Underestimating your dental condition could affect your overall physical well being. Unknown to many, gum disease can trigger more serious health issues such as heart problems or diabetes. We are always reminded to keep our teeth clean and our gums healthy.
Brushing is one of the most basic dental hygiene habits that dentists have been teaching us since we were young. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, because the required frequency of brushing causes the toothbrush to accumulate bacteria over time. This can cause problems for your teeth.
Most people buy their toothbrush based on brand popularity, price, or even color! But the truth is, choosing the right kind of toothbrush should be a more calculated decision.
With the series of innovations and improvements, the face of the toothbrush has changed since its first invention in the late 1930s. Back then, toothbrushes were all made of nylon and consumers didn’t have any other options. But times have changed and the toothbrush market has become more competitive. Several advancements have provided us with more modern and effective toothbrush designs that can help us maintain clean teeth everyday.
But what is a "good toothbrush"? We have some pointers below to guide you in choosing the right type of toothbrush to buy.
Picking a Good Toothbrush
Bristle Variety
You can find three types of bristles in the market today: soft, medium, and hard nylon. For a majority of people, a soft bristled toothbrush is highly recommended since it is easy to use and feels more comfortable than the other two. In fact, medium and hard bristles can actually damage the gums and destroy the teeth's protective layer or the enamel. It also pushes back the gums exposing a portion of the tooth root which can result in higher teeth sensitivity.
Toothbrush Head
The size and shape of your toothbrush head should always go together with the shape of your mouth. Some toothbrush heads are too large to get to the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth such as the back portion of your molars. You don't want to finish brushing your teeth knowing that you haven't cleaned all areas. Preferably, get yourself a toothbrush with a slender and rounder head so that you can effectively get rid of the food particles and materials that can potentially create a plaque build-up.
Expert Recommendation
Toothbrush brands that have passed the American Dental Association is one step to assure their quality. These brands have undergone expert tests to make sure that consumers won't fall for false advertisements that promise effective toothbrushing but give them otherwise. Invest in a toothbrush that can really give you a cleaner mouth after using it. They may be more expensive, but you'll eventually save money if you are able to protect yourself from dental problems like tooth decay.
Toothbrush Ergonomics
It's best to pick a toothbrush with ergonomic qualities in its handle. This gives you a more comfortable feel and grip as you maneuver it while brushing. Also, look for a non-slip handle especially if you have arthritis or a fine-motor problem to make brushing more convenient. Toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Approval are all safe to use, but not all of them suit everyone. For example, one study suggests that some electric toothbrushes do not remove as much bacteria as their manual counterparts. People with healthy immune systems and no heart-related issues can handle it alright, but people who have pre-existing health issues may be affected.
Choosing a toothbrush matters. Many people are not aware of the significance of having a good toothbrush until they experience damaged gums or dental problems. Brushing is an important daily routine for your teeth and can give you several advantages to keep away more severe dental problems. It’s a good thing that manufacturing companies also indicate the correct age group in their packaging to make sure you pick the right brush for you and your family.
If you're still unsure about which toothbrush is best for you, ask for a recommendation from VPreston Dental. We are happy to guide your next toothbrush purchase.