Your toothbrush is probably the most
important tool you use for home dental care. And if you're buying an
electric toothbrush, it can be a bit of an investment (compared to
the old-fashioned manual kind).
So when you make the decision to choose
a new electric toothbrush style, you shouldn't take that decision
lightly. Whether your old toothbrush is out of production or whether
your dental needs have changed, you should carefully consider the
pros and cons of each model before buying. Here are some do's and
don'ts of choosing an electric toothbrush.
Do Look for Smooth, Soft Bristles
Did you know that jagged, unrounded
bristles can abrade your gums? Gum irritation can be a factor in gum
disease or gum recession, so you'll want to avoid that. Instead, look
for soft brushes that have smooth, rounded bristles. (Typically, you
won't be able to see the rounded tips with the naked eye, so check
the packaging for explanations or illustrations.)
Don't Choose a Too-Large Brushhead
In some cases, electric toothbrush
heads may be larger and thicker to accommodate the electrical
components. If you have TMD (temporomandibular disorder),
coordination issues, a sensitive gag reflex, or just a small mouth, a
large brush head may not work well. Or you may simply be unused to a
larger brush head because you're used to a manual brush.
If any of these scenarios sound
familiar, check product information and online reviews for a brush
that has a smaller head. You may even want to look for a child-sized
brush head in extreme cases.
Do Focus on Proven Cleaning Ability
Getting your teeth clean is the whole
reason you need a toothbrush, so it makes sense to focus on the
brush's cleaning ability. However, every company is likely to think
(or at least say) that their toothbrush is great at cleaning. Look
for external evidence such as:
- Hundreds of positive reviews
online
These clues can help you compare
different toothbrushes to see which ones are more likely to deliver
consistent cleaning power.
Don't Get One That's Unwieldy
Just because you're looking for an
effective, powerful toothbrush doesn't mean you'll have to choose one
with a handle that's clumsy, difficult to handle, or too large for
your hand. Modern electric toothbrushes often have very slim profiles
and can pack a lot of brushing power into a very small space.
So don't settle for an electric
toothbrush that has an unwieldy handle. In fact, if possible, try
holding the toothbrush before you buy one to see how it feels in your
hand. (Your dentist may have some models you can look at during a
dental visit.)
Do Consult Your Dentist
Like any other dental treatments, your
daily dental care routine should always be dentist-approved for best
results. So if you're considering a new toothbrush to improve your
dental hygiene, talk to your dentist about what features might be
right for you.
For instance, if you have sensitive
teeth and gums, you might need a toothbrush with a sensitive brush
head or gentle cleaning mode. If you tend to push too hard, you may
need one that has a pressure sensor. And some electric toothbrushes
are even compatible with multiple types of specialized brush heads,
in case your specialized needs change.
As you can see, choosing the right
electric toothbrush isn't the simplest thing in the world, but all it
takes is a few simple steps and consideration of what you most need
the brush to do. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today if
you have questions about home dental care.
For more information on the dental
services we provide or to schedule an appointment, call the office of Eastland & Professional
Dental Center
today.
