If you brush twice a day like you should be, your toothbrush will have a shelf life of about three months. That means you should be going through four toothbrushes a year.
You’ll get two from us at your bi-annual visits which leaves two to buy on your own. Here are some things to consider at the drug store:
Brand
You might find a steal on no-name toothbrushes, but like everything else, you get what you pay for. Your teeth won’t be as clean if you use an inferior brush. And depending on the materials they use (cheaper ones, no doubt) you could actually damage your teeth. If in doubt, feel free to contact us for assistance.
Bristles
You’ll have the option of choosing soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. Unless otherwise directed from your dentist, you should go soft. The brushing action generates enough force without the extra help. And too much bristle stiffness can damage your enamel, cause gum recession and lead to sensitive teeth.
Head shape
You’ll find wide, narrow, short and long heads. It doesn’t matter which you choose, as long as it reaches every part of every tooth in your mouth – and this could change depending on any work you may have done. Watch yourself brush in the mirror to make sure you’re covering it all.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes
The major benefit of an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush is the time savings. Over a two minute time period, electric brushes provide a significantly superior result than a manual brush. Further, studies show that it only takes two minutes of brushing with an electric toothbrush to accomplish what four minutes of continuous manual brushing will do. Also, if you have problems with manual dexterity (e.g. arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.) electric brushes might make it easier to brush your teeth. The three-month rule still applies, though, so make sure you buy one with easily replaceable brush heads.
Colour
If it doesn’t go with your bathroom, it’s no good.
