How to Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, and you’ll want to brush for two minutes each time for a proper clean. Just as important as brushing, though, is what you brush with. The right toothbrush and toothpaste can make all the difference, but how do you know which products are best for you? The answer comes down to a few key factors, and the North Dental Professionals team is here to help you understand what they are.

Your Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Toothbrush

Many people assume that any dental care products they purchase work just as good as others, while others are under the assumption that the most expensive products must work the best. Neither are necessarily true, which is why it’s good to keep these things in mind when choosing your toothbrush:

Head Shape & Size

Comfort is key when it comes to your toothbrush, as even the priciest products won’t work as intended if they can’t reach the spots of your mouth that you need them to. Generally, infants and young children should use smaller brush heads (most stores will sell specific toothbrush models designed for pediatric teeth), while adults should choose the brush head size that fits most comfortably when in use.

Manual vs. Electric

Whether you go with a standard-sized head or a smaller one, you’ll still have a choice between a manual and an electric toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes are what you may think of when you picture a standard toothbrush, while electric toothbrushes can come with a variety of additional features (such as a rotating-oscillating head).

While electric toothbrushes are generally considered superior tools for their ability to get a deeper clean, you can still get an effective clean with a manual toothbrush so long as you are following good brushing practices. Manual toothbrushes are usually cheaper and more cost-effective, so your budget may be a factor in your decision. If you do decide to choose an electric toothbrush, try to opt for one with adjustable settings to ensure that you don’t irritate sensitive teeth or gums.

Bristle Firmness

Most toothbrushes, manual or electric, will come in a variety of options for bristle firmness. While it’s easy to think that a brush with firmer bristles will get you a deeper clean, most dentists recommend soft bristles over all other options. This is because soft bristles reduce the risk of damaging tooth enamel, which is essential for maintaining good dental health.

Picking Your Ideal Toothpaste

Now that you have an idea of what type of toothbrush is best for you, it’s time to pick your perfect toothpaste. Products containing fluoride are considered better because of their anti-cavity and enamel-strengthening properties, but you’ll also want to consider factors like:

• Sensitivity – If you have sensitive teeth that easily react to hot or cold beverages, go with a desensitizing toothpaste that contains nerve-soothing ingredients.
• Gum health – Do your gums often bleed after brushing? While choosing a softer bristled brush can help, so can picking a toothpaste with anti-gingivitis properties.
• Whitening – You can fight stains and keep teeth whiter after a professional treatment simply by picking the right toothpaste.
• Tartar – Tartar is what happens when plaque is left on the teeth for too long, leading to a yellowish color and negative health effects. Tartar-fighting toothpaste can help you prevent these negative side effects between your dental appointments.

All in all, choosing the right toothpaste comes down to your oral health goals. When in doubt, it’s always best to speak with your dentist about which toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you. Your dentist can recommend specific brands or products based on what they observe about your teeth, and they can even give you helpful tips on maintaining your dental health between visits.

If you are searching for a reliable dentist to help you or your family with picking the right products, look no further than North Dental Professionals. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer for patients at our offices in Chicago and Skokie, Illinois.