
Henry Ford famously said a customer could have any color they wanted on their Model T “as long as it was black.” Those days are over—today’s cars and trucks come with a slew of options, and not just their paint color.
There’s something else with a wide array of possible options: your choice of toothbrush. Your local store’s dental care aisle has dozens of toothbrushes in a myriad of sizes, shapes and features. And many promise better hygiene outcomes because of their unique design.
It’s enough to make your head spin. But you can narrow your search for the right toothbrush— just look for these basic qualities.
Bristle texture. At this all-important juncture between brush and teeth, softer-textured bristles are better. That might sound counter-intuitive, but soft bristles are just as capable at removing bacterial plaque, that sticky tooth film most responsible for dental disease, as stiffer bristles. Stiffer bristles, on the other hand, can damage gums and cause recession. Also, look too for rounded bristles (gentler on the gums), and multi-leveled or angled ones for better access around teeth.
Size and shape. Toothbrushes come in different sizes because, well, so do mouths. Look, then, for a brush and bristle head that can comfortably reach all the teeth in your mouth. If you have problems with manual dexterity, choose a brush with larger grip handles. A brush that’s comfortable to use and easy to handle can make your brushing more effective.
ADA Seal of Acceptance. The American Dental Association tests hygiene products like toothbrushes. If they pass the association’s standards, the manufacturer includes the ADA Seal of Approval on their packaging. Not all submit their brushes for this evaluation, so the seal’s absence doesn’t necessarily mean a brush is of low quality. The seal, though, does tell you the product passes muster with dental professionals.
It often takes a little trial and error to find the right brush, but since you should change yours out every six months, it’s a small price to experiment. And, no matter how great the brush, it’s only as good at removing plaque as the hand that holds it. So, be sure you learn proper brushing techniques—that and the right brush will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you would like more information on choosing the right toothbrush, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sizing Up Toothbrushes.”
Comments:
Find Us
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA
Shelby, NC 28150

Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- December (5)
- When Crowns and Bridges Are Necessary
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
- Are You Interested in Dental Implants?
- No Time for a Makeover? Try These One-Visit Smile Enhancements Before the Holidays
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (66)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- orthodontics (12)
- headgear (1)
- Teeth Whitening (6)
- oral health (17)
- oral hygiene (26)
- Gum Disease (15)
- Dental Implants (17)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- dental hygiene (1)
- Clear Aligners (5)
- bridge (1)
- dental implant (5)
- chipped teeth (2)
- pregnancy (1)
- Teeth Cleanings (1)
- bad breath (1)
- retainers (3)
- tooth grinding (1)
- Veneers (3)
- laser dentistry (2)
- crowns (6)
- missing tooth (2)
- braces (14)
- periodontal disease (3)
- oral cancer (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- orthodontic treatment (21)
- smile makeover (3)
- dental anxiety (1)
- bacteria (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- Bridges (2)
- cracked mouth (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- bonding (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- nutrition (2)
- Root Canal (3)
- apicoectomy (1)
- fluoride (2)
- tooth decay (6)
- emergency dentistry (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- invisalign (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (6)
- teeth grinding (4)
- chipped tooth (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- dental bridges (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- x-rays (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- Root Canals (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- partial denture (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- tads (1)
- Clear Braces (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- teething (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- pain management (1)
- extraction (1)
- lingual braces (2)
- gum recession (1)
- facial pain (1)
- crown (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- Oral Cancer Screenings (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- Oral Care (1)
- Routine (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- smoking (1)
- vaping (1)
- dry socket (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- diabetes (1)
- extractions (1)