According to archaeologists, the earliest toothbrushes were made of animal bones and hair. Thankfully, dental hygiene has improved greatly since then and there are now a variety of toothbrushes available to suit everybody’s needs. Everyone’s teeth are different, so what might work for one person won’t suit someone else and so it is vital to ensure you use the correct toothbrush for you.
What type of Bristles?
There is now a general consensus that hard bristles are not good for teeth. Vigorous brushing with hard bristles can seriously damage soft enamel and gums, leading to more serious dental problems in the future. Most dentists will recommend using soft bristles as these are kinder on gums and soft enamel. The flexible bristles will also effectively clean hard-to-reach places where plaque is liable to build up. Medium bristles are available, but may not be suitable for those with sensitive teeth and gums. The inflexible medium bristles may cause further damage to sensitive gums, leading to gum disease. However, those with healthy teeth and gums may find medium bristles more effective at keeping teeth clean.
Some companies now produce extra-soft bristles. These are recommended for use only by children and the elderly, who generally have more sensitive teeth, to prevent further damage to soft enamel or gums.
What size of toothbrush?
Most toothbrushes are approximately the same size, and this will be suitable for most adults. However, children and adults with small mouths may find that these heads are too large, and toothbrushes with smaller heads are available. It is especially important for children to have a toothbrush with a small head. If the head of the toothbrush is too big it won’t be able to effectively reach their molars, allowing plaque to develop. It is also important to ensure the handle of your toothbrush is long enough to reach your molars and wisdom teeth.
Electric or Disposable?
Electric toothbrushes are becoming more popular, as the small head and movement makes it easier to clean all the hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Many electric toothbrushes come with a built in timer, and won’t power off until the two minutes are up. This can be useful to ensure you’re doing most you can to keep your teeth healthy.
However, electric toothbrushes can cost significantly more than disposable toothbrushes and the head will still need to be replaced every couple of months. This expense means an electric toothbrush might not be ideal for everyone, and it is possible to effectively clean your teeth with a disposable toothbrush. WebMD have a good section covering the pros and cons or both kinds of brush.
Ask you dentist
If you’re unsure what type of toothbrush is best for you ask your dentist for advice. For instance, if you wear braces, your dentist will recommend using an orthodontic toothbrush which can help prevent plaque buildup around the brackets.
In addition to these important factors, some toothbrushes come with a tongue and cheek cleaner which, while not having any medical benefits, can help keep breath fresh.
It is important to change your toothbrush often; when it begins to show significant wear or every three months, whichever comes first. In addition to the correct toothbrush it is important to floss and use mouthwash ever day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. There are several factors you should take into account when choosing a toothbrush, and this simple guide should help you find the right one for your needs.
Stephen owns Dental FX, a cosmetic dental practice in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a past president of the association of dental implantology, and enjoys writing about dental care.