What toothbrush should I be using? (2024)

FAQs

What type of toothbrush should I be using? ›

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.

Here's what you should look for: Most UK dental professionals agree that a medium-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they are better at reaching all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth.

The ADA recommends soft bristle brushes as a general rule to clean your teeth effectively without damaging your teeth and gums. Many people can tolerate regular bristles, but if you're not sure what kind you need, either opt for soft or ask your dentist.

A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to reduce your chances of developing tartar. This is where electric toothbrushes, which remove up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes, prove very useful.

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.

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.

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.

An expensive toothbrush typically has ergonomic handles, facilitating ease of use and better mouth reach. Furthermore, many expensive toothbrush models incorporate features like pressure sensors and various brushing modes, enhancing the brushing experience and effectiveness.

Nearly equal. Oral B works by oscillating and rotating while Sonicare vibrates. Both are equally effective as long as vibrations/oscillations occur at 31,000+ vibrations/oscillations per minute.

American Dental Association (ADA) has made a flat toothbrush design as the standard reference toothbrush for comparison with other toothbrushes. A toothbrush with a zigzag bristle design can reach interdental regions thereby effectively removing plaque.

Does sonicare or oral-b remove more plaque? ›

The award-winning Oral-B iO Series Electric Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove more plaque vs. Phillips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart toothbrush. Oral-B is the first electric toothbrush brand to be accepted by the American Dental Association for effectiveness and safety.

TartarEnd® Removes Tartar and Plaque Below the Gum-line

TartarEnd® stops and usually reverses periodontal gum depths with twice daily brushing with a sonic toothbrush and flossing after brushing. Users, dentists, and hygienists report healthy gum and gum pocket reductions as healthy gums reattach to clean teeth.

Oral-B® Electric Toothbrushes deliver up to 48,800 movements per minute, while a regular manual toothbrush can only deliver 300 to 600 movements per minute. The Oral-B Pro 1000 removes 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

Dentists often recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because they are gentle on the gums and tooth enamel. They effectively remove plaque without causing damage.

“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.

Powered brushes reduced plaque and gingivitis at least as effectively as manual brushing. Ionic brushes statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis.