woman wish toothbrush near teeth

Are you getting enough out of your current toothbrush?

Everyone has one, but is it really enough? From a young age we’re taught that brushing our teeth is a necessary form of personal hygiene and used to prevent more serious health concerns. However we were never taught about the importance of choosing the right tool for the job. Toothbrushes come in many different shapes and sizes but here’s what we’ve learned about the best plaque and gum disease fighting brushes in the market today.


Toothbrushes of various sizes

Size Really Does Matter

When it comes to toothbrush sizes, you want to pick one that will be able to comfortably and easily access all surfaces of your teeth. Typically, the more compact the head of your toothbrush is, the easier it will be to deep clean all of your mouths’ nooks and crannies. Most dentists recommend a toothbrush with a half-inch wide and one-inch tall head for optimal cleaning power. If the head is too big for your mouth, it becomes difficult to maneuver and clean hard to reach places like the backs of your molars. Look for a toothbrush that has an adequate length handle as well, this will help you reach those pesky crevices much easier.



toothbrushes with various bristle density

Bristle Texture & Density

Our mouths and gums can be highly sensitive, and if you’ve chosen a toothbrush with too hard of bristles you could be causing yourself some unnecessary gum damage and tooth pain. To better protect your gums, tooth enamel and root surface, choose a brush with soft to medium bristles and try to not use too much pressure while brushing. Brushes with softer, rounded bristles do a great job of polishing your teeth without causing damage or oral pain. If you can, try to find a toothbrush with soft, fine bristles that are tightly packed together. This will create more surface buffing action and the fine bristles will be able to easily reach deeply rooted plaque in those hard to reach areas of your mouth.





toothbrushes resting on a towel

Dentist Stamp of Approval

Next time you go to purchase a new toothbrush or replacement head for your electric brush, ask your dentist for their top recommendations. Look for brushes that have earned the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) seal of approval to ensure your toothbrush has undergone rigorous quality control testing and pay close attention to the noted “throw away” date most brushes come with. If you’re using an older toothbrush that looks visibly worn, it might be time to say goodbye and find a better replacement. Your squeaky-clean teeth will thank you!




Questions about toothbrush recommendations or any other oral hygiene concerns can be discussed through virtual appointment. For any other inquiries please give our friendly staff a call at 250-764-7794 or contact us to book an appointment today.