How to Choose the Best Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Your Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health starts with basics—choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste. But with so many different kinds on the store shelves, choosing what’s best can be daunting. If you’re looking for advice you can trust, here’s what a real dental office wants you to know.

Start with the Right Toothbrush

Not all toothbrushes are equal for everyone. The head size, type of bristles, and shape are all significant—and what is best for someone else might not be ideal for you.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

They both clean teeth well. What matters most is how well and how often you brush.

• Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and easy to find. If you brush two minutes each morning and evening, they will be just as effective as electric toothbrushes.
• Electric toothbrushes will be of assistance if you have arthritis, braces, or you tend to slack off on brushing. A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that electric brushes took more plaque and gingivitis off over time.

Choose Soft Bristles

Hard bristles might be tempting to use for a good deep clean, but they will damage your gums and enamel. Most dentists, including our Tustin dentist, recommend using soft-bristled brushes since they get the job done but gently.

Choose the Right Brush Size

Your toothbrush must be able to reach all parts of your mouth easily. If the head is too big or uncomfortable, then it’s the incorrect size. A too-large brush may make it hard to clean your back teeth sufficiently.

Make your choice simple by visiting the best dentist in Tustin to determine what is best for you based on your current state of oral health.

What About Toothpaste?

Toothpaste isn’t only for fresh breath. Toothpaste also helps strengthen enamel, lower plaque, and guard against cavities.

Look for Fluoride

Fluoride is at the forefront of protecting your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, it helps weakened enamel to revive and stops tooth decay. Whether you’re looking for a whitening or sensitivity formula, make fluoride an active ingredient.

Tailor Your Choice to Your Needs

Each individual’s oral health is different. Here are some options based on common needs:

• Sensitive teeth: Select a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate.
• Cavity-prone: Select a high-fluoride product.
• Tartar buildup: Select pyrophosphates or zinc citrate varieties.
• Whitening: Employ enamel-friendly whitening products—not abrasive chemicals.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Replace your toothbrush or head every three or four months—or sooner if bristles become worn. Worn bristles don’t remove plaque as well and can make your gums more sensitive.

Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste isn’t hard if you know what to look for. Start with gentle bristles, choose fluoride toothpaste that suits your needs, and brush softly. If you’re not sure, a check-in with a Tustin dentist on a regular basis can give you solutions that suit your smile.