Are you wondering if your toothbrush is actually helping your teeth and gums? It might be time to find the right toothbrush for you. From ensuring your bristles are soft enough to finding the best handle for you, choosing the best toothbrush may include re-evaluating all factors of toothbrushes available.
No matter your circumstances, you can find a toothbrush that goes above and beyond to strengthen and clean your teeth. You shouldn’t have to continue using a toothbrush that isn’t beneficial for you and your teeth.
Follow our steps to find the best toothbrush for you. Guaranteed, your teeth will thank you once you’ve found the perfect brush for them.
Steps to Take When Choosing the Best Toothbrush
When it comes to a full selection of toothbrushes, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the options and just picking the first toothbrush in front of you.
Doing this works for the convenience factor and for those who simply don’t feel that they have the time to dedicate to meticulously picking a toothbrush. However, because of the hasty decision, you might be choosing the wrong toothbrush for your teeth.
To ensure that you’re brushing your teeth with the right toothbrush, follow these steps to pick the best option for you.
1. Assess Your Brushing Habits
How do your brushing habits look right now? Are you finding yourself brushing your teeth too aggressively or skipping nights?
Do you feel like you’re getting all of your teeth and your gums brushed? If not, it’s time to fix that by finding the right brush for you and switching up your habits.
Sometimes this looks like getting a timed toothbrush to keep you accountable or getting a softer bristled toothbrush to counteract aggressive brushing. No matter the habit, it’s fixable with determination and a shopping trip.
2. Look at All of Your Options
There are multiple places you can find a great selection of toothbrushes. Considering all of your options might include taking into account electric brushes, different bristles, and even colors.
Perhaps you’ve always reached for your favorite brush with that specific pattern or your parent has consistently gotten you the same toothbrush–no matter how much you love one or more toothbrushes, you’ll have to replace it with a new one frequently.
When looking at all of your options, first look for a toothbrush with an ADA seal.
3. Look For Toothbrushes With an ADA Seal
The American Dental Association (ADA) has several specifications that make toothbrushes safe to use. This is under the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
When a toothbrush is qualified for an ADA seal, the manufacturer proves that their toothbrushes are safe to have in the mouth, that the handles are durable, that the bristles are smooth and free of jagged edges and that they won’t fall out, and that the toothbrush is effective when preventing gum disease and plaque.
The ADA decides all of these on each ADA-approved toothbrush on the market, making your choices that much safer. When looking for a new toothbrush, always pick an option that proves its ADA Seal of Acceptance.
This seal will prove that your toothbrush is safe to use and will be effective when caring for your teeth.
4. Decide Whether You Want Manual or Electric
If you haven’t been able to keep a habit of 2 minutes of brushing twice a day, an electric toothbrush might be right for you. This will help you effectively clean your teeth to their best ability and improve your brushing habits.
If you struggle with arthritis or other mobility issues, an electric toothbrush can improve your brushing abilities greatly. This can be a wonderful option for those looking to have an easier time brushing their teeth effectively.
Choosing between the best manual toothbrush and the best electric toothbrush depends on how your brushing habits are. If you’re consistent about brushing your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day, you’re all set to continue using manual brushes.
However, an electric brush could be best for you when searching for more motivation or accountability.
5. Choose the Perfect Bristles
Though there are soft, medium, and hard toothbrush bristle options out there, it’s actually recommended that soft-bristled toothbrushes are better for everyone’s teeth.
Soft bristles target plaque and debris, effectively and gently removing harmful bacteria from your teeth. These bristles will allow your teeth and gums to feel cleaner and stronger without damaging them.
In general, medium and hard bristles are usually too harsh for your teeth and gums. In most cases, choose a soft-bristled brush over anything else. Exceptions may include your dentist recommending a firmer-bristled toothbrush.
Regarding the toothbrush head, always opt for a smaller head in order to reach all areas of your mouth. For those with braces, soft bristles are highly recommended. Check out our article on the best toothbrush for braces.
6. Pick a Brush Handle
When it comes to picking a toothbrush handle, you might find that you need a non-slip grip, angled, or flexible handle.
Picking between these options may cause you to search in more places to find a toothbrush that suits you perfectly. It’s worth it to search for the toothbrush that suits you and your needs best.
Replacing Your Toothbrushes on Time
There are several recommended rules of thumb when replacing your toothbrushes on time. One of these includes switching out your toothbrush after a cold, as the bristles on your brush could still contain germs that could lead to a cold relapse.
Replace your toothbrush when it shows signs of wear and if you’ve been using it for 3 months.
A great tip to follow is to mark 3 months ahead on your calendar once you’ve begun using your toothbrush.
Keeping Your Teeth Strong With the Best Toothbrush
When it comes to picking the best toothbrush for you, take all of these factors into account. Each of these steps will lead you to find the best toothbrush for your needs.
If you enjoyed this article and are looking for more like this, read our guide on the proper way to brush your teeth.
