Which toothbrush is best?

It’s a question I get asked countless times by patients and friends; which toothbrush should I choose from the numerous options in the supermarket aisles? Such a daunting range of options: soft, medium, firm, tapered tip, cross action, electric toothbrushes and even smart phone connectivity!

The golden rule is to select a SOFT brush, brush SOFTLY and spend the recommended two minutes to effectively brush all the teeth surfaces, particularly the gum line. That’s all that’s needed to remove the sticky deposits of plaque without causing damage to teeth and gums. I often remind my patients that water can wear away rock over time! 

Tooth sensitivity is often caused by a firm brush and/or using excessive force, resulting in enamel being worn away and receding gums. A telling sign is if your toothbrush bristles splay after just a short time. To make things worse, if you are brushing hard and using a whitening toothpaste, it will increase the wear rate of the enamel and gums further.

A manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric brush, if used correctly and for long enough each time. Most electric toothbrushes have a two minute timer and the top of the range ones come with a sensor to warn you when you are brushing too firmly.

Which is best for children?  On a personal note, my three children brush well with manual or electric toothbrushes. On occasions, the manual toothbrush is the obvious choice such as school camps and managing braces or an ulcer. On the other hand the electric toothbrush is effortless. It’s a matter of preference, just remember…. soft and softly!

If you have any concerns about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to help.