Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a display of toothbrushes wondering what the difference between all those brushes could even be? If you have ever bought a toothbrush and not been sure if it was the right one or not, we have answers for you! Call Dr. Daniel W. Ormsby, your local dentist in Murray Utah, and we’ll walk you through the best options for your daily brushing routine.

How To Choose the Right Toothbrush

There are many different types and styles of toothbrushes on the market these days. Let’s explore what the difference is in all of these toothbrushes and the key factors that you should consider before you purchase one.

The Brush Head

Choosing the correct size brush head is critical because this is the number one factor determining the quality of your brushing experience. A brush head that is an inch in height and half an inch in width is recommended for most adults. The size of the brush head should allow you to reach and clean all parts of your mouth including the front and back of your teeth, the roof of your mouth and your tongue. Brush heads of varying sizes are available, but if they are too large they may not get into all areas. Also make sure it has a comfortable grip, as this can affect how well you can reach all teeth.

The Bristles

Toothbrushes have bristles that are gauged as either hard, medium or soft. Whether you use a mechanical or handheld toothbrush, you should always opt for soft bristles that are made of nylon. Using soft bristles protects your teeth and gums from damage. Don’t use medium or hard bristles unless instructed to do so by your dentist. Hard bristles can damage teeth, their roots, gums and enamel.

Rounded Bristles Vs. Straight Bristles

Many people do not even notice that toothbrush bristles come in different styles, but it is really important. You always want to make sure that any toothbrush that you buy has rounded bristles. Both types do a good job cleaning, but the flat tipped bristles can leave tiny incisions on the gums, leaving them more susceptible to inflammation and infection.

If you have sensitive gums, this is an even bigger deal. The last thing you need is something that can cause more inflammation in your gums.

ADA Approved

If you are buying a toothbrush, the ADA is the top authority, and you will want to look for one that is ADA approved. When you buy a manual brush, this approval verifies safe and secure bristles, a sturdy handle (for daily use) and that the brush is effective in properly cleaning your mouth and reducing plaque and the chances of developing gum disease. Buying an ADA approved toothbrush is one way to ensure the brush is of decent quality and can get the job done.

Manual Vs. Electric

Both high quality manual toothbrushes and high quality electric toothbrushes do a great job of cleaning your teeth and mouth. Whichever type works best for you is what you should use. For some people, cost is a deterrent to buying an electric toothbrush, but for many people they are well worth the cost. If using an electric toothbrush feels more comfortable or easier or in any way encourages you to make sure you brush, it is probably the right option for you!