When it comes to toothbrushes, it may seem as though there are about a million designs out there from which to choose. So much so that it can often feel a little overwhelming. Does any of it even matter, or will any old toothbrush do? Here are a few answers to common questions about the types of toothbrushes available today.
Does the bristle design matter?
While manufacturers often advertise that their bristle designs are superior to all other models, this is usually untrue. The fact of the matter is that just about any bristle design will work for you, as long as you use the toothbrush in the manner that it was intended.
Should I use an electric toothbrush or a manual one?
This is one of the most common questions out there for toothbrush purchasers, and for a good reason. Ever since the inception of electric brushes, manufacturers have long claimed that they are better than regular brushes at removing plaque and other obstructions from your teeth and gums. The truth of the matter here, though, is that there is no actual data to suggest that this is the case. The actual decision to use an electric brush comes down to nothing more than personal preference. A child, for instance, may prefer an electric toothbrush to a conventional one because they view them as more fun. A person with a physical handicap may also prefer this type of toothbrush due to the decrease in motor skills required to use one. Ultimately, both types of brushes can effectively clean your teeth.
Should I purchase a toothbrush with hard or soft bristles?
Conventional wisdom may have you believe that the harder the bristles on a toothbrush, the better it cleans, but this may not always be the case. If a brush’s bristles are too hard, it can actually lead to the tooth being damaged or having its enamel stripped away. It can also lead to having a receding gum line, damaging your gums as well.
Should I purchase an ultrasonic toothbrush?
An ultrasonic toothbrush is an electric toothbrush that moves extremely rapidly, much more so than your typical brush. These types of brushes typically require less time and effort than other toothbrushes but are also considerably more expensive. As with most products in this category, these are generally considered a luxury, and while they can be shown to have improved plaque removal and gingivitis prevention, the increase is not significant enough to warrant a huge cost difference. If the added benefit of time and extra prevention are worthwhile to you, this may be the right option to choose.
There are so many different types of toothbrushes out there, all with different styles, features, and designs. Some will tout advanced plaque removal tools and other conveniences, and often these claims can be true to a certain degree, but at the end of the day, proper dental hygiene, a consistent schedule, and a proper diet will do more for your teeth than the type of brush you choose to use.
What is the most effective way to brush my teeth?
While there are many schools of thought on brushing technique, there is one generally accepted method that is considered the most effective. This method involves rotating the brush in small circles around the teeth and gums, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to maximize the brush coverage on the surface area of the teeth. Start at the tip of your teeth and work your way down to the edges. Following this method ensures that you remove the maximum amount of plaque and other obstructions from the harder-to-reach areas in your mouth.
What types of toothpaste are the most effective?
Another contentious point for many is the type and brand of toothpaste they use. It’s easy to become confused and a bit overwhelmed by the sheer choice available, but it is relatively straightforward to narrow it down.
One of the questions a lot of people ask today is whether they should use an established brand, such as Colgate, or a more natural smaller brand, such as Tom’s. The truth is that when compared to each other there isn’t much difference between them for the most part. Tom’s is just as effective in comparison to bigger brands as long as you’re not using the non-fluoridated option.
Pretty much all brands, including the likes of Colgate and Tom’s, contain ingredients that they will promote as being beneficial, but the most important element of all is the fluoride content.
Fluoride is responsible for preventing tooth decay, which explains why it is such an important factor when deciding which toothpaste to buy for you and your family, and is also why you should look at the option of using Enamelon toothpaste. Using Stannis Fluoride, which is considered by dental experts to be the most efficient form of fluoride for dental treatment, Enamelon is available over the counter, although it is recommended that you check with your dentist to make sure you’re an ideal candidate for such treatment.
In conclusion, when it comes to toothpaste it is down to personal choice. Just be sure to check that the fluoride content is up to par. Besides that, the other benefits will differ from brand to brand and type to type.
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