Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Best Brush for You (2024)

Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Best Brush for You (1)

  • Choosing the Right Toothbrush
  • Get a Better Clean with an Electric Toothbrush
  • Choosing the Right Toothbrush Head

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Using the right toothbrush can make your daily oral care routine more enjoyable—and more effective.
A toothbrush is personal, which is why they’re available in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you have a large mouth, you may prefer a full-sized toothbrush head. If you have a small mouth, opt for a compact head. And some adults even prefer youth or child-sized toothbrushes because they find them easier to use for brushing behind the back teeth.

If comfort is important, try a toothbrush with a non-slip grip, which makes it easy to use even if wet. Additionally, the handles on many Oral-B toothbrushes have been modeled based on research into the five different ways that people hold their toothbrush while brushing.

A manual toothbrush works well if you are a diligent brusher, but more and more people are opting for electric toothbrushes.

As with a manual toothbrush, the best electric toothbrush for you is the one you like and will use every day. Electric toothbrushes come in different sizes, too. In general, the replaceable heads of electric toothbrushes are smaller than the full-sized head of a manual toothbrush, so if you are used to a full-sized head, the electric toothbrush may take some getting used to.

Get a Better Clean with an Electric Toothbrush

Keep in mind that one of the benefits of the smaller head size on an electric toothbrush is that it is better able to clean each tooth individually and get to the hard-to-reach places of your mouth. Many different styles of brush heads are available, from polishing brush heads to brush heads for sensitive teeth. There are a number of varying bristle movements powered toothbrushes utilize. Oscillating/rotating technology is independently validated as better than manual brushing in reducing plaque and gingivitis.The Oral-B iO Series features the latest technology when it comes to brushing teeth and protecting your gums. The award-winning brush combines powerful, but gentle micro-vibrations with Oral-B’s unique dentist-inspired round brush head for a professional clean feeling.

The bottom line is that if you choose the toothbrush that is the right size and style for your mouth and your oral care needs, you’ll be able to clean your teeth more completely and help prevent bacterial buildup and the development of plaque.Check out Oral-B’s latest deals on top electric toothbrushes to find the one that’s right for you at a limited-time price.

Remember that regular replacement of toothbrushes contributes to maintaining a consistently high level of oral hygiene because clinical research shows a new toothbrush can remove up to 30% more plaque than one that's three months old.*

*Research with a flat trim manual toothbrush.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush Head

One way to be sure that you have the best toothbrush for your needs is to learn about different types of brush heads. The brush head is the top part of the toothbrush where the bristles are attached. You want to choose the type of toothbrush head that fits your mouth and lets you reach all of your teeth.

Some specialized types of brush heads include:

  • Angled: An angled toothbrush head helps reach the insides of your teeth, especially the insides of your lower and upper front teeth. These areas can be susceptible to tartar buildup because, for some people, they’re harder to reach with a standard toothbrush head.

  • Compact vs. Full Size: A compact toothbrush head is smaller than a full-size and has fewer bristles. Some people, especially those with small mouths, find compact heads easier to use. But other people simply prefer a full-size brush head, so you may want to try both and choose the one that works best for you.

  • Extra-soft Bristles: For a gentle yet effective clean, you may want to opt for a brush head with softer bristles like the Oral-B iO Gentle Care**. Its optimized bristle patterns adapt to the curves of your teeth and gums for maximum comfort.

  • Personalized Look and Feel: Toothbrushes can be a great way to further express your unique preferences—specifically in color. The Oral-B iO9 comes in a unique elegant Rose Quartz shade so you can always have a sophisticated, yet effective clean.

  • Whitening Brush Heads: Several Oral-B brush heads are designed to help you whiten your teeth by removing surface stains without damaging your enamel. Find the best whitening toothbrush head for you. The Oral-B 3D White Replacement Brush Head† features a unique polishing cup to gently whiten with end-rounded bristles for a safe, but effective whitening experience.

You’ll also be able to choose brushes that have ergonomichandles or no-slip grips to make them easier to hold, along with a variety ofbristle configurations to help clean around and between teeth, depending onyour trouble spots. Always use a softbristled toothbrush and if you have recession, you may want to consider anextra-soft bristled toothbrush. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush equipped with aSensitive Mode like the Oral-B iO9 which also comes with a Smart Pressure Sensor to better protect yourgums from overbrushing. The Oral-B iO Gentle Care Brush Head is also a great go-to when it comes ensuring agentler clean for teeth and gums.

From Oral-B, the #1dentist-recommended toothbrush brand.

**Compatible with Oral-B iO handles only
†Compatible with all Oral-B handles except iO

069055125946|069055125939|069055125212

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FAQs

Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Best Brush for You? ›

For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.

What are the different types of toothbrushes? ›

Bristles come in three main types; soft, medium and hard. Dentists tend to recommend soft bristles, as they are not as harsh on your enamel as the harder type. Soft toothbrushes are also easier on gums and help avoid gum recession.

What type of toothbrush bristles are recommended for most patients? ›

Soft bristle toothbrushes are the most often recommended by dentists because they are gentle on teeth and gums while being able to remove bacteria and plaque. This is a brush that is useful for both children and adults and is able to brush close to the gum without irritation.

Which type of bristles is usually recommended when selecting a toothbrush? ›

Most dental professionals suggest using a toothbrush with soft bristles for everyday oral hygiene given their numerous advantages and varied uses. Soft bristles excel at eradicating plaque and debris from teeth and the gum line, without inflicting unnecessary wear on the enamel or triggering gum recession.

What toothbrush is most recommended by dentists? ›

Although toothbrushes with medium bristles have been shown to be effective at biofilm removal, the ADA recommends use of a toothbrush with soft bristles because they minimize the risk of gingival abrasion.

Which toothbrush is best for me? ›

Always use a soft bristled toothbrush and if you have recession, you may want to consider an extra-soft bristled toothbrush. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush equipped with a Sensitive Mode like the Oral-B iO9 which also comes with a Smart Pressure Sensor to better protect your gums from overbrushing.

How do I choose a toothbrush? ›

For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.

How do I choose a dental brush? ›

According to the Canadian Dental Association, soft bristles are best when choosing a toothbrush. Although it might seem like hard bristles clean your teeth better, you should pick a toothbrush with soft bristles. Medium or hard bristles can actually damage your teeth and gums as you brush.

What type of brush bristles are best? ›

BEST OVERALL BRUSH

If you're looking to remove tangles, add shine, add smoothness, help with styling and blow-drying and pretty much be the backbone of your haircare routine, then you need to get your hands on a boar bristle finishing brush.

What kind of toothbrush should be selected? ›

Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth.

What sort of brush should you choose? ›

Fine or brittle hair: opt for a brush with soft, spaced bristles. This will minimize damage and breakage to delicate hair. Thick or curly hair: choose a brush with strong bristles or a wide-toothed comb. These tools help detangle without tearing or breaking hair.

Which is the preferred toothbrush? ›

They also come in soft, medium, and hard bristle options. A soft-bristled toothbrush is typically recommended for most individuals as it is gentle on teeth and gums. Medium or hard bristled toothbrushes are usually recommended for individuals with heavy staining or tartar buildup.

What quality should a good tooth brush have? ›

It must be ergonomic, manufactured using quality materials, and it must adapt to the individual needs of each patient. Using a brush that is in poor condition can therefore cause lesions to enamel (brushing abrasion) and to gums (gingival recession)".

What bristles are best for teeth? ›

Dental professionals recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because too much pressure or overzealous brushing can negatively impact the enamel and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles to ensure an excellent clean without harming your teeth.

What is the healthiest toothbrush for gums? ›

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are generally recommended for those with receding gums or gingivitis because they are gentler and less likely to contribute to further recession. However, it's important to note that proper brushing technique is just as crucial as the bristle type.

How many times a day should I brush? ›

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time you brush. This recommendation is from the American Dental Association. When you brush, you help take food and plaque off your teeth. Plaque is a sticky white film that forms on teeth.

Is there really a difference between toothbrushes? ›

“Some studies have shown that tapered or angled bristles are slightly more effective at reducing plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says. Whether you opt for a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles. “Bristles that are too hard are more likely to cause damage to gums and enamel,” Tang says.

Is mechanical or electric toothbrush better? ›

Studies show that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth than manual toothbrushes do, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

What is the difference between Oral-B iO and manual toothbrush? ›

More Cleaning Power

The Oral-B Pro 1000 removes 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush and is perfect for beginners. On the other end of the spectrum, the Oral-B iO delivers a professional-like clean at home thanks to its unique bristle technology and real-time guidance.

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