Which Is The Best Toothbrush For Me & My Teeth?
Choosing a toothbrush doesn’t seem like something that would require much thought. Most people choose a toothbrush based on color, cost or with little consideration at all. Others fall for catchy gimmicks that guarantee the best oral health results, however in many cases this is just an overstatement of the facts. Everyone understands how important oral health is, but the details fade with the visits to the dentist and brushing daily. While it does not seem important, the toothbrush that you are using can make a difference in keeping your teeth clean. Because some teeth and areas of the gums are hard to reach, it is a good idea to compare types of toothbrushes, bristles and styles to ensure that you are getting the best for your money.
Choosing Bristles
The basics of the toothbrush do matter, even right down to the type of bristle that you choose. There are two styles of bristles hard and soft. Some people choose the hard bristles because they believe that they remove plaque more efficiently than the softer bristles. While this may be true, it is best to brush your teeth with the softer bristles for more flexibility. This allows for you to brush hard to reach places and also not create any damage to your gums or other soft tissue of the mouth. Plus, hard bristles can be painful if you’re not very careful while brushing your teeth! The hard bristles have also been linked to the inability to reach beneath the gingival margin.
Manual vs. Powered Toothbrushes
The manual versus powered toothbrushes debate has been topical for the past several years. Many people have chosen the powered option because there is the perception that they clean the teeth more efficiently. These toothbrushes spin the bristles so that the user does not need to do so. Research has proven that the same results can be achieved with a manual toothbrush, however, it takes more work on the part of the user. The same results can be gained from the manual, but for handicapped, children, or those lacking fine motor skills, they can greatly benefit from a powered toothbrush. Powered toothbrushes are easier!
The Head of the Toothbrush
The head of your toothbrush should be something that is comfortable, or if you choose, decorative. The shape of your handle or head doesn’t matter to the overall health of your teeth, so it is not as important as many of the advertisements claim. There are all kinds of marketing campaigns claiming that particular designs provide a better brushing experience, but the truth of the matter is that you can brush your teeth effectively with any shape. Try not to fall into the gimmick trap, simply choose a toothbrush that is comfortable and use it! That is the key to good oral health, not color, shape, design or whether it is fancy or not!
Toothbrushes are an important part of dental health and should be chosen carefully. Their color or cute designs will not necessarily be the best for your oral health. It is possible to keep your teeth clean by spending time each day cleaning your teeth. As long as the plaque is removed from each and every tooth, even those hard to reach places, choose which ever toothbrush you like!
