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How to choose the best toothbrush

Choosing a good toothbrush is essential to maintain good oral hygiene.

However, the selection of toothbrushes available on the market is so vast that it becomes difficult to determine which one is best. Electric, manual, soft-bristle or hard-bristle… How do you know what to choose?

Here is a short guide that explains how to choose the best electric or manual toothbrush and help you make a decision.

Electric vs. manual toothbrush: which to choose?

When used correctly, manual toothbrushes can be very effective at removing plaque and provide excellent dental cleaning.

However, the majority of dental health professionals agree that electric toothbrushes are far more effective than manual toothbrushes.

In fact, electric toothbrushes can deliver an average of 30,000 strokes per minute, a rate impossible to achieve with a manual toothbrush. This means that this type of toothbrush removes much more plaque, which is one reason why they are more expensive.

However, if purchasing an electric toothbrush is not an option for you, you can brush very effectively with a manual toothbrush. With the right technique, you can remove most of the dental plaque.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, a thorough brushing should take at least 2 to 3 minutes.

How to choose a good manual toothbrush

There are certain factors to consider to choose the best manual toothbrush.

First, choose a model with soft bristles. Do not use a toothbrush with harder bristles, as they can damage your enamel and lead to receding gums.

In addition, soft bristles adapt better to the shape of the teeth, which allows for more plaque removal and better cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.

You should also choose a toothbrush with a more compact head. A smaller head makes it easier to reach the teeth at the back of the mouth, such as wisdom teeth, which are generally more difficult to brush.

As for the toothbrush handle, simply choose the one you find most comfortable. Some handles are non-slip for good brush control even when the handle is wet. Other brushes have a larger handle, which is ideal for people with limited mobility.

The choice is yours!

How to choose an electric toothbrush

The criteria for choosing a good electric toothbrush are not that different from those of a manual toothbrush. In fact, it is just as important to choose an electric brush with soft bristles, a compact head and a comfortable handle.

However, there are other factors to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush.

First, since electric toothbrushes produce many more strokes per minute, their heads are damaged more quickly. They therefore need to be changed more often.

Choose an electric toothbrush with an interchangeable head. Make sure to look at the price of the replacement heads to see if they are affordable.

It could also be a good idea to choose a brush with a timer to stick to the brushing time recommended by your dentist.

Some models are also equipped with pressure sensors to make sure that you are not pressing too hard on your teeth and damaging your enamel or gums.

And what about children’s toothbrushes?

The challenge with children is to choose a toothbrush that makes them want to practice good oral hygiene and prevent dental cavities.

To do this, you can select a toothbrush with your child’s favourite movie character. There are also some models that play music while your child brushes his teeth. Choose it with them to make sure that they really like their brush!

On a more technical side, choose a toothbrush with a very compact head. Children have small mouths so a small toothbrush is more appropriate for brushing their teeth effectively.

You should also make sure to choose a toothbrush with a short handle. A long handle may make your child feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to brushing the back teeth.

When should you change your toothbrush?

It is usually recommended to change your toothbrush every three to four months. This depends mainly on the level of wear of the bristles. The more they are frayed, the less effective they are.

It is therefore up to you to judge whether your toothbrush is due for a change!

Clinique Dentaire 1935 helps you take good care of your teeth

In conclusion, certain factors must be considered when choosing a good electric or manual toothbrush.

You should choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, a compact head and a comfortable handle. For electric toothbrushes, you should check whether the heads are interchangeable, since they often need to be replaced.

For children, choose a toothbrush with a very compact head that will make your little one want to brush every day.

Would you like more advice on good dental hygiene practices? At Clinique Dentaire 1935, Our experienced general dentists and dental hygienists can answer all your questions and give the best advice.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Montreal clinic.

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