The Right Toothbrush for Your Teeth

Have you ever stood in the toothbrush aisle of your local store and wondered which one was right for you? Many different styles and sizes of toothbrushes are available today, but most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head generally does the best job of reaching into hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and gently cleaning away plaque and debris without damaging gums or enamel.

For some people, a battery- or electric-powered toothbrush can be a good choice as well, particularly if they suffer from arthritis or conditions limiting their dexterity. Powered toothbrushes often provide both oscillating and vibrating action that stimulates gum tissue and is highly effective in cleaning the surfaces of the teeth.

Other toothbrush features like rubber grips, special head shapes, and bristle or neck styles are usually a matter of personal preference. If you're not sure which to pick, talk to our Torrance dentist about which he recommends for you. Any toothbrush you ultimately choose should have the ADA, or American Dental Association, Seal of Approval, ensuring it has undergone rigorous safety testing and been found to be safe for your teeth, gums, and any dental hardware in your mouth.

Finally, it is important to regularly replace your toothbrush for maximum effectiveness. Your toothbrush, or toothbrush head if you use a power toothbrush, should be replaced every three months. If your bristles begin to look worn or flattened, they should be replaced as well, since worn bristles can damage enamel or gums. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after you've been sick, since they can harbor germs and viruses that may be able to re-infect you.

Source: Dentist Torrance

Back to Blog and Media