22 Jul What is the Best Type of Toothbrush?
While picking out a toothbrush is fairly trivial for most, you may be surprised to know that not all toothbrushes are alike. The best type of toothbrush has aspects that differentiate it from the others and, therefore, make it much better for maintaining great oral health.
Electric vs. Manual
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque. In comparison, electric toothbrushes may have an advantage over manual brushes, but it is not necessarily as large as the price difference between the two types of brushes. This makes price the main factor to consider when choosing between them. For most people, manual toothbrushes will have the edge in overall value. However, electric powered brushes may be helpful for those who experience any kind of mobility issues in their arms or shoulders since electric toothbrushes require less arm movement. This advantage may be worth the cost for them.
Bristles
Bristles are one of the most important aspects of a toothbrush and can really make the difference between a good or great toothbrush.
Toothbrushes come in a variety of bristle firmness from ultra-soft to hard. Most people naturally tend to brush harder than what is needed, which leads to the wearing down of their gumline and tooth enamel. Soft-bristled brushes, on the other hand, are more gentle on teeth and gums and are still effective at removing plaque. In fact, brushes with harder bristles are becoming obsolete, since their advantage of removing plaque is minimal when compared to their disadvantages of harming tooth enamel and gumlines.
In addition to the firmness of your toothbrush’s bristles, there are a variety of multi-leveled bristles as well. However, there is still speculation about how effective each design is. For instance, some may perform better than brushes with flat bristles but only at certain angles. As dentists, we’ve found that choosing between a flat brush and a multi-level brush has little impact on your oral health.
ADA
One final aspect to consider when choosing a toothbrush is if it is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). According to the ADA, “The Seal of Acceptance indicates that the toothbrush is both safe and efficacious for the removal of plaque and reduction of gingivitis.” Having a brush model that has gone through rigorous testing is certainly an advantage, so we highly recommend opting for ADA approved models over other ones. The ADA logo will likely be on the cartridge of the toothbrush’s box somewhere, making it easy to identify as ADA approved.
To recap, here is a list of attributes to look for when purchasing the best type of toothbrush:
- Electric Brush (if price isn’t an issue)
- Manual Brush (for affordable and adequate quality)
- Soft Bristles
- ADA Approved
Of course, overall dental health doesn’t boil down to choosing the right toothbrush alone. Brushing with proper technique works wonders for your oral health. We recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Remember to brush gently and to angle your brush towards the gums while brushing in a circular motion.
At Hicks Dental Group, our friendly, dedicated, and passionate team is committed to working with you and your family to create a positive experience every time you visit our practice. Contact us today with any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health!
Photo by Alex on Unsplash 08/26/2019