently has more than 18 years of experience in the dental field. Her practice, Laith Family Dentistry, has two convenient locations in San Antonio. She’s always happy to recommend at-home oral hygiene products for her patients. If you’d like her help in making a decision on which toothbrush to purchase, reach out to either her Northwest San Antonio office or her Central San Antonio one!
