February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The National Children’s Dental Health Month is a…
Which Toothbrush is Right for Me?
If you peruse the toothbrush aisle at your local store, chances are you will find a plethora of options from which to choose: varied sizes, bristles, and types. Although it can be overwhelming to know what toothbrush is best, here are a few guidelines to help you choose the toothbrush that is right for you.
Brush Head
To start, it is important to choose the correct size brush head for your mouth. Toothbrushes typically come in sizes from full size heads down to a compact head. To choose correctly, opt for one that fits well in your mouth and one that can also reach to the back molars. Some adults even find that smaller (youth or child) toothbrushes are a better option for them due to the ease in which they fit and reach all the teeth in their mouth. One of the benefits of a smaller head on a toothbrush is that it more easily cleans each individual tooth as it can wrap around the tooth a bit more effectively.
Brush Bristles
Bristles can vary in range from firm to soft. Most dentists will recommend a brush with softer bristles for sensitive teeth and gums. With a softer bristle, the negative impact on gums and sensitive teeth is minimized but may not be as effective at removing plaque on your teeth as a firmer bristle. If you struggle with plaque buildup, you may want to choose a medium bristle, but one that still does not damage your gums when brushing.
Spin or Electric Toothbrushes
If you are serious about taking your daily dental hygiene to the next level, you may want to consider investing in a spin brush or a higher-end electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes help you maximize your efforts by increasing the motion of the brush on your teeth. The spin brushes and electric toothbrushes will remove more plaque than manual brushing. Just be sure to get a brush that will be small enough to fit all the way to the back of your mouth to properly reach your molars for optimal cleaning.
Spin or Electric Toothbrushes are an especially great option for kids as they make brushing more fun and engaging. Consider investing in one for each of your children to help motivate good brushing habits!
No matter what toothbrush you choose, be sure to change it out every three to four months, or more often if the bristles become frayed. Frayed/worn bristles lose their effectiveness. A newer toothbrush will do a better job of removing plaque and keeping your teeth healthy.
At the end of the day, choosing the right toothbrush is all about ensuring you have the right tools to keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long term. Pick the best toothbrush for you and stay consistent with your dental hygiene habits. Your mouth will thank you!
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.