You cannot exaggerate the value of good oral hygiene, not only for dental health but also for overall health. Gum disease is a crucial risk factor for developing serious health diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

We learned from an early age that using a toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to maintain our teeth and gums healthy. But which is the best toothbrush?

When nylon bristle toothbrushes were originally introduced in the late 1930s, consumers had few alternatives when selecting a toothbrush. The plot has shifted completely. Most retailers that sell oral hygiene goods now carry diverse toothbrushes on their shelves, including manual (disposable) and powered (electric) models.

General Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush
Looking for specific characteristics in whatever toothbrush you choose, whether manual or powered, will help.

Size. The best toothbrush head for you should give you simple access to all your teeth' surfaces. A half an inch broad toothbrush head and one inch in height will be the most convenient and effective for most adults. Although larger toothbrush heads are available, you may find them difficult to move to clean certain difficult-to-reach areas, such as the sides and backs of your molars. The toothbrush handle should be long enough to hold it in your hand comfortably.

Bristle variety. When you go to the pharmacy to buy a manual toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush, you can choose between soft, medium, or stiff nylon bristles. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be the safest choice for most people. Medium- and hard-bristled brushes may harm the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel depending on how aggressively you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth. Make sure the bristles on your toothbrush have rounded tips for even more tooth protection when brushing.

Expert recommendation.
Ask your dentist for advice to guarantee your toothbrush has undergone rigorous quality control tests for cleaning efficacy and safety. Alternatively, check for manual or powered toothbrushes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.

This seal confirms that: the bristles have safe tips; the hairs do not fall out of the toothbrush under normal brushing conditions; the handle will sustain everyday use, and the toothbrush efficiently reduces plaque buildup and gum disease in their early stages.

In addition to meeting these requirements, powered or electric toothbrushes wearing the seal must also pass safety testing in an independent lab and demonstrate through clinical trials that the toothbrush is safe for use on mouth and tooth tissues and any dental hardware that may be present.

Toothbrushes: Disposable or Electric?
With either a manual or powered toothbrush, you should be able to prevent plaque buildup and maintain your gums healthy as long as you clean your teeth regularly and use proper brushing techniques. Below are some factors to consider while selecting the best toothbrush:

Cost. Although some less expensive powered toothbrush choices are available, electronic toothbrushes are often more costly than manual toothbrushes. In addition to the initial cost of an electric toothbrush, you will need to replace the removable toothbrush head regularly, just like you would with a manual toothbrush. If using an electric toothbrush helps you keep your teeth clean, reducing dental expenditures may offset the cost.

Likability. The best toothbrush for you will be the one you use the most – and operate correctly. Some people dislike the vibrating sensation of a motorized toothbrush. Others may find it easier to clean all tooth surfaces using an electric toothbrush. This may be true for people with movement issues, such as severe arthritis. You're most likely to brush for the recommended two minutes if you enjoy brushing your teeth. Some powered brushes even include a timer to alert you when you've spent enough time brushing.

Effectiveness. Several scientific research has been undertaken to determine whether manual or powered toothbrushes are more helpful at reducing gum disease and plaque. A study of nearly 30 trials comparing disposable and electric toothbrushes discovered no substantial difference in the electric and manual toothbrushes' ability to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. However, evidence suggests that a rotation oscillation toothbrush is more effective than manual toothbrushes.

Safety. Although all toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Approval have been tested for safety, specific individuals may require a different type of toothbrush. If you often brush too forcefully, which can harm your gums and teeth, a powered toothbrush may make it simpler to be gentle on your gums and teeth while also cleaning them. According to several research, using a powered toothbrush increases the number of germs in the bloodstream more than using a manual toothbrush. This poses no harm to healthy persons with sound immune systems and hearts. However, it may raise the probability that persons with certain cardiac diseases would get a potentially serious heart infection. More research is required to establish whether this is a cause for concern.

The Best Toothbrush for Children

When selecting the best toothbrush for your child, choose one that they will use correctly and frequently. For children, there are several disposable and electric choices. They also come in a variety of colors and often include children's favorites from classic books and popular cartoons. Some models even play music to help your child choose how long to brush.

Try the following toothbrush recommendations for your child:
• Check that the toothbrush you choose has the ADA Seal of Approval.
• Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles, and if your children are old enough, have them assist you in selecting their toothbrushes.