Did you know that you will spend over 82 days brushing your teeth throughout your life? The Oral Health Organization notes that with the average life expectancy being 81.5 years, the average person brushes for 1,983.16 hours. With so much time spent on brushing, you may as well ensure that you are using a good toothbrush.
A good toothbrush, however, does more than just make your brushing experience comfortable. It also goes a long way in improving your oral health. Reaching the farthest crevices in the mouth – and effectively removing plaque and tartar – a good toothbrush helps you avoid tooth cavities, bad breathe, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and much more.
When looking for a toothbrush, you need to consider a wide range of factors. In this detailed guide, Linea Clear will take a deeper look at factors like toothbrush head, ADA approval, and mode of operation.
Don’t Make Mistakes When Buying a New Toothbrush: Consider These 6 Factors
1. Toothbrush Head
The best toothbrush should have a head that allows you easy access to all the surfaces on your teeth. For most adults, a toothbrush head 0.5 inches wide and 1-inch tall is the most effective and easiest to use. While you may come across larger heads, you may find it extra hard to maneuver them to reach the hard-to-clean areas – for example, the backs and sides of the molars.
2. Type of Bristles
Toothbrushes carry 3 types of bristles – hard, medium, and soft. This remains the case whether you are using a mechanical or manual toothbrush.
When it comes to the type of bristle, soft nylon offers the best experience. Soft nylon does not cause damage to your gum and teeth. Medium and hard bristles can damage your enamel, exposing the tooth to damage that often results from acidic drinks, sugary foods, and non-ideal oral care.
3. Bristle Shape
Toothbrush bristles are available in 2 distinct shapes – straight and rounded. The shape of the bristles features a significant impact on your overall oral health.
Straight bristles often feature sharp and jagged tips. These may cut your gums and leave them with injuries that may increase your chances of inflammation and infections. What’s more, straight bristles may worsen your symptoms if you have sensitive teeth.
Rounded bristles, on the other hand, help you avoid injuring your gums. Leaving you without injuries, rounded bristles reduce your chances of inflammation and infections.
4. ADA Approval
ADA-approved toothbrushes have been tested to ensure they are functional and effective. The American Dental Association notes that each approved toothbrush carries an ADA seal of acceptance. The ADA seal of acceptance means that:
The bristles on the brush are safe.
The handle is sturdy enough to support daily use.
The bristles won’t fall off during brushing.
The toothbrush can reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
5. Ergonomics
A toothbrush featuring an ergonomic design will be ideal for people working on developing their motor skills – this could include children. Specially designed toothbrushes can flex and bend, which helps in the cleaning of some hard-to-reach areas.
When in the market for a new toothbrush, look for one featuring a handle that is easy to grip. The handle should be long enough, allowing you to hold it in your hand and reach the teeth in the farthest corner of your mouth.
While you only need to brush for two minutes per day, an uncomfortable toothbrush can make the two minutes feel much longer.
6. Toothbrush Operation
When it comes to toothbrush operation, you get to choose between powered/electric and manual toothbrushes. When making a choice based on the toothbrush operation, your choice will depend on preference.
Both electric and manual toothbrushes do a good job cleaning your teeth. The only thing that may separate the two is the cost. As you would expect, a toothbrush powered by electricity or batteries will feature a higher cost than the one you operate manually.
The higher cost of the electric toothbrush, however, may be worth it if it works better for you. Before deciding whether to go with the electric or manual, try both. Settle on the one that offers you the most benefits.
Combine a Good Toothbrush with Teeth Straightening to Achieve a Flawless Smile
A good toothbrush – when combined with professional teeth cleaning every 6 months – will keep your teeth white and healthy. However, if you have misaligned or crooked teeth, even the most standout toothbrush will not solve your problem.
The team of professional orthodontists at Linea Clear, however, will straighten your teeth, helping you achieve a flawless smile. Taking advantage of decades of experience, these orthodontists use transparent teeth aligners to fix crooked teeth.
Handling patients separately, the orthodontists at Linea Clear look into each case carefully, gathering all the necessary medical information before recommending the best invisible teeth aligners. Answering all questions about cosmetic dental procedures, Linea Clear ensures each client understands teeth straightening before getting started with the orthodontic treatment.
Are you tired of being insecure with your smile? Book a FREE e-consultation today. We will help you leave the insecurity behind and gain the confidence you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I buy a new toothbrush?
The CDC recommends buying a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. This ensures that the toothbrush bristles are still effective and the bacteria accumulation on the brush is minimal. However, if the bristles on your toothbrush wear out before 3 months are over, you may need to replace the toothbrush sooner.
Can I share my toothbrush with my kids?
Your kids must have their toothbrushes – that is, one toothbrush for each kid. Toothbrushes can still have bacteria on their bristles after rinsing. Sharing toothbrushes with your kids increases infection risk.
How do I keep my toothbrush clean?
After brushing your teeth, rinse the toothbrush with clean tap water. Next, let the toothbrush air-dry. After drying the toothbrush, keep it upright during storage. If you store multiple toothbrushes in one hold, ensure they are not touching.
Does storing toothbrushes in a closed container discourage bacteria growth?
Contrary to what you may expect, storing your toothbrush in a closed container encourages the growth of bacteria. For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid storing toothbrushes in a closed space or covering them.
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