Your toothbrush should be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, so it’s important to choose one that will work best for you and your specific needs. But there are so many different options out there to pick from. How do you find the best toothbrush for you? Here are five tips from your dentist in Cedar Rapids to help you choose the best toothbrush for you and get the most out of brushing your teeth every day.
1. Pick The Right Bristles
You may notice that toothbrushes come with different types of bristles, from soft, medium, or hard. However, soft bristles are usually recommended for patients as they can effectively remove plaque and bacteria but not cause damage to the teeth or gums. Medium or hard bristles, on the other hand, can irritate the gums and even damage tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and other problems. You should only use medium or hard bristles if your dentist in Cedar Rapids recommends it.
2. Consider The Size
Similar to bristles, there are also various sizes of toothbrush heads, and selecting the correct size is important. A toothbrush head that’s too big can be uncomfortable to use and you may find yourself not brushing for a full two minutes. Additionally, a head that doesn’t fit comfortably in your mouth can actually mean that you may be missing cleaning some areas of your teeth, especially in the back.
3. Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
While there are plenty of cheap toothbrushes out there, some are better meant to clean tiny crevices in your house and not your teeth. If you find an affordable toothbrush, it’s still important to make sure that the bristles are soft, the size of the head is appropriate, and that the shape of the bristles is rounded. Oftentimes, extremely cheap brushes have straight bristles instead of rounded ones. Straight bristles can actually do more harm than good.
4. Your Budget Matters
Since we’re on the topic of affordability, your budget does matter when it comes to finding the best toothbrush for you. There are a lot of high-quality toothbrushes that don’t need to break the bank, and you probably don’t need the most expensive, latest, and greatest toothbrush you see on TV. Talking with your dentist in Cedar Rapids can help you find a toothbrush that will keep your teeth clean and your wallet happy at the same time.
5. ADA Approved
One of the most important things to look for when finding the best toothbrush is the ADA Seal of Approval. Toothbrushes that have the ADA seal have gone through quality testing, were found to have safe bristles to remove plaque effectively, and to be sturdy.
Essentially, the best toothbrush is the one that is used and used properly. When it comes to finding the best toothbrush for you, look for the above criteria or talk with your dentist in Cedar Rapids.