How to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste?

With all the ads on TV and with all the choice at the grocery store, you might find yourself wondering which actually are the right toothpaste and toothbrush for you. We often end up buying just a random product that is either on sale or that looks promising. However, we all have different needs and in order to keep our oral health at its best, we need to use the right products for us.

What to look for in a toothpaste?

Fluoride

Fluoride is an active ingredient in most but not in all toothpaste formulas. It’s important that you look for this ingredient when buying your toothpaste because it’s very beneficial for your teeth. It helps strengthen your enamel and this way it prevents the formation of cavities.

Tartar and plaque control

Plaque and tartar are usually caused by poor dental hygiene. However, some people are more prone to suffering from that even if they take great care of their oral health. Plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease and if it’s not removed regularly, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is even harder to remove and can be the reason for dental complications. It’s good to choose toothpaste that helps prevent tartar.

Avoid sweetened toothpaste

It’s a well-known fact that sugar is bad for your health and especially for your teeth. It can destroy your enamel and lead to tooth decay. Some amount of sugar is probably acceptable but it should be avoided as much as possible, especially in your dental care routine. You shouldn’t choose toothpaste that is extremely sweet.

What to look for in a toothbrush?

Look for soft bristles

Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles is a must and most dentists will tell you that. The soft bristles will effectively remove plaque from your teeth while being gentle to your enamel and gums. Hard bristles can irritate your gums and can make your teeth sensitive, so you should avoid those.

Small-headed toothbrush

The toothbrush’s head is also an important part of your choice. Look for a small-headed toothbrush because it can easily clean all areas of your mouth, including the back teeth that are hard to reach. However, not all toothbrush shapes are suitable for everyone as everyone’s mouth and teeth are different, so you may have to experiment to find the best for you.