Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is one way to maintain good oral hygiene. Not doing so will result in the accumulation of dental plaque, which is a white sticky bacterial film that forms on your teeth that could lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
However, more than just brushing your teeth, doing so immediately after eating certain acidic foods could actually destroy your teeth. Picking the correct toothbrush matters, too! Sometimes, people do not observe these two critical habits, resulting in more harm than good. In this article, we will explore how you can pick the correct toothbrush and why you should do so.
1. Manual or electric?
Both are great tools for maintaining good oral hygiene. They have their respective good and bad qualities, with the choice often boiling down to individual needs and preferences. Here are some vital factors for consideration:
Manual toothbrush
They are generally more affordable and widely available in supermarkets and other stores. With manual toothbrushes, you have complete control over the technique and amount of pressure you use. They are also incredibly portable, which means great convenience, especially when travelling. There is a wide range of sizes, bristle quality, bristle shape, and handle design to choose from. High-quality ones may not be found in ordinary supermarkets.
Electric toothbrush
Compared to manual toothbrushes, they offer a more consistent pattern of rotary cleaning. They may come with either a rotating or vibrating head that has been found to be effective in removing bacterial plaque in most locations. Individuals with limited manual dexterity benefit the most from using electric toothbrushes, as all they need to do is guide the toothbrush from tooth to tooth. Some electric toothbrushes even come with timers and pressure sensors that notify you if you are brushing too harshly.
2. Soft or hard bristles?
Dentists and orthodontists seldom promote the use of hard bristles as they can sometimes do more harm than good. While their firmness and rigidity mean that you get a more thorough cleaning, they can hurt your gums and teeth if incorrectly applied, leading to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and enamel wear and tear. On the other hand, medium and soft bristles are gentler in those affected regions. Bristle stiffness is a very important attribute; those lacking stiffness would collapse soon after you use it.
3. Size and shape of toothbrush head
There is no ideal shape that produces the best result as long as your toothbrush head allows you to reach every surface in your mouth. Smaller toothbrush heads are definitely preferred as they are able to reach every area, including the last molar teeth at the back, which are areas that many individuals overlook.
If your toothbrush head is too big, you may not be able to clean hard-to-reach spots. Sharp corners in the toothbrush head could also hurt your cheeks as you brush.
Should I be spending more on toothbrushes?
Toothbrushes come in a wide range of prices, from really cheap ones to really expensive ones. Expensive toothbrushes may come with unique features that may bring value to your brushing experience. However, whether it is worth the investment depends on your budget, preference, and needs.
Both expensive and cheap ones can clean the front teeth effectively as long as you use them correctly. However, the better-designed ones, which cost more, are able to penetrate the difficult-to-reach areas better. This ability is important if you have crooked teeth, fixed braces, unusual tooth anatomy or gum disease.
However, if you value advanced technology and features such as multiple brushing modes, timers, and pressure sensors, then investing in those expensive toothbrushes would make brushing fun, too!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the correct toothbrush is one that has a gentle bristle. Other factors that we have listed here depend on your specific needs and brushing techniques.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is vital for good oral health. Apart from picking the correct toothbrush, it is also vital to fix any crooked teeth that create unreachable areas that promote the development of bacteria colonies.
Here at BigSmile Dental Clinic, we want to help you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. With orthodontic treatment, such as invisible braces, you can ensure a more thorough brushing experience, allowing you to maintain good dental hygiene effortlessly. Contact us to find out more!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506