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How do I choose the right toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth with the wrong type of toothbrush can cause gum recession and other oral health hazards
How do I choose the right toothbrush? An image of a rainbow colored toothbrush with toothpaste on top

A toothbrush is one of the most important oral hygiene tools because picking the wrong one can sometimes do more harm than good. From bristle softness to head size, you want to equip yourself with a toothbrush that best fights cavities and tooth decay.

 

 

“One of the most important things about choosing a toothbrush is to make sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles,” said Deborah Foyle, DDS, MS, MSc, clinical assistant professor and director of pre-doctoral periodontics at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. “You’re much less likely to do damage to both your teeth and your gums if you’re using a softer toothbrush.”

Soft and rounded bristles are gentle on your teeth and gums, unlike hard and rough bristles that can stress your gums, which can lead to gum recession. Furthermore, she recommends finding a toothbrush that fits both your hand and mouth.

“It’s very important to choose a toothbrush head that matches your mouth, so if you have a smaller mouth, you want to have a smaller head. Often people just prefer a smaller head because it’s easier to manipulate in their mouth.”

Now that you have the perfect toothbrush, do not forget to replace it every two to three months, or as soon as you notice the bristles start to splay or curl.

For Vital Record, this is Mary Leigh Meyer.

Media contact: Dee Dee Grays, grays@tamu.edu, 979.436.0611

Mary Leigh Meyer

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