Toothbrushes: Which one to choose?

Choosing the right toothbrush and then using it effectively is just as important as getting the right toothpaste for your needs. There are many toothbrushes available, as just a quick look at the relevant shelves in a super market will show you. You should talk to your dentist to get the right advice about which one is right for you, but read on for some tips and information.

Manual toothbrushes are the most common variety, consisting of a long handle and at one end a set of bristles mounted on the side of the flattened shaft. They are available in a wide number of colours and designs with different shaped heads and flexible shafts. Electric toothbrushes represent a generally far more expensive option and they too come in a wide range of designs that are commonly available.

Many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes as being more efficient at cleaning teeth properly because of the vibrating and rotating motion that they achieve. However this is to abrasive for some people who have sensitive teeth and gums. Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable, via either shaving points or electric mains.

Special brushes are available for children, often with softer bristles. Children can be rather vigorous when they brush so softer bristles can be useful because they lessen the chance of damage being sustained to the teeth as a result of aggressive brushing. Many children's brushes have colourful designs, sometimes featuring popular cartoon characters to encourage children to get into the habit if brushing.

Dentists recommend that you change your brush when the bristles start to become frayed. They lose effectiveness when this happens and you might not be doing your mouth any good by using a toothbrush with bristles which are frayed. Effective brushing relies on a good, stiff set of bristles to scrub your teeth clean off debris and plaque.

The best advice is to talk to your dentist about which brush might be best for you and your circumstances. Generally it is accepted that brushes with smaller heads - whether electric or manual - are more effective because they are less restricted in terms of their reach and can squeeze into tight areas of your mouth.