How to choose a toothbrush — what you need to know
A toothbrush is the main tool in maintaining oral hygiene. Regular brushing of teeth helps to avoid the spread of bacteria, reduce the risk of caries and other diseases. However, an incorrectly selected brush can damage the enamel and injure the gums, so it is important to approach the choice responsibly. Read about how to do this in the Izvestia article.
What are toothbrushes?
Modern toothbrushes can be roughly divided into two large groups: manual (conventional) and electric. The former are the most common and versatile due to their low cost and wide range of models. They also do not require recharging or power supplies, so you can use them anywhere, anytime.
Electric toothbrushes are equipped with a motor, thanks to which their heads can make up to several tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. Due to their high speed, they effectively remove plaque, and are also great for people who, for one reason or another, find it difficult to maintain oral hygiene with a manual brush.
Electric brushes can be mechanical or ultrasonic. The first ones are cleaned due to the rotational movements of the head, and the second ones are cleaned due to the vibration of the sound motor. There are also ionic electric brushes, inside of which a rod coated with titanium dioxide is placed. During operation, it releases negatively charged electrons, which supposedly help fight germs. However, the effectiveness of this technology has not yet been confirmed.
People wearing braces are advised to use special brushes with a V-neck in the middle. To remove food debris and plaque in hard-to-reach places (for example, under braces or in the gap between teeth), there are interdental brushes that look like small brushes.
The best way to choose between a regular and an electric brush is to consult a dentist. He will assess the condition of the teeth, the level of hygiene and give appropriate recommendations.
How to choose a regular toothbrush
When choosing a regular brush, you should focus on several basic parameters. First of all, you should pay attention to the material of the bristles — they must be artificial. Natural materials, such as pig bristles, have cavities in which bacteria accumulate. It is impossible to get rid of them, and a high concentration of microorganisms can cause various diseases.
It is important that the brush head is not too large. Ideally, it should cover 2-3 teeth (2-2.5 cm in length). Also, do not take brushes with rubber or silicone inserts on the cleaning surface. They do not help to clean the surface of the teeth, but they can cause gum injury or scratch the enamel. Another important aspect is the frequency of bristles. The more densely they are located, the better.
The biggest question when choosing a manual brush is usually its rigidity. This parameter is usually indicated on the packaging. Brushes can be soft, medium, or hard. The former are usually prescribed to children, patients who have recently undergone oral surgery, for example, implantation, as well as those who suffer from gum disease.
Medium brushes are the most versatile, they can be used by all adults who do not have dental problems. Hard brushes can only be used when cleaning dentures, they are not suitable for teeth.
A manual toothbrush should be changed at least once every three months, as after this period the bristles wear out and are less able to cope with plaque. It is best to store it in an upright position without a cover — the lack of air promotes the growth of bacteria. In combined bathrooms, it is recommended to put the brushes in a closet or bedside table so that when flushing, particles of intestinal microflora do not settle on the bristles.
How to choose an electric toothbrush
When buying an electric toothbrush, you should focus on the user's needs. Some models are equipped with nozzles not only for daily cleaning, but also specialized ones, for example, for bleaching or for caring for sensitive enamel. Sometimes additional nozzles can be purchased separately, it is worth knowing about the availability of such an opportunity in advance.
You also need to pay attention to the shape of the head and the cleaning technology. Mechanical brushes rotate, while ultrasonic brushes vibrate. Both methods are equally effective, so it is better to focus on your own comfort in this matter.
Another important factor is the number of operating modes. The ability to adjust the rotation speed or vibration intensity is especially relevant for people who require a special approach to oral hygiene. For example, a more gentle mode for brittle enamel or, conversely, a more powerful one to combat heavy plaque.
Electric brushes can be powered by batteries or battery operated. The first ones are convenient because they do not require a network connection — if you have spare batteries, you can use them even in nature.
The operating time and recharge rate of battery powered brushes depend on the type of battery. Lithium-ion batteries take a long time to charge, but they also have a longer battery life. Nickel-metal hydride batteries charge quickly, but they also consume their charge quickly. Battery capacity is equally important — the higher it is, the longer it takes to fully charge, but at the same time, autonomy increases.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the availability of additional functions, such as a pressure sensor, timer, bristle wear indicator, etc. Some models are equipped with the Easy start mode. For the first 14 cleanings, the power will gradually increase so that the user can get used to the features of the brush. All this is not necessary for effective teeth cleaning, but it can increase its convenience.
Earlier, Victoria Radko, an orthodontist and head of the orthodontic department at the EUROKAPPA clinic Scientific and Clinical Center, told Izvestia about the impact of stress on dental health.
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