We often find ourselves on the pharmacy or supermarket shelves disconcerted by the great offer of bristles in toothbrushes. They come in different shapes, models and sizes. This makes it difficult for us to make the right choice according to our needs.
Taking care of dental health is a much more important issue than most people think. We are unaware of how much brushing and other treatments that depend on our daily habits affect the health of our teeth. For example, very soft manual toothbrushes will have some advantages, but we need to know which ones to understand if they will be helpful.
That’s why knowing how to choose between different toothbrush bristles becomes a priority when starting such care. Here, we leave you some recommendations on different types of toothbrushes and how to select a suitable brush.
What are the types of toothbrush bristles?
The bristles are classified according to their bristles into:
Hard toothbrush bristles have greater erosion and are stronger and more rigid. This makes them more durable. This brush is recommended for people who enjoy excellent oral health and do not show sensitivity in their teeth or gums. It removes dental plaque faster. Remember that you should not press hard when brushing because you can damage the soft tissues resulting in gum recession. It can as wear down tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Its diameter is greater than 0.35 millimeters.
The bristles have a balanced texture. They are the most recommended brushes by dentists to most of the population. There are soft and hard, depending on their flexibility. Its diameter is 0.30 millimeters.
Ideal for sensitive gums and teeth. Also, for those who suffer from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). It can also be used for the most advanced stage, called periodontitis(detachment of the gums from the tooth). Its diameter is 0.17 millimeters.
Ultra-soft, Extra soft or Post-surgical
These brushes are used when the gum is extremely sensitive for oral hygiene while healing is carried out after surgery or extraction. Its diameter is 0.06 millimeters.
An ultra-soft bristled toothbrush could be the ideal choice to avoid irritating the gums and oral cavity in certain very delicate situations. It is usually used in the delicate post-operative phase in which it is challenging to practice regular oral hygiene without the risk of inflaming the gums
Which brush should I use?
As for the bristles, these are of different sizes, thicknesses, and shapes and vary in length. In addition, depending on the model of the brush, they can be distributed at different angles and degrees of compaction. The choice between one or the other will depend on your needs and the pressure you apply when brushing your teeth.
If you have gingivitis or tooth sensitivity, it is best to use an ultra-soft bristle toothbrush, as its bristles are less aggressive to gums and tooth enamel.
Hard-bristled toothbrushes are not recommended as a rule. Although many believe that the bristles’ increased hardness and strength are linked to better dental cleaning, this statement is incorrect.
Unlike an ultra-soft bristle toothbrush, using a hard toothbrush puts more pressure on the teeth. As a result, we could damage our enamel, causing injury to the gums and developing a greater sensitivity to brushing itself.
If you buy a hard toothbrush and after a few weeks we see worn bristles, it means that we are putting a lot of pressure on a toothbrush that is damaging our teeth. In this case, opting for an ultra-soft toothbrush will be better.
In general, medium-hard toothbrushes are more flexible and effective in cleaning to remove plaque and food residues without damaging the enamel. Using a very soft toothbrush, the care of the teeth and the precision in eliminating food debris will be greater.
Other factors to consider in choosing a type of toothbrush
The size of the toothbrush is also essential, especially if you use an ultra-soft toothbrush. The brush head must have the appropriate measures to be able to clean two teeth at the same time. In this case, the ideal is to use toothbrushes with small or medium heads since those with large heads usually do not reach certain areas of the mouth, which can promote tooth decay.
The conventional toothbrushes we regularly use have 3 or 4 rows of bristles; They should be nylon, with rounded ends. The most advisable thing is to use brushes with bristles without inclination, arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the brush’s body. The handle must be compact and without corners. It is generally non-slip, and its flexibility can vary.
One detail that hardly anyone pays attention to is the number and quality of the bristles in very soft toothbrushes. The more fibers the toothbrush has, the greater the surface covered and the better the overall hygiene. That is why buying a manual toothbrush with soft bristles at different heights is best. They will adapt better to the shape of your teeth and better reach the natural curves of your teeth. Remember, the fibers must be nylon with a rounded tip to avoid injury to your gums.
Good toothbrushing technique
It is essential to integrate good brushing into our daily routine. A good toothbrush should be able to wipe back and forth in short strokes and cover the teeth completely. This means it should clean your teeth on the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
The useful life of the brush is approximately three months. If the tufts of the head deteriorate before this period, that is, they are open; it must be changed.
So choose the right toothbrush, consult your dentist or pharmacist, and follow these basic tips:
· Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
· Brush 3 times a day
· Complete your daily hygiene with dental floss or interdental brushes and with the rinse of a mouthwash.
· Do not keep the brush in a cover, as humidity favors the appearance of microorganisms and bacteria. Clean it well after each use and let it dry upright.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one you feel most comfortable with since it is a tool that will be used every day. In short, keep in mind that in addition to how to use the toothbrush, choosing a suitable model will also be necessary to take care of your oral hygiene.
Ask your dentist if you’re unsure which type of toothbrush bristle is best for you. Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one you feel most comfortable with since it is a tool that will be used every day.