Can you imagine life without a toothbrush? Neither can we!
In our previous blog, we discussed mistakes in maintaining oral hygiene, and one way to avoid them is by choosing the right toothbrush.
This tool for maintaining oral hygiene, whose precursors were sharp tree branch sticks, is over a thousand and a half years old and originates from China. Back then, it was made from bamboo and animal hair, while today, you can even find toothbrushes made of titanium, costing up to $4,000.
Today, given the wide variety available on the market, a common dilemma patients face is which toothbrush is right for them. That’s why we’ve prepared a brief guide to help you choose a toothbrush that will contribute to maintaining your oral hygiene as thoroughly as possible.
Soft, medium, or hard toothbrush?
The most common recommendation by dentists in modern dentistry is the use of a soft toothbrush, which, when used with the correct brushing technique, has a gentle effect on the gums and effectively removes bacteria and dental plaque. Thanks to its soft bristles, there is a minimal risk of damaging tooth structures. That’s why toothbrushes with extra soft bristles are recommended for patients with gum recession issues.
Medium-bristle toothbrushes can provide better cleaning results compared to soft bristles, which bend more easily and lose their effectiveness. However, caution is advised because too much pressure can cause gum injuries.
Hard toothbrushes are rarely recommended, except for cleaning dentures, where they can be effective. Their advantage lies in their durability, as the firmness of the bristles prevents the toothbrush from “flaring out” after short use. However, overly hard bristles can damage the enamel’s surface layer and increase susceptibility to tooth decay.
What’s most important is the number of bristles on a toothbrush. The average toothbrush has about 2,500 bristles, but newer ones on the market boast several thousand. The more bristles, the better the removal of bacteria and plaque!
Traditional or electric toothbrush?
Many patients ask us whether electric toothbrushes are superior to traditional ones for maintaining oral hygiene. If a proper circular brushing technique is applied with gentle motions, a traditional toothbrush removes bacteria and plaque quite satisfactorily. On the other hand, electric toothbrushes should never be used like the traditional ones, as the high number of rotations of the brush head can cause gum injuries. Simply placing the electric toothbrush against the teeth is enough for achieving its effect. This makes it a good option for people with certain conditions that affect motor skills. Its advantages include requiring significantly less time for cleaning and easier access to hard-to-reach places. However, for some patients, it may be too aggressive, especially for those with gum diseases or loose teeth.
Which toothbrush is suitable for my child?
Although it’s a common belief that children’s teeth should only be brushed after they erupt, this approach is incorrect. Starting at birth, it’s recommended to rinse the child’s mouth with water after meals and gently clean the dental arches before bedtime with a piece of gauze. This prevents bacteria from accumulating on the mucosa, which could damage teeth as soon as they erupt.
As soon as the first teeth appear, they should be brushed twice daily with a soft toothbrush with a small head suited to the child’s age. Since children don’t have well-developed motor skills to brush correctly, a harder or electric toothbrush may be a good choice. Most electric toothbrushes also have a built-in timer that rotates the brush head for two minutes, ensuring proper brushing duration.
What about those with braces?
Braces can make maintaining oral hygiene more challenging because they hinder access for a regular toothbrush. For orthodontic patients, it’s recommended to use an “ortho” toothbrushes, which feature a middle section of bristles that are cut to fit around brackets, making it ideal for removing food debris.
Another good option is a “single” toothbrush with numerous bristles, whose size also allows for easy cleaning. Certain types of electric toothbrushes designed for orthodontic patients can be a better solution than traditional ones because they provide thorough cleaning, preventing bacterial growth and the formation of white spots (early-stage cavities), visible only after the braces are removed.
Only a thorough examination by a dentist during regular check-ups and an assessment of your oral health can guide you in choosing the right oral hygiene tools.
Our friendly staff at Nova Dental Clinic is here to assist with any oral health dilemmas and help you choose the perfect toothbrush!
