Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when they are young, but some details get lost over time. For example, many adults are confused about what type of toothbrush to use. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and a range of bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many options; does it really matter what kind of toothbrush you use?

The truth is, the type of toothbrush has a significant impact on your oral health. To help you find the right brush, here is a breakdown of the different types and their pros and cons.

Electric or disposable

When you were first learning oral hygiene basics, disposable toothbrushes may have been the only option. However, there are many electric models today. Unlike disposable toothbrushes, electric versions do the brushing for you with a moving head powered by a rechargeable battery. So, which should you have in your cabinet? There are a few factors to consider before making the decision.

Safety

Are your teeth and gums sensitive? If so, an electric toothbrush may be better than a manual one. When you use an electric brush, you only have to gently hold the head against your teeth, and the motor does the rest. When you use a regular brush, you have to apply the pressure yourself, making it easier to exceed the recommended pressure.

Effectiveness

Certain electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than brushes you have to move manually. Called rotation oscillation toothbrushes, these dental tools clean in circles, which is the recommended technique.

Remember that whether you use an electric or disposable brush, you still have to clean for the recommended two minutes. An electric toothbrush may make it easier to do so, especially if you have reduced grip strength.

Cost

Electric brushes are significantly more expensive than disposable ones, making some people hesitate to purchase them. However, once you buy the brush base, you can use it for years and replace the head every three months. The heads are much more affordable than the base and come in packs to maximize savings.

Soft or hard bristles

The prevailing wisdom in oral hygiene basics is that soft bristles are better, but that does not stop manufacturers from producing medium- and hard-bristle brushes. Why are these options available if dentists do not recommend them?

While hard-bristle brushes should not be used daily, they do have a purpose: stain removal. Occasional use of hard-bristle brushes is perfectly fine as long as you are careful and not overzealous. If you brush too hard against your gums, you can damage them, resulting in the following:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Gum loss