Everyone wants pearly white and healthy teeth, and we are all regularly reminded of the importance of brushing twice a day, using a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste. But how do you choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs? Toothbrushes have different bristle options and brush sizes, they come in manual and electric formats, they even have different handles. The same is true of toothpastes, most contain fluoride, others have a whitening treatment, and some address tooth sensitivity. To help you to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for you, we have put together a helpful guide.
Choosing your toothbrush
First, let’s take a look at the various kinds of toothbrushes available and delve into how they differ from one another.
Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can achieve excellent results if you use the correct brushing technique. So as long as you’re brushing regularly and properly, it doesn’t really matter which toothbrush you choose to buy. However, there are of course differences between the two types of toothbrushes:
- Cost: manual toothbrushes are much cheaper to buy than electric toothbrushes. Yes, you will need to replace a manual toothbrush regularly, but you’ll also need to replace the heads on your electric toothbrush regularly, so electric toothbrushes do work out more costly in the long run.
- Maintenance: electric toothbrushes require a little more maintenance than manual toothbrushes. Both need cleaning after each use, but an electric toothbrush will also need recharging frequently and regular brush head replacement.
- Sensors: an electric toothbrush usually has sensors which will let you know when you are brushing too hard or too softly, helping you to apply the right amount of pressure when brushing.
- Mobility: electric toothbrushes are easy to use and are particularly good for people with mobility issues and children.
- Timers: we all know that you should brush for two minutes, an electric toothbrush helps you to make sure you do this with a built in timer.
Bristle Options
Toothbrushes have different bristle types. Some have soft bristles, other have medium or hard bristles. Some have rounded bristles, whereas others have squared ones, and some have bristles that are all the same size, while others have a combination of longer and shorter bristles. It is recommended that you use a soft bristled toothbrush unless advised otherwise by your dentist. We also advise you to use rounded bristles and toothbrushes that have longer and shorter bristles, as this will clean between your teeth better. There is a myth that a harder bristled toothbrush will remove more plaque, but this isn’t the case, plaque is actually quite soft and can be removed with any toothbrush.
Brush size
Toothbrushes with smaller heads are the most effective because they clean and reach all areas of the mouth. This is why electric toothbrushes almost always have a smaller head size. It is also advised that you buy a toothbrush with a handle that is long enough for you to comfortably hold and will allow you full control over your toothbrush.
Choosing your toothpaste
Now, let’s take a look at the different toothpaste options and the difference between them:
Fluoride Toothpaste:
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is effective in protecting the enamel and preventing tooth decay, so it is important you choose a toothpaste that includes fluoride. According to the NHS, toothpastes with 1,350-1,500ppm of fluoride is most suitable for adults, the amount of fluoride the toothpaste contains will be noted on the packaging.
Whitening Toothpaste:
This toothpaste is good for removing surface stains on teeth caused by food and drink, giving you a whiter smile. However, this toothpaste isn’t as effective as the whitening treatment a dentist provides because most won’t remove the stains on the teeth under the tooth enamel, which is the protective layer on the teeth. Before you use a whitening toothpaste daily, you need to check that it can be used every day. Many whitening toothpastes are abrasive and if they are overused they will eventually wear away the enamel on the teeth, potentially causing tooth sensitivity. You should also check that they include fluoride, charcoal toothpaste (for example) is a popular whitening trend, however, it doesn’t usually include fluoride and is often abrasive.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth:
If you find your teeth and/or gums are sensitive when you eat or drink, a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth might be a good option. These toothpastes include an active ingredient that blocks pain signals between the surface of the tooth and the sensory nerves inside of it. While this may make your sensitivity decrease, making it more comfortable to eat and drink, it is important to visit a dentist if you experience sensitivity, as this could be caused by a bigger problem, such as tooth decay, cracked teeth or receding gums.
Consider your own teeth
There is no one perfect toothbrush and toothpaste for everyone because we all have different teeth and gums. Before you choose the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you, we encourage you to think about your teeth as this may impact what toothbrush and toothpaste you choose. For example, if you find your teeth are particularly sensitive when you eat hot or cold foods, a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth might be best for you. Or, if you are prone to bleeding gums when you brush, a soft bristled toothbrush and/or an electric toothbrush designed to prevent you brushing too hard might be better. If you have braces, dentures or veneers, you must use a toothbrush and toothpaste that is safe and most effective, your dentist should be able to advise you on the most effective option.
Remember, if your dentist has specifically recommended a type of toothbrush or toothpaste, it is important to take their advice into consideration. As professionals, they will have recommended the best toothpaste/toothbrush based on the condition of your teeth and gums, along with any problems you have experienced. Always listen to the professionals.