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In life, we are called upon to make a variety of important choices – some related to the family and finance, others related to career and education and those related to our health. When it comes to our well being, some choices are pretty straightforward – getting health insurance, going in for regular health checkups. Then, there are less straightforward decisions, like choosing a toothbrush.

Wait a second, did I just say, “choosing a toothbrush”? A toothbrush of all things?

Before you scoff at me, let me make one thing very, very clear – choosing a toothbrush is anything but trivial. For one, the sheer variety out there is staggering. There are colorful toothbrushes and sophisticated toothbrushes and those that whiten your teeth and the ones that promise fresh breath.

The second and, and significantly more important, reason would be that brushing your teeth is an extremely important ritual for your dental hygiene. Unless you are regular, you are inviting a whole lot of problems for yourself, not the least of which are cavities, tartar, plaque buildup, foul breath, and gum problems.

Doesn’t sound pleasant, does it? If you don’t want a similar fate for yourself, pay close attention to these valuable tips on how to choose a toothbrush.

To begin with, pay attention to the bristles. Most people choose toothbrushes like they were picking out a cleaning brush – the harder the bristles, the better for your teeth. But you aren’t cleaning floors here. These are your teeth we are talking about. Hard bristles can irritate the gums, cause them to bleed and damage the enamel and root surface. Look for toothbrushes that have medium nylon bristles.

Size also matters when selecting a toothbrush. And contrary to what you may be thinking bigger is NOT better. In fact, what is advised is that you look for a toothbrush that has a smaller head. It can get to all those hard-to-reach places in the mouth, like the teeth at the back, and ensures a better cleaning experience.

The handle also is an important factor when selecting a toothbrush. Don’t be fooled by all those colorful and glittery handles that look so fancy. You are buying a toothbrush, not a decorative item. The handle should be sturdy and comfortable to hold and, if you happen to suffer from arthritis, choose something that has a non-slip surface.

Finally, look for a toothbrush that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance. What this means is that the product has been inspected by an independent body of scientists, cleared according to a pre-decided set of safety guidelines and declared safe and effective. With an ADA approved product, you know you have a high quality toothbrush that cares for your gums and teeth.

I will end with a word of advice: no matter how expensive your toothbrush or how fancy, change it every couple of months. With daily use, the bristles of your toothbrush can wear out and become a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria, and germs. It’s prudent to chuck the old one away and invest in a new one. And you would know how to pick the right one this time, isn’t it?