Toothbrush Importance: Does the Right Tooth Brush Matter?

Choosing the right toothbrush may not seem like a challenging thing at all, as most products on the market follow certain guidelines. As simple as this tool is, it’s important to take a few things into consideration when buying a new one for yourself or your child. 

Marketing strategies might be used for selling toothbrushes without adding anything to the efficiency of the brush, but a lot of products have, indeed, innovated oral hygiene and are worth a try. 

Here's why and how the right toothbrush can make a difference. 

Different Types of Toothbrushes

First of all, you have to decide if you’re going with a manual toothbrush or an electric one. For children, we highly recommend electric ones, as they are more efficient in cleaning the teeth even when the brushing time is shorter. As we know, the little ones can get impatient and refuse to brush after a minute or two.

Adults can choose an electric toothbrush too, but a manual one should always be available when traveling, as a spare, or when you need more delicate cleaning. Electric toothbrushes use spinning movements or ultrasonic vibrations to clean your teeth. 

Which Toothbrush Is the Best for Your Oral Health?

When choosing a brush, select the right size for your mouth. We don’t recommend using a medium or hard-bristled brush, as it can damage your gums. Soft bristle brushes are ideal and will do their job properly, as long as you don’t skip brushing and do it thoroughly every time. 


To make sure your toothbrush follows the American Dental Association’s guidelines, look for the seal of approval on the package. This shows that the brush has rounded bristles that don’t shed, a sturdy handle, and an efficient design to reduce and prevent plaque build-up. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it’s important to replace it regularly, to prevent it from being contaminated with bacteria. As you are brushing your teeth, your brush has the “dirty” job of removing plaque from your teeth, and it will accumulate bacteria itself. Keep it in a ventilated place, making sure it dries after each use, protect it with a cap that has holes for air circulation, and replace it every three months. 

If you notice signs of wear before the three months have passed, just throw it in the trash and buy another one. Some people use it more intensely and would need to replace their brush more often. 

And, don't forget to schedule regular dentist appointments for preventive care

Book a Dental Appointment Today

No matter how well you brush your teeth, you still need to go for dental checkups at least once a year. The doctor can perform a deep cleaning and observe any issues early on.

Book an appointment at Mary Qian Dental Group in Palo Alto with Dr. Mary Qian and her team and keep your smile bright and healthy!

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