BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Choose a Toothbrush

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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You'll come across toothbrushes with just about every imaginable variation: tapered heads, boxy heads, angled heads, neon handles, handles with bending rubber, handles with your kid's favorite cartoon character, etc. How to choose what's best for you? The following tips should prove useful.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Dental Floss
Electric Toothbrushes
Mouthwash
Soft Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste

Step1

Bristles are the most important consideration when buying a toothbrush. Choose soft nylon bristles, which will last long and not hurt gums even after vigorous brushing.

Step2

Select a brush head that is small enough to access hard-to-reach areas.

Step3

Keep in mind that there is no evidence that electronic toothbrushes work more effectively than conventional ones. However, people who are handicapped or who wear braces may prefer them.

Step4

Replace your toothbrush once every three months or whenever it becomes worn.

Tips & Warnings

Change your toothbrush after recovering from an infection during which bacteria in your mouth and saliva might have transferred to your toothbrush.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 1/30/2006 My children have had strep on and off for the past two months. I discovered by searching the Internet that their toothbrushes may have been re-infecting them. Throw out all toothbrushes 3 days into taking antibiotics. Sharing a tube of toothpaste may also lead to re-infection (if they drag the toothbrush on the opening like mine do) so throw that out too.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 You can sanitize your toothbrush in the dishwasher. Most dishwashers run at a water temp of 120 - 140 degrees. As long as the water temperature is above 120 degrees the germs will be killed.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Once weekly, fill a shotglass with hydrogen peroxide. Place toothbrush bristles in it and leave overnight. The foaming is evidence of bacteria being destroyed. Rinse before using again.