Good oral hygiene is very important – not only for dental health but for the overall wellbeing of your body. For oral hygiene, a good and effective toothbrush plays a key role in cleaning the mouth and in removing tartar and plaque. There are many choices out there when it comes to toothbrushes, which makes it difficult to know exactly what to look for in a toothbrush. To choose the right toothbrush, you need to look at some factors, such as the size of the brush head, shape and type of bristles, and whether it’s been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Here is how to choose a toothbrush.
Types of Toothbrushes
Here are some of the toothbrushes that you should know:
1. Manual Toothbrush
A manual toothbrush is the most common type of toothbrush, and it’s readily available in most homes. Manual toothbrushes usually requires you to manually brush your teeth for two minutes. The four primary formats of manual brushes are bristle hardness, head shape, bristle pattern, and handle design.
2. Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush usually performs rotations of its bristles and cleans hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and teeth. Electric toothbrushes are run by a motor, and some can last up to six weeks before the battery drains. Although they cost more than manual ones, electric toothbrushes are effortless when brushing and only require a button press. Other types of electric brushes include;
- Sonic toothbrushes.
- Inter-dental brush
- Sulcabrush
- End-tuft brush, and others.
ADA Seal of Approval/Acceptance
The ADA Seal of Approval has been the leading mark of dental product safety and efficacy for 90 years. The Seal of Approval indicates that the toothbrush is both safe and efficacious for the removal of plaque and reduction of gingivitis. A product usually earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance if it provides scientific evidence that demonstrates safety and efficacy, which the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates according to objective requirements. You should therefore choose a toothbrush that has an ADA Seal of Approval.
What does a Toothbrush need to do?
Here are some of the things that a toothbrush needs to do for good dental hygiene:
- Reach all surfaces of your teeth.
- Have bristles that can reach between your teeth.
- Have a comfortable grip so that you can use it most effectively.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
One of the most important things about brushing your teeth is to replace a worn toothbrush to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles. Manual brushes and automatic toothbrush heads need to be replaced every three to four months to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Why Choose Junction Dental?
Junction Dental is a community-based, locally-owned practice that creates partnerships with patients in a fun and relaxing environment. We emphasize health, and prevention, and utilize state-of-the-art dental technology to deliver outstanding, long-term results. Our focus is on you! We listen to your needs to provide clear and transparent patient-centered service. If you are you’re looking for a new dental home, the dental professionals at Junction Dental are ready to serve you. Contact us to learn more and get started.