With all the different types and brands of toothbrushes available on the market today, how do you choose the one that is right for your needs? When choosing a toothbrush, you must first decide if you want to go with a manual (disposable) one or a powered (electric) model. Experts differ on which of these types is the best for your oral health, however, all agree that the most important thing is to brush effectively with some type of toothbrush at least twice per day. Electric models can be safer on your teeth and gums if you tend to brush too vigorously, however, the cost for electric toothbrushes tend to be much higher than manual toothbrushes.
Whether you choose an electric or a manual model, it is important to factor in both the size and the bristle variety. You should select a toothbrush that is the right size to allow easy access to all the surfaces of your teeth. For most adults, a head that is 1/2 inches wide and one inch long will work the best. It is also important to select a toothbrush with a handle that is long enough for you to comfortably hold it in your hand. As far as the bristle variety, you can choose from soft, medium and hard bristles. Soft bristled toothbrushes are the most comfortable and safest for most people as medium and hard bristled toothbrushes can damage your gums, root surfaces and protective tooth enamel if you brush too hard. If the bristles have rounded tips this will offer even more protection against damaging your teeth and gums.
If you are shopping for a new toothbrush, it is a good idea to get a recommendation from your dentist as far as which type will work best for your specific needs. It is also a good idea to select a toothbrush that has the seal of approval from the American Dental Assocation (ADA).
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