A good toothbrush makes all the difference in your dental home care routine.
Not many items in a household get more frequent use than a toothbrush. If you are like most Canadians (73%), you probably brush twice daily – investing in the right product is a decision that will serve you well for many years.
But how do you sift through all the so-called “best toothbrushes” and find what is right for you? Everyone’s teeth are different, but there are a few common threads that define good quality toothbrushes. In this post, we want to help guide your decision-making process to improve your dental health.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
If you go to the nearest Walmart or drug store, you will see dozens of toothbrushes from different brands. You can break these down into two types: manual and electric. You can find good toothbrushes in both categories.
Manual Toothbrushes
These are the traditional toothbrushes you probably used growing up. They are affordable and easy to use – and do not require batteries. However, you need to know proper brushing techniques to use them effectively.
Electric Toothbrushes
These toothbrushes run on rechargeable and regular batteries. They come with rotating or vibrating heads, which can provide deeper cleaning with less effort. These are the best toothbrushes for people with limited dexterity, although anyone can use them.
However, they are more expensive than their manual counterparts.
Ergonomics and Design
Whether it is a manual or electric toothbrush, its handle should provide a comfortable and firm grip. A well-designed brush also reaches all areas of your mouth effortlessly.
Head Size and Shape
Like the handle, the size and shape of the head also matter. Generally, smaller heads can easily reach the areas of your mouth that are more difficult to access. These are the best toothbrushes for children and adults with smaller mouths. On the other hand, large-headed brushes cover more surface area but might miss tight spaces.
Understanding Bristle Types
You also need to consider bristles when choosing a toothbrush. As a general rule softer bristles are better.
Soft Bristles
Soft bristles can clean your teeth effectively and are less likely to harm your gums and enamel. Soft bristles are ideal for most people, especially those with sensitive gums.
Medium Bristles
Medium bristles offer a balance between softness and firmness. You can select a toothbrush with medium bristles if you feel soft bristles are too gentle – and not doing a good job cleaning your teeth. However, do not use these toothbrushes vigorously. If used forcefully, they can cause damage to your teeth and gums. In general, we do not recommend these toothbrushes.
Hard Bristles
We do not recommend these because hard bristles can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. Prolonged use can lead to tooth sensitivity, loss of tooth structure and other oral issues.
Specialty Bristles
Specialty bristles are made from materials like silicone or infused with charcoal. Silicone bristles are gentle, making them suitable for sensitive gums. Likewise, charcoal bristles can help with teeth whitening and bad breath but can damage your enamel.
The Best Toothbrushes: Our Picks
We know it can be hard to find a toothbrush that fits your needs. To get you started, here are our top six picks for the best toothbrushes:
Electric Toothbrushes: Our Picks
Oral-B Pro 1000
Oral-B is one of the best toothbrush brands worldwide, and the Pro 1000 is a reliable electric toothbrush with a rotating head. Its in-handle timer pulses every 30 seconds and lets you know when to change brushing areas. Oral B claims it can remove 300% more plaque along the gum line than a regular manual toothbrush.
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
This toothbrush uses sonic technology to clean your teeth thoroughly. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes with three built-in modes. You can choose a mode that best fits your brushing needs and comfort.
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
Sonic-Fusion 2.0 is not just a toothbrush, it is an all-in-one brushing and flossing solution – complete with a water flosser. It is up to twice as effective as traditional brushing and flossing. They state that it can remove up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria from treated areas that cause gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.
Non-electric Toothbrushes: Our Picks
Colgate 360 Enamel Health
This is one of the best manual toothbrushes on the market. The Colgate 360 Enamel Health can remove more bacteria from your mouth with a cheek and tongue cleaner. The ergonomic handle provides a precise grip when brushing.
GUM Technique Deep Clean
The GUM Technique Deep Clean comes with a Quad Grip handle, which offers a comfortable grip when brushing. They advise that the unique bristle design that reaches below your gumline and between teeth.
Nimbus Microfine
Nimbus Microfine is favoured for its ultra-soft bristles. We recommend this for patients with sensitive gums. It comes in three sizes, regular, compact, and nimby.
The Correct Use of Toothbrushes
Regardless of the toothbrush selected, brushing technique is the most important aspect of tooth brush use. The next time you pick up your brush, keep the following in mind:
Brushing Technique
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. If using a manual toothbrush, a simple technique involves moving the brush in a gentle circular motion. Never brush your teeth with excessive pressure, as it can damage your gums and enamel.
Frequency and Duration
Brush at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to reach all areas of your mouth – including your back teeth, tongue, and cheeks.
Beyond Brushing
In addition to brushing daily, flossing is important to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and stimulate your gums.
Get the Dental Care You Need (And Deserve)
Choosing the right toothbrush is the first step in maintaining good dental health. Next time you go out shopping for a toothbrush, consider different types, ergonomics, head size, and bristle types.
Keep in mind, the best toothbrush in the world will only get you so far. Make sure your dental care routine also includes flossing. The best toothbrushes are the ones that get the job done effectively without harm.
Whether you need preventive care or dental treatment, we are here to help. Call Yonge Eglinton Dental at 416-932-2222 or visit us online to book an appointment.
