When you’re at the dentist or at the supermarket, you’re probably stunned by the vast choice of toothbrushes and toothpastes available. These two items alone take up around half an aisle – so how do you know you’re making the right choice?

Not all toothbrushes and toothpastes are made the same, so it’s a good thing you’re reading this post.

Here, Victorian dental Group tells us how to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for our families:

Always choose a soft- or extra-soft bristled brush

Toothbrushes come in a range of bristle types, on a scale of softness to firmness. Though there are medium-firm and firm bristle toothbrushes available, dentists generally don’t recommend these toothbrushes, and instead we suggest using soft- or extra-soft bristled brushes for every member of the family.

Soft bristles are just as effective at removing food debris from your teeth and gums, but pose less risk of abrasions and gum recession than firmer bristles.

Choose fun brushes for kids

When choosing a toothbrush for your kids, make sure you’re not only choosing a toothbrush which has round, extra-soft bristles, but one that visually appeals to them too. Children’s toothbrushes come in all sorts of colours and themes – from Frozen to Bluey. Themed toothbrushes can help make brushing fun for children, encouraging them to maintain great oral hygiene at an early age.

Clean tongue using brush

You’ve probably seen the myriad of toothbrushes with tongue cleaners available at the supermarket. However, dentists recommend cleaning your tongue with the brush of your toothbrush, as this provides a more effective clean. This means that you don’t need to buy a toothbrush with an added tongue cleaner.

Use fluoridated toothpaste

Moving on to the right type of toothpaste for your family, always use a toothpaste which contains fluoride. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from tooth decay, and this is particularly important for the development of children’s teeth. Fluoride is 100% safe in small doses, like the amount present regular toothpaste.

Toothpastes with whitening agents

For adults, toothpastes with whitening agents may be preferred. Some toothpastes claim they can whiten teeth, but generally have little effect. The most effective toothpastes for whiter teeth are ones that contain 2% hydrogen peroxide or more – this is the active ingredient in effective whitening toothpastes.

Have some further questions about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your family? Simply ask the team at Victorian Dental Group during your next appointment. We’re Melbourne’s leading dental clinic for accredited general, specialist and cosmetic family dental care. Not only is our team focussed on delivering expert dental care to the highest standards, but it’s also our goal to provide a gentle and nurturing experience for patients. Make an appointment with our Malvern dental clinic today and experience a better way of going to the dentist.