Are You Using the Right Toothbrush for You?

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, in addition to visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, it is important that you have all of the necessary tools. This includes choosing the best toothbrush for your smile. With so many options at your local drug and grocery store, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. Are the pricier options actually better? Are electric toothbrushes necessary? Continue reading to learn more about what toothbrushes are out there and how to know which one you should be using for optimal oral health.

Manual Toothbrushes

This type of toothbrush relies on your brushing technique and is highly effective when used properly. They have been used for a long time and there are all sorts of different varieties. Here are some things that you should consider if you would prefer a manual toothbrush as opposed to its electric counterpart.

Hardness of Bristles

There are three main toothbrush varieties when it comes to how hard the bristles are. Here are your options:

• Soft: This is recommended for most patients, especially those with periodontal disease, because it is easier on the gums and teeth. It is effective at cleaning away plaque and will not damage your enamel or soft tissues in the mouth.

• Medium: If you have average dental conditions, medium-bristled toothbrushes are also a good option. They are similar in the effectiveness of removing plaque and food debris but can be damaging to softer gums if used incorrectly.

• Hard: These are difficult to come by these days. Even though they are great at removing plaque, they can easily cause damage to your gums and your enamel. This type is best avoided.

Head and Bristle Design

As for the head, there are two main shapes that you come across:

• Conventional: These heads tend to be larger but make it difficult to clean hard-to-reach places in the back of the mouth.

• Diamond: These tips are more narrow and allow for a more thorough clean in the back of the mouth.

Bristles can be found in a variety of configurations and each have their own advantages:

• Wavy: This type is best at reaching adjacent tooth surfaces.

• Criss-Cross: This is the most effective at removing plaque.

• Polishing Cup: These are great for the removal of stains.

• Tapered: This is best at reaching hidden sections of the teeth.

Electric Toothbrushes

These powered toothbrushes offer a greater level of convenience to users because of their back and forth motions and vibrations. Here are the four main types of electric toothbrushes:

• Counter-Oscillating: The bristles rotate in different directions to dislodge food and plaque.

• Duel Head: With two heads on one handle, one of them with rotate to remove plaque and the other will clean away dirt.

• Side to Side: These brushes move side to side instead of rotating.

• Sonic: These brushes vibrate at high speeds, making them effective at dislodging plaque and tartar.

What Other Options Are There?

• Interdental Brush: This brush compliments your normal toothbrush by reaching places that are normally inaccessible. Investing in this brush is especially helpful for people with braces.

• Sulcabrush: This is made of a single tuft which is used vertically. It helps to slow down gum disease and reduce bleeding.

Everybody’s smile is unique, so why should we all use the same type of toothbrush? Next time you are at your local drug store, remember what your options are. You may just find a brush that works best for you.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec is a cosmetic and family dentist serving patients in Grand Island, NE. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry and has gained over three decades of experience. Dr. Stec is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Nebraska Dental Association. For more information on proper oral hygiene or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (308) 382-4440.