Having the right tool for a job can make all the difference and there are a whole bunch host of toothbrush options. There are manual, electric, ultrasonic toothbrushes and each make different claims. With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, toothbrushes have come a long way from the early days where they were made from boar’s hair. The bristles are now made from nylon and broken into three classes – soft, medium and hard. Deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. Here’s what you should look for…
Hard Bristles
Even though they do the best at removing plaque and food debris, many professionals feel they do more harm than good. The hard bristles can hurt your gums and cause them to erode. Also, hard bristles can damage tooth enamel. Hard bristled or extra firm toothbrushes are less common than the other styles and are disappearing.
Medium Bristles
Medium bristled toothbrushes are between soft and hard bristles, but they are still stiff enough to remove debris but soft enough so that they do not damage tooth enamel. You still need to be careful with your gums and do not use too much pressure when brushing.
Soft Bristles
For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium and hard bristled brushes could damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.
Extra Soft Bristles
Extra soft bristle toothbrushes are beneficial for people with delicate gums or enamel. Extra soft toothbrushes are sometimes suggested after dental work or oral surgery.
Toothbrush Head Size and Handle
The size of the toothbrush head and comfort of the handle also comes into play. If the toothbrush is too large for your mouth you are not going to cover all the surfaces of your teeth. If the handle is awkwardly shaped or too large or small this can also impact your efficiency.
Toothbrush Tips…
- Clean your toothbrush after each use by running under warm water for at least one minute.
- Store your toothbrush in an upright reach or cup, so it can air dry between uses
- Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or after a sickness.
- Clean between teeth daily once a day. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing is also a good idea
- Visit your dentist every six months
Contact us (859) 586-7900 for more information or to make an appointment!
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About Torbeck Dental
Torbeck Dental treats every patient with dignity and excellent care. We are highly-trained dental professionals with exceptionally friendly and helpful service. We understand that for many, visiting a dentist can be a stressful experience so our comfortable surroundings and compassionate staff will ease any fears you may have. We are here to help you achieve your happiest and healthiest smile! Our dental team are a group experienced professionals using the latest treatments. Our team has the professional experience to realize that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all treatment, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach to your dental plan. We provide quality and personalized oral health care while keeping your individuality in mind. Our goal is to improve and maintain your oral health so you can smile with confidence!