A New Toothbrush May Improve Your Brushing Experience

Happy 2020 from your Merced dentist! The beginning of the year is the best time to get organized and throw out the old to make room for the new. When was the last time you purchased a new toothbrush? They should be replaced every few months, as the bristles will naturally wear down over time and become less effective. Look for the ADA seal on your new toothbrush to ensure the bristle quality will last you until you purchase your next one. Add it to your new 2020 calendar to replace it in a few months. You are constantly making changes for self-improvement. You don’t have to purchase the same toothbrush you always have. The market has been growing to keep up with the demand for new and better tools. Here are some of the bell and whistle options for a new toothbrush that may improve your brushing experience:

Eco-Friendly

Some of the most recent toothbrush options to hit the market have been the addition of eco-friendly options. These toothbrushes and bristles are made of more renewable or recyclable resources than the plastic toothbrushes that we’ve been using for generations. Bamboo, wood, recycled plastic, plant-based or sugar-based toothbrushes are some of the most sustainable options available. For products that should be replaced several times a year, upgrading your choices to options that are better for the environment makes a drastic dent in our ecological footprint. Many of these eco-friendly toothbrushes can be purchased online or in a store near your dentist Merced.

Electric vs Manual

Electric toothbrushes have been around for years now, but many people still opt for the classic manual model. Most electric toothbrushes are built with a timer, so the recommended two-minutes per session is easier to achieve. The settings, like ultrasonic and rotational movements, make it much easier on your arms and hands. By pressing a button to create rapid vibrations and small circles, rather than straining your muscles with these repetitive movements, you may ease up any tenseness in your arms and shoulders you didn’t realize was there!

Head Shape

The shape of your toothbrush may also help you in ways that you didn’t realize were beneficial until trying something new. The shape of the head can be rectangular or diamond-shaped. Depending on the unique crevices in your mouth, opting for a diamond-shaped toothbrush head may help you reach the back corners with more ease and less effort than a rectangular brush would. If you have tight spaces near your back teeth, due to dental work or stubborn “wisdom teeth” molars that haven’t been removed, you may find that a rectangular toothbrush doesn’t reach the entire surface area.

Handle Shape

The handle shape may also make a small difference. Over extended use, small differences add up to a much more pleasant or an efficient experience. Whereas a classic rectangular handle may be fine for straight teeth, a curved, calculated, or angled handle may help you reach the back molars with greater ease and less force. Adaptable handles may help you adjust the angles that you’ve been moving your wrists to help you maneuver better. Gripped handles are a great option for those with sensitive gums or teeth… just in case the slippery toothpaste lets the toothbrush hit your gums, tongue, or teeth too hard. Left-handed toothbrush handle grips can also make a huge difference over time for those who are over-extending their muscles to compensate for a standard design.

Bristle Design

Standard square bristles are laid at a 90-degree angle to the handle. Criss-cross bristles are embedded at an angle to assist you in lifting plaque off the tooth’s surface gently. Polishing bristles can be helpful for those who have spent years creating stains and discoloration with acidic vices or by smoking. Multi-level or wavy bristles can help you reach the adjacent nooks and crannies of your teeth without excess force on your wrists.

Bristle Softness

The degree of softness can also support your dental hygiene. Tough bristles may help you remove plaque buildup. Be mindful not to brush your soft tissue too roughly with tough bristles, as they are more likely to cause gum recession if you brush too hard. Softer bristles should be considered for softer gums and for those at risk of periodontal disease. Pay attention to the way your toothbrush feels, and keep an eye out for bleeding gums to ensure you’re not brushing too hard.

Our Merced cosmetic dentist is your smile ally! We hope that these options gave you some food for thought when you buy your next toothbrush. If you’re still unsure about which new toothbrush may improve your brushing experience feel free to ask us during your next dental appointment. Chances are, we’ve had a pretty detailed view of your teeth and which options would make for a more pleasant brushing experience for you. If you’d like more tips on your teeth, check out our Facebook page, where we post more dental hygiene information to make you smile. That’s our goal: your health and comfort. See you soon for your next appointment!