Staying on top of your dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day not only keeps your teeth cavity free, it also makes you less likely to develop periodontitis, also known as gum disease. There serveral factors to consider when choosing the best toothbrushs for your family memebrs, including size, design, and style.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are not all created equal. While it can be tempting to just pick up the first toothbrush you see and check it off your shopping list, putting in the time and effort to compare toothbrush brands and find the best one for each family member can make a big difference to your oral health. There are many factors to consider when looking for a toothbrush, including bristles, size, design, and more.
Bristles
While we don’t tend to think about it, toothbrushes actually do come in different bristle types. They are typically labeled as soft, medium, or hard on the toothbrush package. most dentists recommend soft bristles, as they are more comfortable for your teeth and can easily scrape away plaque. While hard bristles are theoretically better at scraping away hard plaque, they can cause bleeding and irritation.
Brush Size
Small brush heads are more suitable for children, and there are plenty of toothbrush brands designed and marketed with children in mind. Adolescents and adults have a larger selection of brush sizes to choose from, which includes both medium and large size brushes. In general, small brushes can more easily get plaque out of hard-to-reach areas, while larger brush sizes can be more comfortable.
Design
Just like any dental instrument, toothbrushes come in a variety of designs. Choose a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your hands and that you can grip tight enough for a firm brushing session.
Depending on your preferences, you may want a manual or electric brush. There is evidence that electric brushes are more effective at reducing plaque and preventing gingivitis, but many patients prefer the control of a manual brush.
For children, consider purchasing a toothbrush that features a beloved character or comes in their favorite color to encourage them to brush their teeth often.
What to Look for in Toothpaste
Once you’ve found the right toothbrushs for your family members, it’s time to move on to toothpaste. With so many brands, flavors, and types of toothpaste available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. When selecting a toothpaste, make sure it includes these dentist-recommended features:
Fluoride
The most important thing to consider when it comes to toothpaste is whether or not it contains fluoride. Fluoride has been an essential component in most effective toothpastes since 1950. Regular fluoride treatments have been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and help re-mineralize teeth.
ADA Approval
When you’ve found a toothpaste that looks good, make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This is an indication that the toothpaste has gone through testing to ensure that it is both safe and effective. As an added bonus, every ADA-approved toothpaste contains fluoride.
Pleasant Flavor
You’re much more likely to brush your teeth if you like your toothpaste. Let each family member pick out a flavor that they like. Kids can choose from unique options such as bubblegum, berry, or cotton candy, while adults can select from mint, cinnamon, or fruit flavored pastes.
Schedule Regular Checkups
A good toothbrush and toothpaste combo can take you far, but regular dental checkups are important to ensure your teeth stay healthy.
The Family Dental Center of Blair is equipped to provide the highest-quality care to every member of your family, from your children to your grandpa! Contact us today to make an appointment.
