When you purchase a toothbrush at your local store or search for a toothbrush online, it can be extremely overwhelming to see all the options that come back. Fortunately, we will help break down the different types of toothbrushes and what purposes they're suitable for so that you can determine which toothbrush will work best for your unique situation.

Soft vs. Stiff Toothbrush Bristles

One of the first differences you'll notice in toothbrushes is their bristle strength. You'll find that toothbrushes are usually classified as soft or stiff-bristled. Those on the soft side of the scale are particularly recommended for people with sensitive teeth or gums and those suffering from dental erosion or having some existing dental fixtures. Those on the stiffer end of the spectrum are preferred by people with good oral hygiene, as these toothbrush bristles can better remove debris stuck on and in between your teeth.

Electric vs. Manual

Another big factor you will see in different types of toothbrushes is whether they are used manually or electrically. Electric toothbrushes offer some superior features like advanced plaque removal, a variety of bristles to choose from, personalized timers, and even pressure indicators. These can all help allow you to better care for your teeth without putting in a ton of effort.

On the other hand, we have manual toothbrushes. These tend to be more affordable and allow more control over the motion you use to brush your teeth.

Overall Design Features

When examining different types of toothbrushes in the oral health aisle, you'll quickly realize they have many different shapes and designs. This is done strategically with different kinds of preferences in mind. The head size of a toothbrush will impact how effective it is at cleaning your teeth.

For those with smaller mouths, having a larger head toothbrush could actually restrict your ability to reach and properly clean your back teeth. On the other hand, if you have a larger mouth, you may find that the smaller head toothbrush doesn't adequately wrap around your teeth and clean them.

Lastly, the handle of your toothbrush will affect how comfortable you use it. If you have a toothbrush with an uncomfortable handle that makes it difficult to hold, you may cut your brushing time short, and your oral health may deteriorate as a result. You may find that investing in a toothbrush with an angled offset handle allows you to better hold on to it while brushing. Or, you may find investing in a toothbrush with an extra thick handle is more comfortable and gives you more control over your brushing motion.

Call Us Today

If you need assistance choosing the right toothbrush bristle and type or it's time for your dental examination, contact us at Smiles by Hay. Let Dr. William E Hay assist you with all of your oral health needs.

Resources:
https://brooklynblvddental.com/toothbrush-bristles-types/