The daily routine of waking up in the morning and immediately going to brush your teeth can be somewhat of an “autopilot” task, especially after so many years. Because those hours spent cleaning your teeth add up over the long run, we highly recommend investing in your toothbrush to maximize your time and ensure your teeth are getting a proper cleaning. Often, we underestimate how much the quality of our toothbrushes actually affects our dental hygiene. The team at Archbold Family Dental has put together a guide of what to keep in mind when purchasing your next toothbrush. 

Bristle Texture: Disposable and electric toothbrushes come in all varieties of stiffness when it comes to the bristles. From soft to medium to hard, choosing the right bristle for your teeth is important. Generally, you would want a softer bristle to prevent further damage or abrasion to your enamel and gums. We recommend consulting with your dentist on which bristle strength works best for you.

Manual or Electric: You’re probably used to using a manual toothbrush as far as you can remember. These kinds of brushes are great if you’re on the go or traveling due to their light form factor. However, with recent advances in brushing technology, electric toothbrushes have become more compact with higher quality movement and upgraded batteries. 

Price ranges can vary when it comes to electric toothbrushes, so it’s advised to research what works well within your budget. Electric toothbrushes are great at reducing the overall time spent brushing and can deliver a more thorough and even cleaning compared to a conventional toothbrush.

Length of Bristle Head: Everyone’s mouth is a little different. Some people might prefer a long bristle head for easier reach to those hard-to-brush spots towards your molars. Some people might prefer a shorter bristle head length for added comfort. The grip and length of the brush handle are also important to keep in mind. 

Of course, for traveling, you might want a foldable toothbrush for easier carry. However, the shorter grip length might not make it ideal for prolonged, daily use. Alternatively, longer grips come with increased comfort but might be a little bulky, so we recommend these for at-home use.

These are just a few of the many factors to consider when investing in your next toothbrush. If you’re unsure about what brush works most effectively on your teeth, we highly recommend consulting with your dentist and the best product for you. If you’re in the Archbold, OH, area and would like to speak with one of our dentists or set up an appointment, click here to get started!