Brushing our teeth is something most of us do regularly. It is an important part of our overall hygiene. Oftentimes we fall into the habit of brushing twice daily with little thought behind the products we're using. Most people don't realize that researching and purchasing the best toothbrush will have enormous health benefits. Here at Simply Silver Mouthwash, our main goal is to offer high-quality products at great prices.Most of us go for the cheapest brand we can find. We don't realize how long we are committing to it. Think about it: it is recommended that you change out your toothbrush every four months at least. Assuming a frequency of twice daily, that's 240 uses per brush. You deserve to have a high-quality toothbrush that will give your mouth the care it needs. If finding the best toothbrush is of interest to you, stick around and read on.
Different Types of Toothbrushes
Manual Toothbrush
Let's start with the one we all know and love. Almost everyone has owned one of these in their lives. They are cheaper than electric brushes. They don't take up much room in your luggage. Did you know that manual brushes have a few different styles to choose from? There are plenty of variations to suit any individual using them:
Head Shape
The head of the toothbrush can be round or square at the end. A toothbrush head can also be diamond-shaped. The diamond style is typically the most beneficial. This is because the point of the diamond makes it easier to reach the backs and sides of your molars.
You will want to choose a head shape that is small enough to maneuver hard-to-reach places inside your mouth. The best toothbrush for you will probably have a head size that covers only one or two teeth at a time.
Handle Shape
You wouldn't think the shape of the toothbrush's handle would have any impact on your brushing experience. For a long time, straight handles were the only type available on the market. Experts then began to think about the angles needed to reach those back teeth and molars. Other handle shapes became available as a result.Aside from straight, a few different handle shapes include flexible, non-slip gripped handles, and contra-angled handles. The non-slip grip and flexible handles can be straight or angled. These are designed for added ease of use and ergonomics. The contra-angle handles involve a slight bend halfway down the neck of the brush. This bend is highly beneficial for reaching the wisdom teeth and farthest back molars.
Bristle Design
Toothbrushes have become much more than simple rows of bristles. Many unique patterns have been introduced over the years to suit the needs of every individual. Popular designs include wavy and tapered patterns as well as crisscrossing. There are even bristles that mimic polishing cups.Wavy patterned bristles are ideal for gum health. Tapered bristle patterns help to make cleaning as efficient as possible. They are beneficial for thoroughly cleaning the surface of the teeth, the gum line, and even those tough-to-reach interdental places. Crisscrossing bristles can greatly reduce gingivitis and the risk thereof. Polishing cup bristles are great for helping the toothpaste stay on the bristles. These may help whiten the teeth as well as clean them.
Bristle Strength
The strength of bristles on your toothbrush is as simple as soft, medium, or hard. Most people use soft bristles as they are more universally accepted. Individuals with plaque may want to try tougher ones. While hard bristles are advantageous for plaque, be aware that brushing too hard with tough bristles could damage the gums or the enamel over time.
Brushes with hard bristles tend to last longer than softer ones. If you are prone to plaque and don't feel like a soft-bristle brush will benefit you, it may be a good idea to check out medium bristle strength. You get a longer shelf life and can use the brush regularly without fear of ruining your enamel or gums.
Electric Toothbrush
Most of us have used or seen one of these, as well. They are a staple of any at-home bathroom. The main benefit of using an electric toothbrush is in the bristles. They will vibrate and/or rotate to give you an effortless brushing experience. These are also great for getting all the nooks and crannies. This is because the head of the brush is usually much smaller than a manual brush head.What's cool about these is that some of them have a timer function. It helps you ensure you're brushing for the full two minutes. When you brush manually, your arm does the work and can only do side-to-side brushing. The multiple directions an electric brush can perform will go a long way in reducing the risk of gingivitis and plaque.
Interdental Toothbrush
In your search for the best toothbrush, you may come across an interdental style brush. This is also called an interproximal brush. The interdental space refers to the gap between your teeth where the gums are. This space is tricky to get to, so the interdental brush was made with this in mind. This type of brush is typically plastic and disposable. It is especially beneficial for those who have braces and need to get between those wires.The handle can be angled or integral for added ease of use. Some people use this in tandem with regular brushing. The benefit of doing both is a significant reduction in the risk of gingivitis. You may also greatly reduce plaque.
Ecological Toothbrush
Just like the name implies, this toothbrush keeps ecological impacts in mind. To combat pollution, ecological toothbrushes avoid plastic. They are typically made of biodegradable materials. You will find the handles are mostly made of wood. The bristles can be made of bamboo or pig hair. Some of these even go a step further and offer replaceable heads. These are usually biodegradable as well.
End-Tuft Toothbrush
This type of toothbrush has a small, round brush head (similar to electric toothbrush heads). It has seven little groups of soft bristles, normally nylon. These bristles are tightly packed together into "tufts" and trimmed at an angle. This is so that the center bristles are longer and equipped to reach those deeper, smaller crevices. The design of these brushes, from the handle to the bristles, is made to be as ergonomically friendly as possible.The handle is often built with grip, control, and precision in mind. This type of brush is ideal for tricky spaces. These can include reaching wisdom teeth, crowded teeth, and areas near missing teeth. End-tuft brushes are also great for any dental appliances such as dentures, caps, implants, bridges, and even braces.
Chewable Toothbrush
This is perhaps the easiest and most popular option for on-the-go. The chewable toothbrush takes the form of a miniature molded brush. It typically looks like the circular head of the end-tuft or electric brush. It's made of plastic, is one-time use, and is disposable. It is truly the best toothbrush for traveling. It even has different flavors such as bubble gum and mint.This brush is popular with younger children as well, especially those with decreased dexterity. If you're wondering how efficient these are, they are often seen as an equally effective alternative to manual brushing.
Sulcabrush
This small brush is great for concentrated areas, namely the interdental spaces. The bristles of this brush are typically shaped like an arrow. The point of the arrow can clean along the gum line. Sulcabrushes are a solid choice for spot-cleaning specific areas you can't get with your everyday brush. This type could be additionally effective if used in tandem with normal brushing. Keep these in mind for in-between crowns, crowded or overlapping teeth, and bridges as well.
So, Which Is the Best Toothbrush for Me?
If you find that you like a few of the types listed above, don't be afraid to be exploratory. You may also find it's most beneficial to double up. You can use the Sulcabrush along with your electric brush. You can also use the interdental brush with your ecological one.To use with your new toothbrush, we offer the cleanest and most effective oral care products on the market. Thanks to Heather The Hygienist, none of our products contain harmful chemicals such as SLS, fluoride, glycerin, GMOs, TEA, alcohol, parabens, or even abrasive agents. They also contain zero artificial colors or sweeteners. They are ideal even for the most sensitive teeth.
Time for a New Brush?
Although the possibilities are vast, there is a perfect dental hygiene routine out there just for you. If you have any questions or are unsure of where to begin we invite you to use our consultant services. We'll help you get on track with the best care options for you.We also encourage you to read our blog. You deserve the best dental hygiene, and when it comes to your mouth, you can't learn too much. Check out the products that started it all: our Simply Silver Mouthwash, Toothpaste, and Breath Spray, all 100% natural. Give us a call, send an email, or stop by us at Simply Silver Mouthwash to get a consultation. Let us help you get started on your path to top-notch dental hygiene!