It’s time to get a new toothbrush, and when you’re browsing through the oral care aisle you see many different options to choose from. Any toothbrush will do, right? Wrong! One of the first mistakes that many people make with brushing originates back to the very selection of the toothbrush. Through no fault of their own, most people are uneducated in how to select the toothbrush that fits them the best. Here are some helpful things to have in mind when selecting your toothbrush.
Remember to think about the size of your mouth as you browse through toothbrush options. If you feel like your toothbrush is too large to fit into your mouth easily and comfortably, that’s a sign that the brush is too big to use comfortably, and it’s most likely too big to effectively clean your teeth as well. The main idea is that the more comfortably it fits in your mouth, and the more comfortable it feels when you hold it, the better chance that it’s the right size for you.
What about the bristles? If the toothbrush’s bristles are too stiff, it can irritate your gums. It’s typically better to opt for softer bristles. Try to find a toothbrush with bristles that are sturdy enough to remove plaque, but not so sturdy that it feels painful on the gums or your teeth.
It’s hard to know how your brush will feel before it’s out of the package, and it may take a little trial and error, but keep these thoughts in mind when it’s time to buy your next toothbrush. If the last one you purchased was comfortable to use, left your teeth feeling clean, and didn’t leave you in pain, it was probably a good fit. We’re always more than happy to help our patients in Hilliard and Upper Arlington, Ohio narrow down their toothbrush selection and offer helpful tips on general oral hygiene!