How should I choose a Toothbrush?

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It is important to choose a toothbrush that is comfortable for you. The first thing to take into account when choosing your toothbrush is the bristles. Ideally, these should not be too hard as brushes with harder bristles can sometimes cause problems with your gums. Soft bristles have the additional benefit of flexibility allowing for maximum cleaning with every stroke.

The next thing you should take into account is the head of your toothbrush. Having a toothbrush head that is too large can make cleaning those hard-to-reach areas much more difficult. Although some toothbrush manufactures claim that the flexibility and shape of the neck and handle of the toothbrush can often influence the effectiveness of your brushing, it is generally agreed that the way you brush makes much more of a difference. As such, choose a handle that is comfortable for you to use and a neck that suits you. There are several types of brush head such as; diamond and V-shaped brushes which are designed to give you better contact with your teeth when brushing.

You should try to replace your toothbrush around every 3 months or when you notice the bristles have become worn down. If the bristles have worn after just a couple of weeks, then you are probably brushing too hard. Remember to use short, gentle strokes as being overzealous can often contribute to the erosion of enamel and gum recession. Many people are unaware of the fact that you should also change your toothbrush after you've had a sore throat, the flu or mouth infection, as microbes may remain on the brush and this can cause another infection.

Read more in the Dental Treatment Information Guide »

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