Hard, medium, or soft bristle head, different colors, cartoon characters, angled heads, flexible handles, electric, and special bristles, oh so much to look at when you are at the grocery store. How do you choose a toothbrush? I would be willing to bet that there are 100 toothbrushes in the oral department of your favorite grocery store. That makes for a pretty good list of options that you can make. There are brand names that you know have been around for a while, new designs that look like they would do the job better. However, how can they all be right?

Your toothbrush is the most powerful tool you have against the bacteria that caused decay in your mouth. That decay is then cavities, and the cavities turn to tooth and bone deterioration. That is why it is so important that the toothbrush you choose is the best one to get the bacteria off your teeth. However most toothbrushes will do the job.

With all the options available for toothbrushes, it takes a little work to find the best toothbrush for your mouth. Your dentist may also have a few tips that might help you get the toothbrush that will be the most effective on your teeth.

The ADA or American Dental Association suggests using a toothbrush that the bristles are strong enough to clean the teeth. Also, that the head of the toothbrush is small enough to fit into the back area of your mouth to reach and clean those teeth. You will need a toothbrush that fits into your hand comfortably.

The ADA is more concerned with the use and care of the brush then the actual brush. This is probably because there is not such a difference in the cleaning that can happen from the different brushes. Also, as long as you floss and brush correctly you will have the equally clean affect on your teeth and gums.

The standard toothbrush with soft bristles and a flat head manual toothbrush are used as the main reference from the ADA. However other toothbrushes have benefits that may add to the tooth brushing experience.

When you are looking at the different toothbrushes, look at the options that have the ADA seal on the package. This means that per the requirements of the ADA you are meeting those basic needs. The extras after that is a benefit.

The replacement of your toothbrush is a very important step in a healthy mouth. Brushing three times a day, the bristles will start to fray and bend; this will reduce the cleaning ability of the brush. The brush should be replaced every three to four months.
The microbes and germs will start to attach themselves to the brush and therefore it is important to not put the brush in a warm closed in area. The warmth and dampness is a perfect place to grow those germs.

An option to help with the cleaning and care of your toothbrush is to use an antibacterial mouth rinse to both rinse your mouth before brushing and your brush after. There are also commercially available toothbrush sanitizers that you can use to clean your brush.

When choosing between an electric or manual brush, you will get similar results, however the electric brush will tent to wear more evenly. The point of the electric toothbrush is to reduce the stress for people who have special needs. The brushing motion can be mimicked using an electric or manual brush.

Choose the brush that will work best for you, that fits in your mouth and keep a fresh toothbrush on hand for the replacement. The combination of brushing, flossing, and rinsing is the main key to a healthy mouth. Using the right tool is just the beginning.