How to Choose a Toothbrush: Types and Which One Is Best

Manual. Compared with other types, this one is the most widespread and the most affordable. But several factors affect its effectiveness. Mainly, the quality of its performance depends on how well the toothbrushing technique is carried out. A universal scheme is readily explained online, but it is best to choose one individually together with a dental hygienist. The specialist will take into account the characteristics of the bite, gums, and teeth, and will examine the oral cavity for the presence of diseases or a predisposition to them. After such an examination, they will create an individual technique, thanks to which the effectiveness of the toothbrush and the procedure itself will increase.

Electric. The process of brushing teeth with such devices is carried out through the friction of the bristles against the enamel and gums. Most often, such models rotate or move sideways, forward, and backward. They help children well, for whom the toothbrushing procedure is not easy at all. Thanks to the pressure sensor, the enamel cannot be worn away, and gum recession does not develop. Previously, electric models had excessively hard bristles. But today specialists have been able to develop sufficiently soft heads, which has made choosing them more justified.

Some models are equipped with a function for tracking the toothbrushing process. A special application is installed on the phone, in which all the necessary information and advice on improving oral care is provided.

Ultrasonic. It is the choice of this type that helps achieve the highest-quality and gentlest oral care. Dental plaque is removed through the effect of high-frequency sound vibrations with a minimal number of movements. Pressure is applied to the plaque from two sides – from the mechanical friction of the bristles, as well as from high-frequency oscillations. Therefore, cleaning is multifunctional. Ultrasonic models generate higher-frequency vibrations compared with sonic ones. But they have more contraindications, such as fillings, restorations, crowns, and so on. Because of the effectiveness of sonic/ultrasonic toothbrushes, their price is correspondingly higher than that of regular ones.

Material. The choice of model should be influenced by the type of material. The bristles of the selected model should not be made of natural hair, because it is an ideal place for bacteria to multiply, due to which diseases in the oral cavity can develop more actively. It is also very soft, and its ends cannot be rounded, because of which it can injure the gums and enamel.

Stiffness. The right choice also depends on the degree of bristle stiffness. This indicator depends on the diameter of the fiber. The thicker it is, the stiffer the bristles will be. You can find out the stiffness on the packaging:

ultrasoft, extrasoft – very soft;

soft – soft;

medium – medium;

hard – hard and very hard.

The softest bristles can be used by children under 5 years of age and by people who suffer from severe tooth sensitivity. Soft is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. Choosing such a model also helps people whose gums swell or bleed, and whose hard tooth tissue is severely worn down. Medium stiffness is intended for ages 12 and up.

Models with hard and the hardest bristles are not recommended for use without a dentist's permission.

Size. In order for the brush to be usable every day, its working part should not be long. A good indicator is coverage of 2-2.5 adjacent teeth. Choosing this size will make it possible to clean difficult areas. For children, it is recommended to use models with a head length of 1.8-2.5 cm, and for adults – no more than 3 cm.

To keep your mouth and teeth healthy, it's important not only to make the right choices, but also to replace your oral care tools in a timely manner. Over time, harmful bacteria accumulate on your toothbrush. Their effects damage the periodontium and accelerate the development of cavities.

It's best to replace your toothbrush every 3 months. However, this timeframe depends on your oral health and the quality of your oral care routine. To determine the right frequency for you, it's best to consult your dentist.