Just like your choices in toothpaste, there are many different types of toothbrushes to choose from. Do you want hard, medium, or soft bristles? And you can select the style or shape of the bristles which can be tapered, in layers, and firm. What type of handle do you want? Ones that are made of plastic with nylon bristles, bamboo with biobased bristles, or something else? In addition, there are many choices of electric toothbrushes, which now include ones that are Bluetooth enabled and have smart apps to help you brush better. Last but not least, there are sonic devices that vibrate the plaque away. Wow, that’s way too many choices, right? How do you choose what is best?
What Do We Recommend?
The ADA (American Dental Association) and most dentists recommend soft bristles no matter what style of toothbrush you use. The rest comes down to your preference and how well you and your dentist feel you are cleaning your teeth. Many dentists will recommend electric toothbrushes to people who tend to brush too hard with a traditional type of toothbrush or have other issues, such as braces. With many of the electric-style brushes, you can still get soft bristle heads to use with them.
Why do dentists recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes?
It will be easier on your gums and teeth. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Unfortunately, many people brush way too hard on their teeth and gums. If your toothbrush looks like the bristles have been smashed, you’re brushing too hard. More pressure does not equal better cleaning. This will destroy your toothbrush at a much faster rate than normal. In addition, this way of brushing can damage gums and wear away your tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and gum loss. Under normal conditions, you should be replacing your toothbrush every 3 months.
What are some of the different toothbrushes available today?
Traditional Toothbrushes
Just your normal plastic handle toothbrush in a million different colors and styles.
Example:
- GUM Techinique Deep Clean – Compact Soft
- Oral B CrossAction All-in-One Soft
- Tom’s of Maine Naturally Clean (Soft)
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Another popular alternative is the bamboo plastic-free toothbrush handle. Bamboo is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, all of which are great properties that make it good for mouths. In addition, it is 100% compostable, which is a huge win for the planet.
Examples:
- Isshah Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrush
- GREENZLA Bamboo Toothbrush
- Smartlife Co Ultra Soft Bamboo Toothbrush
Electric Toothbrushes
Many of these types of toothbrushes have all kinds of bells and whistles with apps, timers, affordable replacement heads, and even pressure sensors letting you know you pushing too hard. Some have heads that vibrate back and forth and others oscillate around and have intensity settings. The ones that vibrate, do so at a high rate which drives fluid between your teeth and gumline, cleaning them. The manufacturers recommended that you replace the heads every 3 months.
Examples:
- Oral B Pro 1000
- Phillips Sonicare 4100
- Brightline Sonic Rechargeable
- Sonic Toothbrush
The Sonic Toothbrush does not look like a toothbrush but more like a mouth guard with little bristles all over (that part goes in your mouth) and a small box attached to the mouth guard that sticks out of your mouth (the motor part that creates the vibration). It vibrates at a high rate which cleans your teeth. Some of them can even whiten your teeth with Blue light technology.
Water Flosser or Waterpik
Yes, technically this goes in the flossing category but hear me out. Everyone should floss and brush their teeth. But many people find flossing hard to do. This is where water flossers and waterpiks come in handy. While they do not replace flossing, they are very helpful in getting those hard-to-reach places in your mouth. In addition, they can be easier to use for people with early gum disease, teeth that are very close together, braces, or people with periodontal pockets. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you decide what’s best for you when you come in for your preventative cleaning
Example:
- Waterpick Ion
- Waterpik Aquarius
- Waterpick Cordless Express
- Oral B Water Flosser Advanced
What is the best toothbrush for me to use?
What is the best type of toothbrush? As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration. What works for you may not be the best for someone else. Don’t stop brushing and flossing no matter what type you use. After reading this and you are still not sure what you should use, give us a call or bring it up at your next dental appointment with your hygienist or dentist at Mid Cities Dental.
Sources:
ADA Recommend Soft Bristles for you
Best Toothpaste to Use