Electric? Soft bristles? Charcoal-infused?
With hundreds of toothbrushes on the market, it’s no wonder one of our most frequently asked questions is ‘What toothbrush should I be using?’ Luckily for you, we’ve done our toothbrush research to help you find the perfect fit.
Electric toothbrushes – are they worth the hype?
With prices ranging from about $30 up to a whopping $600, electric toothbrushes are certainly more of an investment than your home-brand plastic fantastic brush. And for the extra dough, you expect a top-notch result. However, compared to manual brushing, studies show that there isn’t a huge difference when using your average electric toothbrush – ultimately it comes down to your personal preference. Although there is some evidence of better results from specialty electric toothbrushes with oscillating rotating heads that go around as well as back and forth.
If you tend to be a hard brusher, you might find the assistance of an electric toothbrush helps you to be gentler on your teeth and gums while still getting the fresh clean feeling. Some people also rate the built-in timer telling them when to stop cleaning to ensure a thorough job.
Eco-friendly toothbrushes – good for the environment, but are they good for you?
Switching to bamboo instead of plastic disposable toothbrushes is a great way to reduce waste – particularly when you consider that a person goes through up to 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime! In terms of effectiveness, as long as it is the right size and firmness for your mouth, a bamboo toothbrush will give you just as good a clean as its plastic counterpart.
When it’s time to get a new brush, just be sure to check the bristles are biodegradable too before throwing them in the compost bin – if they are nylon or polyester we recommend removing them and disposing of them with your general waste. You could even get creative and reuse your old bamboo toothbrush in the garden as a plant stake!
Big name brands vs. home brands – is there a difference?
If it comes down to budget, we believe that brushed is best! As long as the toothbrush is safe to use, doesn’t shed its bristles and you’ve chosen a suitable firmness for your needs, you’re ok.
Regardless of the brand, look for good quality toothbrushes with:
- Soft bristles – easier on teeth and gums
- Finer bristles – to get into hard-to-reach spaces between teeth
- A higher number of bristles – the more the merrier!
- Small and compact head to make it easy to move around the mouth
- Gum and tongue massagers to promote – you guessed it – healthy gums and tongues!
Other considerations, before you commit
When it comes to dental care, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. If you have a lot of cavities, gum disease or tooth sensitivity, we still recommend having a conversation with your dentist about the right toothbrush to suit your needs.
And remember, a good toothbrush isn’t the only weapon in your dental hygiene arsenal. Regular dental check-ups, flossing, mouth wash and a healthy diet are all important for a well-rounded dental routine.
If you want specific advice for your needs, we’re just an appointment away! Our highly qualified team has all the answers in our light and bright Fremantle practice – make a booking today!
Now toothpaste… that’s a whole other blog post!
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