Choosing the right toothbrush involves more than grabbing the first one that catches your attention at the drugstore or using the one that appears in your stocking every holiday season.

In order to ensure that your teeth are being properly taken care of, you need to pay attention to the type of toothbrush you use.

Because simply brushing your teeth doesn’t always equate to optimal dental care. If you’re not using the right toothbrush, your efforts may be wasted!

However, the process isn’t complicated. Keep reading to find out how you can choose the right toothbrush for your unique dental needs:

8 Steps For Choosing the Right Toothbrush

electric and regular toothbrush in one glass

Step One: Consider Your Age

At the end of this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right toothbrush for children. For now, we want to look at taking your age into consideration when you are an adult or senior.

As you age, your dexterity and motor skills may start to decline. If you are a senior or choosing a toothbrush for a senior, think about styles that are easier to grip.

There are styles of manual toothbrushes with shaped handles specifically designed to improve grip but, as you age, you can also consider switching to an electric toothbrush that does most of the work for you!

Step Two: Do You Have Any Dental Issues?

Whether you are dealing with receding gums, tooth sensitivity, dental decay, or other dental issues, these all need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right toothbrush.

Your dentist can best make a recommendation when it comes to bristle softness and head size as well as the style of the toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have proven useful in maintaining gum health and preventing tooth loss.

Step Three: Manual or Electric?

We’ve mentioned electric toothbrushes a couple of times already, but let’s look at the difference between electric and manual a little more closely:

The recommended length of time to brush your teeth is two minutes but it’s the quality of brushing that will make a difference with your dental health.

If you have the dexterity and can brush your teeth with the right amount of force, you’ll have no problem with a manual toothbrush.

However, many people brush too hard or not hard enough, which is why an electric toothbrush can be beneficial. They are designed to exert the right amount of force to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned within that two minutes.

Step Four: CDA Seal of Acceptance

Before anything else, you need to make sure that the toothbrush you choose carries the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) or ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval.

In Canada, the CDA seal helps consumers purchase oral health products in which the claims made by a manufacturer are reviewed and supported by scientific evidence.

When you see the CDA seal (or the ADA seal), you know that the product has been proven to improve oral health in the ways specifically claimed by the manufacturer!

Step Five: Bristle Type

Toothbrushes come in three bristle types: Soft, Medium, and Hard.

Unless your dentist has recommended that you use a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush, it’s best if you stick to a softer bristle.

This is because soft bristles are adequate for removing plaque and debris without being harsh on your enamel, root surfaces, and gums (which can cause further issues like receding gums and sensitive teeth).

To further protect your teeth while brushing, look for bristles with rounded tips!

Step Six: Toothbrush Head Size

Lastly, you’ll want to look at the toothbrush head size when choosing the right toothbrush. 

Toothbrushes with smaller heads can reach all areas of your mouth, including your hard-to-reach back teeth. Look for a toothbrush head that is half an inch wide and one inch tall.

Larger toothbrush heads are available but they may be difficult to maneuver around your mouth.

Check with your dentist to see if there is a particular toothbrush head size that will work best for your mouth and dental condition. They may even recommend particular toothbrush styles with patterned bristles and tapered heads.

What is the Best Toothbrush for Children?

Now that we know how to choose the right toothbrush when it comes to being an adult, let’s go over what you should look for when it comes to children’s toothbrushes.

The first thing you want to look for is a toothbrush that they will use properly and regularly. Take a look at the children’s toothbrush section of your local store – you’ll notice that the styles are fun, colorful, and often feature popular characters recognizable to children!

This helps encourage children to brush their teeth and even make toothbrushing appealing to little ones who are hesitant.

But apart from colorful designs and fun characters, there are other aspects of the toothbrush you should look at when choosing one for your child:

  • Look for the seal of approval!
  • Make sure the toothbrush is child-sized with soft bristles.

If your child is hesitant about brushing their teeth, have them pick out their own toothbrush. Being part of the process helps to make toothbrushing a less nervous and more enjoyable task.

It’s normal for children to have anxiety surrounding dental care. Try to make the process a comfortable experience.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

If you use your toothbrush as recommended (at least twice a day for two minutes per session), you should be swapping your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

As you use your toothbrush, the bristles will begin to fray and accumulate harmful bacteria from both your mouth and your bathroom. While you should be rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after every use, it still needs to be replaced frequently.

However, if you have something like a travel toothbrush that you do not use as often as your regular toothbrush, you don’t need to replace it as often. Every six months will do.

Expert Advice For Your Dental Care!

Still not sure which way to go? Contact the dental professionals at Oxford Dental!

Along with your routine checkup and teeth cleaning, you’ll receive expert advice when it comes to the right toothbrush for your unique dental needs.

Give us a call today at 780-456-7009 to book your appointment!