Toothbrushes are not designed to last forever. With regular use, over time, the bristles of a toothbrush become frayed and offer less-efficient cleaning power. Thus, it is important to replace your toothbrush regularly. Still, there are many different toothbrushes available for purchase. As a result, it can be difficult to feel comfortable making a selection, especially if you don't know what to look for. Here are a few characteristics to look for as you choose your next toothbrush:

A Small Toothbrush Head

Toothbrushes with smaller heads often reach more easily into the compact areas of your mouth, such as those in the rear portion of your oral cavity. In many cases, a large or conventional brush head will simply not fit into these spaces, making it cumbersome to clean your back teeth properly. For people with a small oral cavity, the compact brush head is even more important since the general space inside the mouth is restrictive.

Bristles Made of Nylon

Several natural toothbrushes are now available on the market. Some of these products include bristles fashioned from the roots of trees. Although these natural alternatives may clean the teeth well, nylon bristles have already been researched and can offer the ADA's approval.

An Easy-to-grip Handle

As you hold your toothbrush handle, your hands are likely to get a bit wet. If your brush handle is not easy to grip, the brush can slide about as you brush, making it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively and possibly even causing an injury to the soft tissues of your mouth. It is best to select a brush with an easy-to-grip, nonslip handle to ensure that you maintain complete control of your toothbrush as you clean your teeth.

Soft Bristles

Many toothbrushes found at local drug stores offer multiple options when it comes to bristles. You can choose from soft, medium or hard bristles.

Although hard bristles may seem as though they would offer better cleaning power, they can be damaging to your tooth enamel, increasing your chances of dental sensitivity. In addition, hard bristles can irritate your gums. To ensure that you are brushing safely, soft bristles are usually the best selection.

Other considerations when choosing a toothbrush include your dexterity. If you suffer from a debilitating condition, such as arthritis, an electric toothbrush may help you clean your teeth easier. 

To learn more characteristics to consider when buying a toothbrush, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area. Companies like Cornerstone Dental can help you with your dental care needs.