Walking down the toothbrush aisle of any store can be confusing. Hundreds of toothbrushes are displayed, all claiming they are the best for you teeth but which one is actually the best for your pearly whites? Finding the right toothbrush for your mouth and dental needs can be frustrating when every item looks the same. Consider the toothbrush differences listed below to choose a toothbrush that will help keep your smile perfect.

CHOOSE A TOOTHBRUSH THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Hard Bristle Toothbrush vs. Soft Bristle Toothbrush

It’s easy to think that a hard-bristled toothbrush will remove more plaque and bacteria because of the roughness it provides, but that’s not necessarily the case. You can actually damage your teeth by brushing with a toothbrush that is too hard by scraping and damaging your enamel. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can also irritate your gums more easily and cause bleeding and tearing.

A soft toothbrush is generally recommended as it removes plaque and bacteria effectively without causing irritation or damage to your teeth and gums. If you are prone to tooth sensitivity or have signs of gum damage, then buying a toothbrush with extra soft bristles may be the best choice for you.

Small Toothbrush vs. Large Toothbrush

While a large toothbrush may be able to cover more ground when you’re brushing your teeth, it could end up covering a little too much. When brushing your teeth, you should be doing just that, brushing only your teeth. Large toothbrushes can cause you to brush your gums as well, bringing about irritation. Toothbrushes that are too big can also make it difficult to brush toward the back of your mouth or in tight spaces.

While a smaller toothbrush offers more precision, finding the right sized brush for your mouth will be up to you. Every mouth is different so choose a size that works for you but offers control to avoid gum soreness.

Powered Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush

Many dentists recommend a powered toothbrush for its effective dual brushing action that helps you to remove plaque easily. Powered toothbrushes also have other advantages over manual toothbrushes. Timed brushing and pressure sensors that help you brush for the recommended amount of time with the correct pressure can be helpful in maintaining a clean and healthy smile. Those with medical conditions that make it difficult to grip items may also find powered toothbrush useful as they usually have larger handles and require less movement for the user.

Although powered toothbrushes have many benefits, manual toothbrushes can be effective in removing plaque and bacteria from your mouth as well. With either a powered or manual toothbrush, it is important to use proper techniques to achieve your healthiest smile.

When you’re walking down the toothbrush aisle trying to choose your next toothbrush, remember that your mouth requires custom care. Talking with your dentist and adjusting your toothbrush to fit your mouth will result in you achieving a healthy smile. Consider all toothbrush options and adjust your toothbrush to your needs based on the above information and what your dentist tells you about your smile.