Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Right Brush | Oral-B (2024)

Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Right Brush | Oral-B (5)

  • 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 toothbrusheshave 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 toothbrushescome in different sizes, too. In general, the replaceable heads of electric toothbrushesare 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 the only technology independently validated as better than manual brushing in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

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.

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.

You’ll also be able to choose brushes that have ergonomic handles or no-slip grips to make them easier to hold, along with a variety of bristle configurations to help clean around and between teeth, depending on your trouble spots. Always use a soft bristled toothbrushand if you have recession, you may want to consider an extra-soft bristled toothbrush.

Types of Toothbrushes - Choose the Right Brush | Oral-B (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the right toothbrush for you? ›

Any toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are more gentle on your teeth and gums, especially if you have soft gums or enamel erosion. Brushing with a hard-bristled brush can remove more plaque, but also wear away at your enamel if excessive force is applied.

What are the best types of toothbrushes to use? ›

Nearly all dentists recommend a soft bristle toothbrush. In fact, if you can pick a toothbrush with extra soft bristles, it is even more beneficial. This is because a brush with soft bristles won't harm your gums and cause bleeding or 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.

Why are there different types of toothbrushes? ›

Manual toothbrushes come with a variety of options, from soft bristled, to medium and hard bristled. In most cases, soft bristles are safer and better for your dental health, since they won't irritate your gums or wear away tooth enamel.

How do I know which toothbrush to get? ›

Here are some key factors to consider: Size and shape: Choose a toothbrush head size that comfortably fits in your mouth and allows easy access to all areas of your teeth and gums. A smaller head size can help maneuver around hard-to-reach areas, such as the back molars.

How to 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.

Which toothbrushes do dentists recommend? ›

For manual toothbrushes, dental professionals usually recommend a softer bristle brush. The comfort and safety they provide make them an excellent choice. Vigorous brushing with hard bristles can actually harm your gums, root surface, and tooth enamel – a situation we definitely want to avoid!

Does the type of toothbrush really matter? ›

It might seem like an inconsequential decision, but choosing the right kind of toothbrush is actually more important than most people think. With the wrong type of brush, you can cause your gums to recede, leave plaque buildup on your teeth, or erode away the enamel and cause stains.

What sort of brush should you choose? ›

To determine the best hairbrush for your hair type, consider your hair's texture, length, and thickness. For example, those with fine, straight hair may benefit from a boar bristle brush, while those with thick, curly hair may prefer a wide-tooth comb or a brush with flexible bristles.

What strength toothbrush is best? ›

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.

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.

Which type of toothbrush is best? ›

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 is the most common type of toothbrush? ›

Although there are dozens of products on the market, the standard manual toothbrush is still the most popular. Consumers can choose from bristle hardness, head shape, bristle pattern, and handle design.

What do dentists recommend for toothbrush? ›

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.

Is it better to brush your teeth with a hard or soft toothbrush? ›

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.

Does toothbrush choice matter? ›

Opt for Soft or Medium Bristles

Hard bristles can put too much pressure on your gums and hurt them. Soft bristles, while gentle enough for your gums, may not provide the most thorough cleaning.

What is the ideal toothbrush for an adult? ›

For most adults, a toothbrush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and short round-end bristles is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most people. If you're using an electric brush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may work better than a manual toothbrush.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6121

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.