Brushing your teeth twice a day remains one of the best ways to care for your oral health. It removes plaque, the sticky biofilm that contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease, before it hardens into tartar under the gumline. Only a dentist can remove tartar, which also contributes to dental health problems. To help you choose the right toothbrush for your dental needs, here are a few factors to consider. 

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush

1. Bristle Hardness

Toothbrush bristles come in three types—soft, medium, and hard. Medium- and hard-bristled brushes might seem like the best options for removing plaque, but they are too abrasive and can result in gum irritation, bleeding, and recession. The gum damage risk is even higher if you brush aggressively. A soft-bristled brush, used for two minutes, gently and thoroughly cleans the teeth and gumline to remove the most plaque. 

2. Handle

Some people prefer wider toothbrush handles with extra cushioning in light of mobility issues or general comfort, while others are fine with standard adult-sized toothbrush handles. No matter what your specific needs are, your toothbrush’s handle should feel comfortable and allow you to clean tooth surfaces easily.

3. Head Size

Most toothbrush heads should be a quarter inch wide and 1 inch tall to ensure they clean every surface on each tooth easily. A large brush head can hinder your ability to reach your back molars, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because of lingering plaque. Small head sizes are for children, since they have smaller mouths and using adult toothbrushes creates cleaning challenges. 

4. Functionality

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at cleaning the teeth and gums.While electric brushes cost more, some people prefer them because of conditions that make using a manual brush challenging, such as arthritis or various disabilities. Electric toothbrushes are also ideal for treating gingivitis, or the reversible precursor to gum disease, because they remove slightly more plaque and food particles than manual options. 

Reduce your cavity and gum disease risks with diligent home care and services from Blome Family Dentistry. Serving Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas since 1985, this American Dental Association® member offers a full suite of dental care services, including after-hour care for emergencies. Call (402) 483-7000 today to make an appointment, or visit the family dentists online for more information. Like the Facebook page for additional dental care tips.