If you brush and floss at least twice a day, you’re already doing a good job of preventing plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth. But brushing with the wrong toothbrush could reduce your efforts or even damage your teeth. Using the right toothbrush in Denton, TX, could help you protect your natural teeth and keep your gums strong and healthy. Your dentist can help you determine which toothbrush is best for your mouth.
The Checklist for Finding a Toothbrush in Denton, TX
When buying a new toothbrush, it’s easy to become quickly overwhelmed with the different options available. But once you know what to look for, it can be a lot easier to find the brush perfect for your teeth. Here’s a handy checklist you can use to make sure your chosen toothbrush meets all of your needs.
Electric or Manual
Manual vs. electric is one of the most common decisions to make when buying a brush. Electric toothbrushes tend to last longer, allowing you to simply switch out the head when needed instead of having to buy a whole new brush. And they are often recommended for their ability to clean more in two minutes than a manual alone. However, a manual toothbrush can still be effective in helping you maintain control and clean your teeth and gums.
Head Size and Shape
Toothbrush heads come in all sizes and shapes. For many patients, a standard toothbrush with a medium-sized, oval shape is enough to help keep their mouths healthy. But you may need a head that’s smaller to help you clean hard-to-reach places such as the back of your molars. Some patients may also need a specific shape of toothbrush head designed to help clean between crowded teeth to keep gums healthy. If you’re uncertain what size or shape of head you need, ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Bristles
Toothbrushes also come with soft, medium, or hard bristles. While it may seem like a hard bristle brush is better at removing plaque, it can actually damage tooth enamel and gums. Most patients benefit more from a soft or medium bristle brush. However, your dentist may recommend the occasional use of a hard bristle brush to help with instances of staining or other specific dental problems.
Handle
If you aren’t comfortable while brushing your teeth, it can be hard to commit to the full two minutes. When searching for a toothbrush, it’s a good idea to test out a few different handles until you find one with a comfortable grip. While it’s not always easy to find the right handle with the right brush head, you may be able to adjust or modify your chosen toothbrush to help make at-home oral hygiene more comfortable.
If you don’t have the right toothbrush, you may not be effectively cleaning your teeth. While it’s not always easy to tell which brush you need without a little experimentation, your dentist can help you narrow down your options. If you feel you aren’t getting a good at-home clean from brushing, call Stone Creek Dental today at 940-329-4605 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to find the right toothbrush.