When we think about oral health, one thing that comes to mind right away is brushing our teeth, which is an essential part of our daily oral care routine. To do it, we need two things: a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, there are thousands of different options for toothbrushes and toothpastes out there, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for you. Don’t worry – we're here to help!

Choosing a Toothbrush

First things first: as long as you're brushing twice per day, your choice of toothbrush can't go wrong! However, there are a few considerations to take into account.

Manual vs. Electric

Electric toothbrush pros:

·     More effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes.

·     Easier for people with limited mobility, i.e., carpal tunnel, arthritis, and developmental disabilities.

·     Built-in timers so you hit your two-minute mark every time.

Manual toothbrush pros:

·     They’re very affordable. A manual toothbrush costs an average of $1-$3 (or free when you visit your dentist!). This starkly contrasts with electric toothbrushes, which can cost upwards of $250.

·     They’re accessible. You can find a manual toothbrush in almost any store – the same can’t be said about electric toothbrushes.

·     You don’t have to charge a manual toothbrush.

·     They can be fun for kids, considering many companies offer toothbrush options with images of popular cartoon characters.

Bristle Type

In stores, you can typically find three kinds of bristle types: extra-soft, soft, and medium-soft. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are not common, considering most dental professionals recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles, especially if you have sensitive teeth or signs of erosion. 

We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush as excessive pressure while brushing can harm your enamel and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests using soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles for a thorough clean without causing damage. It's essential to choose a toothbrush that is easy and comfortable to use at least twice a day.

ADA Approval

When shopping for a toothbrush, it's important to look for the ADA Seal on the packaging. This seal assures that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Additionally, the ADA website provides a list of manual and electric toothbrushes that currently have the ADA Seal of Acceptance in the ADA Seal Category section.

‍Choosing a Toothpaste

Before choosing a toothpaste, you can narrow your search by asking yourself these questions:

·     Do I have sensitive teeth?

·     Am I interested in whitening my teeth?

·     Do I need a toothpaste that addresses gum disease?

 Your answers to each question can help you find a toothpaste that addresses your oral health needs.

Yes to Fluoride

Fluoride is excellent for your teeth as it helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, it can reduce tooth sensitivity by strengthening the enamel and blocking exposed dentin tubules. So, make sure you pick a fluoride-rich toothpaste!

Avoid Harsh Additives

Believe it or not, some toothpastes have added sweeteners. While this may improve the flavor, it's something to avoid, considering these sweeteners can actually damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

Another additive to avoid is charcoal. Surprisingly, charcoal toothpaste has been circulating throughout the media and in stores as a trend in recent years, but don’t let that influence you. Charcoal is a highly abrasive ingredient that, when used in toothpaste, can actually harm your gums and teeth by removing enamel.

If you’re still debating which toothbrush and toothpaste are right for you, don’t worry – we can help! Schedule a visit with Gettysburg Dental Associates today.

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