Walking down the toothbrush aisle at the local supermarket can be an overwhelming experience – especially if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. When choosing the right toothbrush for your smile, there are a few important characteristics to take into consideration other than simply your favorite color or the one that’s on sale. Glen Allen dentist Dr. Glenn Fortner wants to go back to the basics and discuss a few of the things you should look for when buying your next toothbrush.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of your toothbrush is a good starting point when choosing the ideal toothbrush for you. The head of the toothbrush should easily fit into your mouth without any strain or discomfort. The toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your hand and should feel as natural as holding a fork.
Bristles
The bristles of your toothbrush are also important and should be taken into consideration. While many people tend to think that harder bristles will be better for cleaning teeth, it is, in fact, the opposite. Hard bristles can irritate the gums and even damage teeth. Our dental office in Glen Allen prefers and recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes.
Manual or Powered?
According to the American Dental Association, both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective and thorough at cleaning your teeth. However, some individuals have difficulty using a manual toothbrush to successfully reach all areas of the mouth and find that powered toothbrushes are easier and more comfortable.
Whether you decide on manual or powered, it’s ultimately more important to make sure that your toothbrush is easy to use and that you’re comfortable with it. Dr. Glenn Fortner also recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and to visit our Glen Allen dental office regularly for professional cleanings and exams.