20 May 2020
Hawthorn East Dental knows that choosing a toothbrush has become a confusing exercise these days. There are so many choices that it can be hard to know which one is the best toothbrush for you.
The information we provide here will assist you, should you need to choose a toothbrush for you and your children or other family members. This will make the entire process of choosing the right toothbrush simpler.
Consider the Health of your Teeth and Gums
Choosing a toothbrush is something that should take place in conjunction with consideration for your oral health. Think through if you have sensitive teeth or gums, if you have had cosmetic dentistry, if you have dentures or if teeth are erupting.
If you are at all concerned about your teeth or gums then Hawthorn East Dental will be glad to provide you with some professional dental advice and recommend a toothbrush for you.
Types of Toothbrushes
The best type of toothbrush is soft and has a small head to make it easy to get into smaller areas in your mouth. Using ‘medium’ and ‘hard’ toothbrushes may damage your teeth and using cheap bristles may be further damaging.
You may also like to purchase an eco-friendly type of toothbrush that meets your needs with a soft brush and small head.
Aside from the many varieties of toothbrushes, people often wonder whether a manual toothbrush is better than an electric toothbrush.
Manual Toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush?
This has been the debate of many for some time and what becomes important is the way you brush rather than whether to use a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Both can provide a similar result so it may come down to age and personal preference.
While you may feel more in control whilst using a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush can have some advantages. Some electric toothbrush brands have a pressure sensor in case you are brushing too hard. This can assist in ensuring you are not causing recession of your gums and damage by brushing too hard.
You can also allow an electric toothbrush to do the cleaning with spinning and vibration. Many brands have a timer to ensure you are giving your teeth and gums the recommended clean time. We recommend you compare brands to find one that suits if you are not going to use a manual toothbrush.
Keep in mind:
- Bristles
- Shape
- Size
- Height of toothbrush bristles
- Chargeable
- Battery operated
- Timer options
- Brush pressure sensor
- Eco-friendly for disposal.
Children and the elderly may prefer an electric tooth brush for manoeuvrability and ease of use.
The Best Toothbrush for Children
When choosing a toothbrush for your child, the above points are no different. A child will manage a smaller toothbrush easier for their little hands and smaller mouths.
Children often see brushing teeth as a chore so using an electric toothbrush is novel and fun and can assist them to develop a healthy routine. If you purchase an electric toothbrush with a timer, it assists children with a brushing routine that ensures they are brushing for long enough.
Select a couple of options of toothbrush choices; manual or electric and have your child choose the one they like. Having them involved in the process makes them feel empowered that they are making choices and they will be more likely to use a toothbrush they have selected.
We welcome any questions about choosing a toothbrush so feel free to call our friendly staff at Hawthorn East Dental on (03) 9882 6606.
