For such a simple tool – really, it’s just some quills and a handle – a toothbrush remains your number one defense against gum disease, plaque, gingivitis, and more. Honestly, few periodontal issues exist that aren’t improved by more and thorough brushing.
Check out the toothbrush aisle at your local pharmacy, and you will encounter an overwhelming number of options.
Manual or electric brush is just the beginning.
Different bristle patterns (diamond, block, crisscross) and handle designs (flexible, straight, contra-angle) create an almost endless variety.
But which one is right for your mouth?
Size Matters
The best brush is the one that fits your mouth.
This, obviously, changes throughout your periodontal lifetime.
- For children two years of age and younger, that means a toothbrush with a head about the size of a penny.
- For kids 6 to 12 years of age, that jumps up to a brush with bristles the size of a nickel.
- And people 12 years and older need one where the bristles are roughly as long as a quarter.
What Bristles Bring to the Table
Don’t believe all the hype.
Bristles come down to one key characteristic – firmness.
Rated as soft, medium and hard, soft usually beats out the competition. Most people find these brushes the most comfortable and safest to use. In fact, vigorous brushers can damage gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel by bushing with medium or hard bristles.
Seal of Approval
Use toothbrushes that have undergone quality control or just look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.
The seal lets you know this tool can do the job – reduce plaque build-up and help prevent gum disease.
But it does even more.
The Seal means the bristles have safe tips and won’t fall out, and the handle can withstand repeated use. These safety and use standards apply to both manual and electric toothbrushes.
The seal is backed by independent safety testing at a separate lab that includes several rounds of clinical trials to ensure the materials in the brush won’t irritate or harm the sensitive tissues found in your mouth.
About Dr. Amanda Foust:
Dr. Amanda Foust is happy to help you select the perfect toothbrush during your next appointment. Cleanings are often covered by insurance. Visit Dental Impressions at 205 South East Oralabor Road, Suite East, Ankeny, IA, 50021 or call 515.963.0098.
