What toothbrush should I be using? (2024)

FAQs

What toothbrush should I be using? ›

Generally, most people find that the best size head is one that covers only one or two teeth at a time. Brushes with medium strength bristles also tend to do a good job without risking damage to your gums from hard bristles.

You should choose the type of toothbrush that will be easy and comfortable to use at least twice a day. There are many different options between manual and electric toothbrushes. However, dentists' consensus is to choose soft-bristled toothbrushes, especially if you tend to push harder against your teeth.

Here's what you should look for: Most UK dental professionals agree that a medium-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they are better at reaching all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth.

After more than 120 total hours of researching the category, interviewing dental experts, considering nearly every model available, and testing 66 toothbrushes ourselves in hundreds of trials at the bathroom sink, we've found that the Oral-B Pro 1000 is the one to get.

A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to reduce your chances of developing tartar. This is where electric toothbrushes, which remove up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes, prove very useful.

Your Toothbrush Matters, But So Do Your Brushing Habits!

This actually can have an impact on your oral health. Most people should choose soft to medium bristles. These provide plenty of cleaning power, and are gentle on your gums and teeth. In fact, stiff-bristled brushes can actually damage your oral health.

Everyone should use a soft toothbrush.

Instead, it's your gums you should be worried about if you use a hard toothbrush. Most people brush too hard. And brushing too hard, especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage sensitive gum tissue, especially around the gumline.

If you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, and you use a fluoridated, ADA-approved toothpaste, the answer is no: the type of toothbrush you use will have a minimal effect on your oral health. But most people do not brush their teeth properly, or for the recommended amount of time.

Is vibrating or rotating toothbrush better? ›

From the data of this study, researchers concluded that to maintain good plaque control and improve gingival health, the oscillating rotation electric toothbrush offers clinically relevant advantages compared to the sonic toothbrush, albeit with a small but significant difference.

However, Sonicare toothbrushes use sonic technology, which vibrates at high frequencies to remove plaque. Many dentists vouch for Sonicare's effectiveness, but Oral-B's rotating-oscillating technology has its legion of fans too. It often comes down to personal preference.

The Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Higher Cost- Battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than their traditional counterparts. They also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey. Higher Risk of Damage- Because of their electronics, they are at a higher risk of damage if dropped or falling in the water.

Plaque Removal: Chlorhexidine Mouthwash | Haleon HealthPartner.

The award-winning Oral-B iO Series Electric Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove more plaque vs. Phillips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart toothbrush. Oral-B is the first electric toothbrush brand to be accepted by the American Dental Association for effectiveness and safety.

Baking soda can effectively remove the plaque without damaging the outer covering of teeth— enamel. Baking soda is safe to use with no apparent side effects. Toothpaste containing baking soda is more potent against plaque than traditional toothpaste.

Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for teeth, especially for removing plaque and debris. A soft toothbrush should do the job when brushing your teeth thoroughly for two minutes. Medium and stiff bristles might be too hard on gums and enamel.

Anything bigger can be difficult to reach your molars and anything smaller may not clean your teeth as effectively. Toothbrushes come in three different bristle varieties: soft, medium, and hard. Soft, nylon bristles are the best and safest choice. Medium and hard bristles can actually cause more harm than good!

Oral-B® Electric Toothbrushes deliver up to 48,800 movements per minute, while a regular manual toothbrush can only deliver 300 to 600 movements per minute. The Oral-B Pro 1000 removes 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

“Some studies have shown that tapered or angled bristles are slightly more effective at reducing plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says. Whether you opt for a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles. “Bristles that are too hard are more likely to cause damage to gums and enamel,” Tang says.