Are you using the correct toothbrush?

Standing in the toothbrush aisle surrounded by hundreds of choices, how do you know you’re choosing the right toothbrush? Do you go manual or electric?

The choices can be daunting, but one general rule to keep in mind when searching for the correct toothbrush is to always choose one that has soft or extra-soft bristles says Nadia Kobagi, a dental hygiene clinical assistant professor at the School of Dentistry.

“You can create irreversible gum damage if your brush bristles are too hard,” she says. “If you’re heavy-handed when you brush your teeth, you wear away the gum tissue which may lead to root exposure and sensitivity.”

Kobagi says finding a toothbrush that fits your mouth is important as well. Ideally, your toothbrush should be large enough to be able to brush two teeth at a time.

“People with smaller mouths need to look for a compact brush. Large toothbrushes can miss food and plaque buildup in tight spots,” she says. “Either manual or electric toothbrushes can be used. Both are effective if used correctly.”

Battery-powered toothbrushes are not as researched as the electric ones says Kobagi. And people with dexterity problems should consider purchasing toothbrushes with modified handles that make them easier to grasp.

It is recommended that everyone brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride-containing toothpaste.