choosing the best toothbrush
Choosing the Best Toothbrush
Shopping for a toothbrush can be a little daunting; while most of us use a toothbrush every day of our adult lives, many of us don’t know where to even begin when we’re standing in the dental-care aisle of our supermarket. A lot of people end up grabbing one almost at random, and using it for much longer than its intended service life. Add in the options for electric toothbrushes, and it’s easy to feel lost.
Fortunately, choosing a high-quality toothbrush that’s perfect for you doesn’t have to be as hard if you know what to look for. And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist. Austin is home to a number of high-quality dental clinics, so you have plenty of options.
Size
One of the biggest factors you should consider when purchasing a tooth brush is the size of its head. In general, it’s best to keep it under an inch by half an inch. This is big enough that brushing will be efficient, while still being small enough not to be cumbersome.
Outside of that general rule of thumb, though, it’s a matter of personal preference. You can try a couple sizes and see which one feels most comfortable to you.
Bristle Type
Disposable toothbrushes and electric-toothbrush heads alike come in a variety of bristle types: soft, medium, and stiff/hard. If you’re like the vast majority of toothbrush users, soft is probably your best choice. That being said, bristle stiffness is largely a matter of personal choice. If you’re more comfortable using medium or stiff bristles, continue to do so.
Expert Endorsement
It’s always good to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This lets you know that the brush has earned a reputation for surpassing certain key cleaning criteria.
Another good way to get an expert opinion is to simply ask your dentist in Austin, Texas is home to quite a few good dentists, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one whose advice you trust. Dentists often stock high-quality toothbrushes, and yours may just give you one.
Affordability
While spending more money can mean getting higher quality, this is not always the case. Perfectly good, high-quality toothbrushes can be had at a very reasonable price. As long as you follow the preceding advice for picking a brush, you should be able to find a relatively inexpensive toothbrush that still does the job.
Replacing Your Toothbrush
Most people go far too long without replacing their toothbrushes. Over dozens of brushings, toothbrushes gradually lose their effectiveness as the bristles start fraying and bending outward, meaning that your teeth aren’t getting properly cleaned. When this happens, it’s time to replace the brush. It’s usually a good idea to replace yours every three to four months, as needed.
Lake Austin Family Dental
If you’re looking for an experienced, compassionate Austin family dentist, Lake Austin Family Dental may be just what you’re looking for. To learn more about the services we offer, contact our friendly front-office staff today.
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