New Toothbrush for the New Year

Happy 2020 from your Novato dentist! The new year is the perfect opportunity to establish goals and reset timelines that will help you in the future. Your toothbrush bristles naturally wear down over time and harbor bacteria, so they should be replaced every few months. By replacing at the start of the new year, it will be easy to remember when to replace it again.

There are so many options for toothbrushes out there, whether you’re shopping locally in Novato, CA or online, that you may not be aware of the best option for you. Your Novato dentist has a few options for toothbrushes to bring into your awareness so you can choose which is the best for you.

Classic Model

This is your standard manual handheld toothbrush. You do the work, so consider options that can assist you and your unique needs. Whether that means researching the materials that it’s made of, switching hands to brush with your non-dominant hand, or downloading an app to help you brush for a full two minutes… the choices are endless. An ADA seal is a good sign to look for when you’re considering quality since they are gentle enough to prevent gum damage and guarantee your bristles won’t fall into your mouth.

Electric

For those who have trouble brushing for a full two minutes manually, an electric toothbrush may be just the upgrade you’re looking for. These typically have a few options for brush movement, so make sure yours can move rotationally, or in little circles. This will ensure you’re reaching the surface area of your tooth and may save your arm muscles from repetitive movements. Ultrasonic settings will move the brush in many small rapid vibrations. Electric toothbrushes often have a timer built in to ensure you’re giving your smile proper attention–that is, two minutes per session, or thirty seconds per quadrant.

Heads

Consider the shape of the toothbrush head. Rectangular- or diamond-shaped heads will fit your mouth differently. Diamond heads are generally preferable since they can fit slightly tighter corners near the back of your mouth, supporting your optimal oral hygiene.

Bristle Design

Consider the design in which the bristles are aligned for your unique needs. The basic model, standard square, may require some extra attention on your part to ensure you’re cleaning all surface areas gently. A criss-cross bristle design can help you lift plaque from the surface of your teeth. Wavy or multi-level designs may assist you in reaching the nooks and crannies. For those who have surface stains left by acidic drinks or food, a polishing bristle design may be a helpful tool between teeth whitening sessions.

Bristle Toughness

The toughness or softness of your bristles can also range for different purposes as well. Softer bristles may not be able to remove the plaque and buildup that harder bristles can. Harder bristles can also work around tight corners better. However, softer bristles may be more gentle on your gums and soft tissue. Brushing too hard or with bristles that are too hard can pose a greater risk for gum recession or periodontal disease. Gentle gums should be paired with softer bristles. Only you can make the choice about your unique needs. Listen to your body and make adjustments to your needs.

Handles

Manual toothbrush handles can make a huge difference as well. Classic rectangular handles are straight and flat. Calculated handles are more able to reach the challenging nooks and crannies in your mouth. Adaptable handles can assist your ability to maneuver in your mouth without overextending. Gripped handles offer support to prevent it from slipping and hitting your gums or teeth.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly toothbrushes are available with nearly all these features. Since your toothbrush should be replaced every few months, consider looking for recycled or biodegradable options made of bamboo or recycled yogurt cups. Over time, choosing options like these will shift the market to supply better eco-friendly options and reduce our environmental footprint. Only you can choose the best toothbrush option for your unique needs. Please ask us during your next appointment if you are still unsure about which toothbrush is best for you. Our Novato dentist has a few options for toothbrushes we can help you decide from. Until then, check out our Facebook page for tips and suggestions. We frequently post there about the best oral hygiene practices. We’re happy to help you smile in any way we can.