Does the Right Toothbrush Really Matter?

We’ve all probably thought to ourselves at one point, surely the toothbrush you use can’t make that much of a difference, right? Well, this is partially true. While practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene is of the utmost importance, including attending regular dental visits, certain aspects of your toothbrush can make scrubbing away food particles a lot easier.

In this blog from Clermont Family Dentistry, we’re going through the top four most important factors when it comes to selecting your toothbrush. From electric vs manual, soft vs hard bristles, to the size of your toothbrush’s head, read on to learn which is the most effective.

Soft Bristle Brushes

You might be thinking that the stiffer your toothbrush’s bristles are, the deeper they’re going to clean your teeth. This, however, is untrue, and can actually cause a lot of harm to your teeth and gums. 

Hard or extra firm bristles are too abrasive for most people. They can cause bleeding gums, damage braces, and damage your enamel. A soft bristle or even extra soft bristle brushes clean your teeth just as effectively without causing damage to soft tissue, teeth, or braces.

Electric Toothbrushes Are Most Effective

The electric vs manual toothbrush is a contentious debate because there is some conflicting information out there. Some dentists say electric toothbrushes are no more effective than traditional toothbrushes, while others say otherwise.

The truth is somewhere in between. A manual toothbrush is just as effective as an electric toothbrush if you use it properly and for long enough. However, many people get tired or lazy and start skimping out on their two-minute brushes or aren’t scrubbing thoroughly.

Electric toothbrushes can make you more enthusiastic about brushing your teeth consistently because they require less work on your part. There is also a very specific type of electric toothbrush known as a rotation oscillation toothbrush which is more effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than a manual toothbrush.

Smaller Toothbrush Head For More Control

A toothbrush with a smaller or diamond-shaped head is easier to maneuver and work into harder-to-reach places. Even though larger more rectangular toothbrushes can cover a lot of surface area, they don't allow for a lot of precision or control. A smaller toothbrush head is more capable of thoroughly cleaning the molars in the back of the mouth.

ADA Seal of Approval

An ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste is a toothbrush or toothpaste that has been recommended as highly effective and safe by The American Dental Association (ADA). 

To receive ADA approval, these toothbrushes go through rigorous tests for safety and effectiveness. Your dentist is also equipped with enough oral health knowledge to give you a recommendation on great toothbrushes and fluoridated toothpaste.

Book Your Bi-annual Dental Cleaning & Checkup With Clermont Family Dentistry

Aside from choosing the right toothbrush and practicing good oral hygiene, the next best thing you can do for your teeth is to regularly attend dental cleanings and checkups. It is recommended that you return to the dentist every 6 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Contact us at Clermont Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mundi Buechele today.