Not all toothbrushes and toothpaste are made the same. Selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste can be crucial for your dental health. Finding the right one for you and your dental needs can make a huge difference. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at how to find the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your oral health needs.
Selecting the Right Toothbrush
Choosing the right toothbrush may be more important than you think. The right toothbrush can help you properly clean your teeth and ensure you aren’t harming your teeth in the process.
When shopping for a new toothbrush, look for the following:
Brush Head Size
While infants and younger children need a smaller brush head for their smaller teeth and mouths, older kids, teens, and adults should have a regular-sized brush head. It should be 1-inch long and ½-inch wide.
Bristle Design and Shape
Round bristles are the best option for healthy gums. You’ll also want to look for multi-leveled bristles to ensure you can reach every part of the tooth. If you’re struggling with receding gums, a tapered filament brush is generally best.
Bristle Firmness
While many people think firmer bristles are the best option, softer bristles are actually recommended as they decrease the risk of damage to the tooth enamel.
Handle Size and Grip
The handle of your toothbrush should be comfortable when you hold it. However, kids generally need a shorter or fatter handle so it fits into their hands correctly. If you struggle with grip, rubber on the handle can be a great option.
Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes
While electric and manual toothbrushes seem very different, there really isn’t a major difference between them. Both do the job well, but as you might imagine, the electric toothbrush is better at removing plaque due to the vibration it provides. Electric toothbrushes can also be very helpful for disabled people who have issues with grip or performing the brushing movement.
If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush, look for one with a rotating head for the best cleaning experience. You may also want to find one with adjustable power settings, especially if you have sensitive teeth and/or gums. That way you can be gentler in certain areas.
If an electric toothbrush is out of your price range or simply not your preferred method for brushing your teeth, don’t worry. A regular manual toothbrush works just as well and allows you more control. Just make sure to look for a soft brush with rounded bristles.
Selecting the Right Toothpaste
Now that you have the right toothbrush, what about your toothpaste? The first thing you’ll want to look for is fluoride. Make sure it’s one of the ingredients in the toothpaste you choose. The only reason you would want to avoid fluoride is if you are brushing a baby’s teeth. We recommend waiting until they are two years old before they switch to fluoride toothpaste. While they are still infants, simply use clean water to brush with.
On top of that, choose a flavor you and your kids like. You’re brushing your teeth at least twice a day; you want a flavor you enjoy.
Additionally, for adults, you’ll want to look at what issues the toothpaste addresses. Do you want a whitening toothpaste? Something to help your gum health? Or maybe you want one that helps fight cavities? Choose a toothpaste that addresses the dental problems you have or are looking to prevent.
Overall, you’ll want to look for a toothpaste that has tartar control, anti-gingivitis properties, whitening properties, and if possible, addresses any tooth sensitivity.
You can also look for toothpaste that has a shorter list of ingredients. The more ingredients, the more likely you are to develop tooth sensitivity.
If this seems like a lot of information, the best you can do is look for the ADA seal on the toothpaste packaging. ADA stands for the American Dental Association, and toothpaste with that seal must meet certain guidelines created by dentists and other dental professionals.
Schedule An Appointment
Having the best oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing. It includes having regular dental exams and cleanings as well.
To ensure your oral health is as best as it can be, schedule a consultation with Dr. Inna Chen at New York General Dentistry today. She will examine your teeth and ensure you receive the right treatment for your dental needs.
Call our Manhattan office at 212.838.0842 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile!
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
