When you’re standing in the toothbrush aisle of the pharmacy or grocery store, it may be tempting to pick the prettiest, cheapest one and be done with it. Unfortunately, the cheapest toothbrush isn’t always the best toothbrush. In order to find the right brush for your teeth, follow the guide below.

Manual vs electric

Powered or electric toothbrushes are great for people who are injured or have arthritis because they the hard work out of brushing. You don’t have to move the brush in quick concentric circles because it does it for you. Furthermore, electric toothbrushes move faster than your arms ever could, making for a more thorough clean. That doesn’t mean that traditional toothbrushes aren’t effective. Just less so. As long you brush your teeth thoroughly you can effectively clean your teeth with a manual toothbrush.

Size and shape

When it comes to toothbrushes, you should choose one with a head that is half an inch wide and one inch tall. This will allow it to fit comfortably in your mouth and easily reach your back teeth. When you brush, you should be able to reach every tooth and gum surface. Moreover, you should choose a brush that has a long enough handle so that it’s easy to hold in your hand. The colour of the toothbrush doesn’t matter as long as the head and shape are a fit for your mouth.

Stiffness of the bristles

According to the Canadian Dental Association, the stiffness of the bristles is important to consider when purchasing a toothbrush. You should choose a brush with soft, rounded bristles so as to avoid damaging your teeth, roots and gums. Hard bristles can also destroy the protective enamel on our teeth. In addition, you shouldn’t brush too vigorously, even if you are using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing too hard while pressing down on your teeth and gums can cause bleeding and damage.

Toothbrush fast facts:

  • Children have tiny mouths and cannot use regular adult sized toothbrushes. If you are going to get your child an electric toothbrush, make sure it’s especially designed for kids.
  • Do not get a toothbrush because it is cheap. Stick to brand names you trust.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months. For electric toothbrushes, this means changing the head, you do not need to throw out the whole appliance.
  • Some toothbrushes come with tongue scrubbers on the back. If yours doesn’t come with a scrubber, you can purchase a tongue cleaner separately to ensure you remove all bacteria from your tongue and cheeks.
  • You should brush your teeth twice daily for 2-3 minutes each time.