Type “Finding the right toothbrush” into the search bar, and the first ads that pop up promise help for sensitive teeth and gums, specialized cleaning modes with electric toothbrushes, and better plaque removal, among other mouth watering offers.
Step into any retail store that sells toothbrushes, and you’ll find the same —an aisle filled with options! Electric versus manual brushes, soft bristles versus firm. Single packs, double packs, and six packs. The choices seem endless!
So how do you choose when there’s more than just yourself you’re buying toothbrushes for? After all, toddlers need something different from teens, and grandkids are not all that excited about the kind of brushes Grandma and Grandpa are using.
Here’s why choosing a quality toothbrush is so important and how to find the best one for everyone in your family.
Let’s Talk Toothbrushes
First, let’s talk about why having a good toothbrush matters. We’ve talked plenty about the connection between a healthy mouth and overall well-being, but it’s worth repeating. Taking care of your teeth and gums plays a vital role in you taking care of your overall health.
By keeping your mouth free from harmful bacteria and plaque that contribute to tooth decay, you’re also preventing that bacteria from sneaking in to disrupt your physical health in other ways.
While picking out a toothbrush might seem like a small decision, a good one can make a big difference. A quality toothbrush is a powerful tool that will go a long way toward helping you (and your family) keep bacteria at bay and support healthy smiles for a lifetime.
Baby and Toddler Brushes
So, what about the smallest members of your family? Even before they get their first tooth, babies need their mouths cleaned, but they don’t need a toothbrush just yet. After they’ve nursed or had a bottle, dampen a soft, clean washcloth and use it to wipe all the residue from their gums.
When their first tooth makes its appearance, you can begin adding a tiny bit of toothpaste to the cloth or make the switch to a very small, soft brush. If you’re not sure the right brush to use, of course, just ask! Your dentist can help you choose the right size and softness for your little one.
As your baby becomes a toddler, you’ll still be a big part of the toothbrushing routine. Keep in mind you’re also helping your kids build a healthy dental habit —brushing twice a day for two minutes each time. Keep using soft-bristled brushes on the smaller side. You don’t want your child struggling with a brush that’s too big for a toddler-sized mouth! Also, be sure it has handles that are easy to grip… for both your young one and you.
Toothbrushes for Children
What to Expect shares a good rule of thumb — when children can tie their shoelaces without help, they likely have the dexterity they need to brush their teeth on their own.
As your kids grow in their independence, look for toothbrushes that appeal to them. Let them pick out their favorite superhero or cartoon character, so they’ll always have a positive association with brushing their teeth. They’ll still need to use smaller sized brushes and softer
bristles, but there are plenty of options out there today that check all the boxes and keep it fun!
So Many Options for Teenagers and Adults
Needs change as children start maturing into teenagers and then into adults. Now’s the time when they may want to consider an electric toothbrush, especially if they have trouble cleaning their teeth as well as needed. More on that in a minute.
If any of your teens have braces, they’ll also need a special orthodontic toothbrush to clean around the brackets on their teeth. It’s tedious work but necessary to keep those teeth cavity-free while the braces are in place.
As teens and adults, we start to get a feel for the kind of toothbrushes we like —the handle style and grip, the sustainability factor (whether it’s made of bamboo or plastic), and the firmness of the bristles.
It’s also in these seasons of life that some people begin experiencing sensitivity in their teeth or notice yellowing from years of drinking dark colored beverages, teas and other staining drinks. No worries about either! You can find toothbrushes that help with both. Super soft bristles line the brushes made for sensitivities. Unique designs and charcoal-infused bristles help remove stains.
It’s safe to say teens and adults have tons of options available to them.
Electric or Manual?
One of the biggest choices you can make is whether to use an electric toothbrush or manual one. If you’ve never tried an electric brush, you may not understand why many people prefer it.
Cleveland Clinic says, “Electric toothbrushes are generally considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean than manual toothbrushes.”
It’s partly the power behind the brush that makes it so effective. It simply works faster than we can brush manually, so it does a more thorough job of cleaning. Many electric brushes also have pressure sensors and timers to help the user get the most out of the process.
Don’t worry if you’re not all that interested in a powered brush. You can still get your teeth clean manually, but Colgate suggests certain situations where an electric version might be best:
- If your family member has limited manual dexterity
- If you tend to brush too vigorously
- If you struggle brushing for a full two minutes as recommended by dentists
- If your dentist is always telling you to work on brushing better
Whether you choose manual or electric, what’s most important is that you and the others in your family find good brushes that work for you so you can keep the healthy habit of twice-a-day brushing for a lifetime.
Visit the team at TrueCare Dentistry for personalized advice on the best brushes to keep your family’s smiles healthy and bright!
