One of the most important things you need to do every day to maintain good oral health is brush your teeth. You’ve known this since you were a little kid. But you probably didn’t realize how many different types of toothbrushes are out there to choose from. In order to have your teeth optimally cleaned, it is important that you’re using the right one. Your dentist in Collinsville explains more about the different varieties of toothbrushes so you can decide which one is best for you.
Manual Toothbrushes
Even though many people swear by electric toothbrushes, manual ones are perfectly sufficient for keeping your teeth clean if you’re using a proper brushing technique. With manual toothbrushes, there are a variety of different bristle hardnesses and designs, as well as different head shapes. Here are the things you need to know in order to choose one:
Bristle Hardness
There are three different levels of stiffness:
- Soft-Bristled: This is the type of toothbrush your dentist is most likely to recommend. It is much easier on the gums and teeth while still being effective at cleaning away plaque. You are much less likely to damage your enamel with this brush.
- Medium-Bristled: If you have a healthy smile and average dental conditions, a medium-bristled toothbrush is a good option as well. It cleans your teeth just as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, you are more likely to cause damage if you aren’t using a proper brushing technique.
- Hard-Bristled: These aren’t very common anymore. Even though they are great at cleaning away plaque, they can easily damage soft tissues in the mouth and your enamel. For the majority of patients, this brush should not be used.
Bristle Design
There are many different configurations for bristles. Here are the most common:
- Wavy: These are best for reaching adjacent tooth surfaces.
- Criss-Cross: This is the most effective at removing plaque.
- Tapered: Tapered bristles are best at cleaning hard-to-reach places.
- Polishing Cup: For removing stains, this is usually your best bet.
Head Shape
There are two main head shapes you can find:
- Diamond: These tips are narrow and make it easier to brush in the back of your mouth.
- Conventional: This is a larger head than the typical diamond shaped one. However, it is difficult to use them to clean hard-to-reach places.
Electric Toothbrushes
These toothbrushes can make it easier for you to do a thorough job brushing your teeth. However, just like manual brushes, there are a few different types:
- Duel Head: This brush has two heads. One of them rotates in order to remove plaque while the other cleans away food particles and dirt.
- Counter-Oscillating: The bristles on this toothbrush rotate in different directions in order to dislodge food and plaque.
- Side to Side: These bristles move from side to side instead of rotating.
- Sonic: Sonic toothbrushes vibrate at high speeds to dislodge plaque.
Next time you go to pick out a toothbrush, make sure that you are considering the variety that is out there. Having proper dental tools is necessary for optimal oral health.
About the Author
At Collinsville Dental Associates, you have not just one, but two skilled dentists. Dr. Jessica Quach and Dr. Michael Lavinder both earned their doctorates from what is now the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Lavinder has been working in the field for over four decades and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. For more information on oral hygiene or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (276) 647-1494