How to Choose the Right Toothbrush 

Plaque and debris can wreak havoc on your smile, potentially discoloring your teeth and leaving them more vulnerable to gingivitis, gum disease, and cavities.

Fortunately, the right toothbrush can make all the difference.

A quality toothbrush which has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance demonstrates the high level of safety and efficiency needed to achieve a great clean without damaging enamel.

Types of Toothbrushes

Today, toothbrushes are available in both manual and electric varieties.

Let’s explore each of these options to determine which is best for your smile.

Manual Toothbrush

A manual toothbrush is a standard toothbrush without all the bells and whistles. It typically features a plastic or wood handle with a small head containing lots of bristles.

These hand-held toothbrushes tout many benefits, such as accessibility and affordability. They can be found at nearly any grocery store or pharmacy and can be purchased for just a few dollars.

Consumers can find manual toothbrushes in a variety of head designs.

However, a systematic review by the ADA found toothbrushes containing angled bristles or multi-level bristles perform better at removing plaque than those with conventional flat-trimmed bristles.

The ADA also recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the risk of gingival abrasion.

It’s important to consider your individual oral health needs when choosing a toothbrush design.

For example, individuals with sensitive teeth and/or gums should opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid oral irritation.

If you have braces or another orthodontic appliance, look for toothbrushes with small heads and soft bristles to help you reach hidden areas under your appliance.

Electric Toothbrush

Many people favor electric toothbrushes over their manual counterparts and the reason is clear. Electric toothbrushes contain small motors that, when activated, cause the small brush head to move at a high speed.

Some electric toothbrushes just rotate, while others vibrate or oscillate in a circular motion. This motion is typically caused by an electric charge generated by a small battery in the toothbrush.

Also referred to as a powered toothbrush, electric toothbrushes can be divided into three main types:

• Oscillating rotary toothbrush: This type of toothbrush has a small circular head that quickly rotates back and forth. Some models also vibrate or pulsate to help dislodge stuck-on food and plaque.
• Sonic toothbrush: A sonic toothbrush has a vibrating brush head with bristles that move side-to-side at a high speed. However, to be classified as a “sonic toothbrush,” the vibration has to be so fast it creates an audible hum.
• Ultrasonic toothbrush: An ultrasonic toothbrush uses a frequency of vibration, known as ultrasound, to remove food debris and plaque from teeth. Ultrasound creates waves that reach frequencies of 20 kHz up to 10 MHz.

Electric toothbrushes are highly effective at removing plaque and are often easier for people with limited mobility to use. People with arthritis, carpal tunnel, developmental disabilities, and other conditions often find it easier to brush with an electric toothbrush.

They are also excellent for children learning to brush. Some offer additional features like built-in timers to motivate children to brush longer.

Choosing a Toothbrush

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you choose, it’s important to understand the key benefits of brushing at least twice a day.

Regular tooth brushing helps prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. It can also lead to a visibly whiter and brighter smile.

Maintaining a clean smile is also good for your overall health, helping to prevent heart disease and reduce inflammation in the body.