What is the best toothbrush and toothpaste? With many products available to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is best for your personal dental health needs and preferences. Having the wrong toothbrush and toothpaste can worsen your dental hygiene or lead to skipping out on your oral care routine.
This guide reviews what you need to know about how to choose a toothbrush, how to choose toothpaste and how your dentist can help you make more informed choices.
Contents
What is The Best Toothbrush?
There is plenty to debate when it comes to how to choose a toothbrush. The answer may vary based on your dental health, manual dexterity and personal preferences. With so many options available on the market and every brand claiming to have the backing of dental professionals, it’s easy to feel lost when trying to find the perfect tool for your needs. Consider the following features when making your decision:
Types of Toothbrushes: Manual vs. Electric
Electric toothbrushes generally have a higher cost compared to manual ones. However, they are great choices if you have arthritis or other problems with your hand, grip or fingers. You can ask your dentist for more information on how to choose an electric toothbrush based on your needs.
If you can’t swing an electric toothbrush, don’t worry. You can accomplish the same things with a manual one. It just takes a little more time and effort on your part to ensure you reach all the tricky areas.
Bristle Varieties and Softness
There are many bristles to choose from, designed for different things. Harder bristles aren’t always better—they may be too abrasive on your gums. Softer ones are generally recommended, especially if you have sensitive gums or teeth. Some toothbrushes have special bristles designed to get into smaller spaces between your teeth, making them a great choice.
Size and Shape of the Brush Head
You may be surprised to learn that the shape of your brush head can impact how difficult it is to use your toothbrush. Smaller and rounder heads are easier to manipulate and get into tight spaces, giving them the advantage. This is why most electric toothbrush heads are smaller and rounder.
Handle Design and Grip
If you have pain in your hand or wrist or have trouble with fine motor skills, you may want to explore ergonomic toothbrush designs. These designs make it easier to hold and may ease the pain of arthritis and other medical conditions that can make brushing a pain.
How to Choose Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste can be as confusing as finding a toothbrush. There are many formulas on the market, and each one serves a different purpose, from whitening your teeth to treating tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion. As your dental needs change, you may also need to change your toothpaste to address these new concerns. When choosing your toothpaste, consider the following:
Toothpaste Ingredients
If you don’t know what specific ingredients in toothpaste do, feel free to ask your dentist. Some of the ingredients help remove tartar or fight gum disease, while others are designed to repair worn tooth enamel or brighten your smile by whitening your teeth. Be careful, however, because some of the ingredients in whitening toothpaste can worsen some dental problems.
For example, whitening toothpaste can worsen erosion if you’re worried about your enamel. It can also increase tooth sensitivity, which is not ideal if you experience any dental pain.
Addressing Specific Dental Needs
As mentioned above, the ingredients you want to look for in your toothpaste depend on your dental needs. You should have a discussion with your dentist about your dental concerns and goals and ask what types of toothpaste can help you achieve them.
Flavours and Texture Preferences
Getting toothpaste with an offputting flavour or texture may discourage you from keeping up with your oral care routine. This aspect of finding the perfect toothpaste may take some trial and error before you land on an option that works for you. Once you find the right one, it should make brushing much more enjoyable.
Getting Advice from the Professionals
Reading dental hygiene product labels can feel like you’re trying to decipher another language. When you get your next checkup, you should discuss your most pressing concerns with your dentist and what products are best for reaching your dental needs. Your dentist may be able to recommend products or provide you with a short list of options to choose from.
If you haven’t had your latest dental checkup, now is the best time to schedule an appointment. Contact us today at Costello Family Dentistry so that we can give you our best tips for choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste and help you maintain a bright and healthy smile.
