Halloween has come and gone...but those buckets and bags of candy are here to stay for a while. That means sugary treats are more accessible – and tempting – than normal for you and your family. And those treats are just the beginning, since holiday candy, cookies, and pies are fast approaching.

So how do you protect your teeth from all that sugar? The obvious answer is your toothbrush. But with so many options to choose from, which toothbrush is right for you? And is there a wrong choice?

After all, the wrong bristle strength or a brush that harbors germs can harm your teeth in the process. That's why it's so important that you make the right choice when purchasing and storing your toothbrush.

The paragraphs below provide answers to some of the most common questions regarding tooth – and toothbrush – care.

What type of bristle should you choose?

We've all stood in the toothbrush aisle staring at the different sizes, shapes, and even bristles...wondering which one we should buy. The reality is that things like the handle or textured grip don't matter much. Even the size of the toothbrush head is a minor issue; most experts simply suggest that it should be small enough to easily fit in those hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth.

The bristles, however, aren't so minor. The type of bristle you choose not only makes a difference in how clean your teeth get, but also in whether or not you damage the enamel on your teeth.

A toothbrush is typically rated as having soft, medium, or hard bristles. Despite the variety, soft bristles will work for most people and are the safest choice. Firm or hard bristles are obviously stronger and, therefore, provide a stronger cleaning. These types of brushes are typically reserved for people with significant or serious dental issues. Medium-strength bristles are somewhere in between soft and hard bristles, but like hard bristles they can cause damage to your tooth enamel or start to wear away your gum line, depending on how fast you brush and how much pressure you use.

With all that in mind, soft bristles are an effective and safe option for most people. To help make sure your bristles are gentle on your enamel, you can also select bristles that have rounded tips, as opposed to sharp or jagged ends.

Is an electric toothbrush better?

Scientists have been studying this question for a while now. And the answer may surprise you. Overall, no major significant difference has been found between manual and electric toothbrushes. Both are effective in eliminating plague and helping keep gums healthy.

That said, there are times when an electric toothbrush may help a person brush better. For example, some children may be fascinated by the electric toothbrush and, therefore, will be more likely to brush at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. In addition, people who have been told they're brushing too hard and are harming their tooth enamel and gums may find that an electric toothbrush helps them ease up on the brushing. Finally, people who have trouble brushing or who have limited dexterity may find that an electric toothbrush can help them better clean their teeth.

How should you store your toothbrush?

Most people only think about their toothbrush during the two minutes that they're brushing. But where and how you store your toothbrush when you're not using it is more important than most people think. That's because germs and debris can collect on a toothbrush and create an unhealthy environment on its bristles.

The following recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA) can help you make sure you store your toothbrush safely:

• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water after brushing. This helps remove any toothpaste or debris.

• Store the brush in an upright position if possible and uncovered to help prevent microorganisms from growing on the toothbrush.

• Allow the toothbrush to air-dry until you use it again.

How often should you change your toothbrush?

If you only buy a new toothbrush once or twice a year or wait until you get a new toothbrush at your dentist visit, you're waiting too long to replace your toothbrush.

That's because the ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. As the ADA states on its website, cleaning effectiveness decreases when bristles become frayed and worn from use. Not only are old toothbrushes less effective, but the also may contain harmful bacteria.

So, as you may have expected, the best indicator that it's time to replace your toothbrush is when you notice that the bristles are fraying.

But that's not the only indicator. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs and possibly lead to reinfection.

When you do replace your toothbrush, the ADA reminds you to purchase one that features the ADA Seal of Approval, which ensures that the toothbrush is both effective and safe.

Remember, the ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. To get the best results you should brush for at least two minutes – especially during the holiday season filled with all those sugary treats.

If you're having problems with a tooth or if you have questions about your teeth, visit a dentist to get specific answers to your unique situation.