How to choose a toothbrush? Advantages and disadvantages of different models

The personal hygiene kit for each person must include a toothbrush. It is intended for daily oral care and dental plaque removal. Regular brushing with a toothbrush reduces the risk of calculus and age spots. An incorrectly selected brush will not do the job and may even damage your gums and tooth enamel.

Material, stiffness and dimensions of bristles for a toothbrush

The assortment of toothbrushes allows you to choose an option for each person. The consumer first of all looks at the stubble, which is evaluated according to the following parameters:

1. material of manufacture;

2. rigidity;

3. dimensions and length.

Dentists advise choosing small brushes because they are easier to handle and clean in hard-to-reach areas. The size of the working surface for an adult should not exceed 30 mm, and for children they stop at 18-25 mm. These brushes are easy to handle.

Manufacturing material

Natural bristles of toothbrushes are often a publicity stunt. Dentists do not recommend using these models because bacteria multiply in them. They compromise oral hygiene, so it is best to use artificial bristles.

Rigidity

An important parameter that affects comfortable cleaning is hardness. The larger the fiber diameter, the harder the bristles are. Dentists classify brushes into the following hardness categories:

1. Ultra Soft – for people with high sensitivity, as well as for small children;

2. Soft – for people with painful sensations in the gums, for children from 5 to 12 years old;

3. Medium – for adults and children over 12 years old;

4. Hard – for those who do not have gum problems and need high-quality cleaning.

The best option for an adult is Medium brushes, and if you have sensitivity problems, then choose soft bristles. Hardness and Extra Hard are selected only in special cases on the recommendation of a doctor.

What are the main types of toothbrushes?

Products for oral hygiene are produced by Russian and foreign manufacturers. When manufacturing, the recommendations of dentists and research indicators are taken into account. Thanks to this, a model is selected that is suitable for a person, taking into account his individual requirements.

First of all, toothbrushes are classified by age group:

1. children (for babies, for children under 12 years old);

2. teenage (from 12 to 18 years old);

3. adults.

Hygiene products for different ages differ from each other in size, bristle stiffness and design.

Brushes are divided into separate groups depending on the purpose of use:

1. hygienic;

2. periodontal;

3. specialized (for prostheses).

They are similar in appearance, but differ in characteristics and effects on the teeth.

Hygienic brushes

Most people use traditional hygiene brushes to take care of their healthy teeth. They are used every day 2-3 times to get rid of plaque and protect the oral cavity from bacteria.

Advantages

• simple construction;

• affordable cost;

• long-term operation.

disadvantages

• you need to brush your teeth thoroughly and for a long time.

Such brushes are called classic. They are sold literally in any supermarket.

Periodontal brushes

Periodontal toothbrushes are recommended by professional dentists for treating diseases. They help to delicately clean the tooth surface from plaque when problems are already observed.

Advantages

• a special shape of the brush field for better cleaning;

• different stiffness of the bristles to choose from;

• voluminous bristles for a massage effect.

disadvantages

• the complexity of the choice;

• high price.

Such brushes are diverse, therefore they are selected individually for themselves, but the cost can be high.

Special brushes

Specialized toothbrushes for the care of dentures and orthodontic appliances are offered separately. They are also sometimes recommended for cleaning twisted and damaged teeth.

Advantages

• wear-resistant bristles;

• ergonomic shape.

disadvantages

• it is advisable to choose according to the recommendations of dentists.

These brushes should only be used by those who wear orthodontic structures or prostheses.

Division by class and principle of operation includes the following groups:

1. mechanical;

2. electrical;

3. ultrasonic;

4. ionic.

Mechanical brushes

A power brush is a common option. Many people use it in the vast majority of cases, providing the necessary oral hygiene. Such models differ from each other primarily in the size and stiffness of the bristles, and some of them are equipped with rubber inserts for cleaning the tongue.

Advantages

• ease of use;

• affordable cost;

• pressure and pressure control.

disadvantages

• you need to monitor the cleaning time;

• to achieve the result, you must have the skills of proper cleaning.

Again, these are simple classic brushes, convenient and inexpensive.

Electric brushes

Advanced models – electric brushes designed for the most effective dental care. They are equipped with a motor and offer several operating modes.

Advantages

• quick teeth cleaning – no more than 2 minutes;

• no effort required;

• cleaning and massage of the gums.

disadvantages

• not recommended for severe dental problems;

• high price.

Such brushes, thanks to interchangeable heads, can be used by all family members, but the cost is significantly higher than conventional mechanical products.

Ultrasonic and ionic brushes

The category of electrical models includes ionic and ultrasonic brushes. They differ only in the principle of operation. In these devices, the bristles are driven by a high frequency sound, which provides a speed of vibration.

Advantages

• cleaning efficiency;

• ease of use;

• quick removal of plaque.

disadvantages

• limited lineup;

• high price.

How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush?

Electric models are popular with both adults and children. They are equipped with a special working unit, in which the bristles move by vibration up and down or in a circle. Movement is provided by an electric motor and a power source.

The process of brushing with such a device becomes much easier, because you just need to bring the bristles to your teeth to start the process. This is useful for children who do not yet have sufficient oral care skills. Due to the speed of vibration, it is possible to quickly remove plaque on the teeth.

In the set of such devices, nozzles are supplied, thanks to which additional functions appear:

1. massage;

2. polishing;

3. deep cleaning;

4. cleaning in hard-to-reach places.

The specific model is selected depending on your own preferences and individual characteristics of the teeth in order to achieve the result.

Modern models have a 3D cleaning function that allows you to perform both reciprocating movements and pulsation. Thanks to the voluminous movements of the hairs, the effect is immediately applied to all sides of the tooth.

Dentists warn about some contraindications to the use of electric brushes:

1. diseases of the oral cavity;

2. stomatitis, gingivitis;

3. consequences of operations;

4. high tooth mobility and so on.

In these cases, the high speed of movement of the bristles can only harm the teeth, so it is better to use a classic brush until the problem is completely eliminated.

When choosing a specific model, pay attention first of all to the head with bristles. It should not be too large so that difficulties arise. As the wear progresses, replacement is carried out, and the device itself continues to serve. The mass of an electric toothbrush is 150-200 grams.

Advanced models of brushes have special nozzles coated with silver or gold. These materials provide additional cleaning and prevent the spread of bacteria in the mouth. When choosing budget models, it is better to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. the number of speed modes;

2. type of power supply;

3. features of work and additional functions;

4. available attachments.

Thanks to the attachments, all family members use one electric brush – all you need to do is change the heads themselves.

For convenience, the brushes are equipped with LED and sound indicators. An audible signal notifies when brushing is finished. Indicators show the battery charge level and control the pressure on the tooth surface to prevent damage.

Dentists warn about caution when using an electric toothbrush. It is better to have a mechanical brush in stock.

What are the benefits of ultrasonic toothbrushes?

Today manufacturers offer ultrasonic toothbrushes that are created using advanced technology. They are distinguished by both ease of use and high efficiency with regular use. Ultrasonic brushes help fight tartar, gently affect the gums and prevent irritation.

The principle of operation is as follows:

1. built-in motor generates a sound wave;

2. the sound makes the bristles vibrate at a frequency of 1.6 MHz;

3. the working head cleans even in hard-to-reach places.

The advantages of this cleaning method are its complete safety for the oral cavity and the human body. Exposure to the ultrasonic wave does not affect other organs. Instead, this high-frequency sound helps fight bacteria and inflammation. The large number of available attachments further expands the standard options.

There are no restrictions on the use of such a brush, unlike an electric one. Dentists only warn people who have gum problems or who have had any dental implant surgery.

Advantages of ionic toothbrushes

The ionic toothbrush embodies the achievements of recent years in the dental industry. These models are produced on a large scale in Japan at high-tech factories, after which they are sent all over the world.

The principle of operation is as follows:

1. the body contains a rod made of special metal;

2. after activation, a light charge is passed through the rod and creates a different polarity;

3. due to the different polarity, the attraction of dental plaque and the removal of microbes in the oral cavity is ensured.

The effect of ionic toothbrushes is to whiten the tooth surface. Over time, you can get rid of the consequences of heavy drinking and smoking. Another benefit is the complete elimination of harmful bacteria.

These brushes work easily because you don't even need to touch your teeth to brush. This ensures safety and protection from irritation and pain.

Each toothbrush has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to follow dentist recommendations and brush your teeth regularly. Mechanical brushes, electric, ultrasonic and ionic models are available to everyone at attractive prices. But remember the importance of visiting your doctor and consulting with him about dental care.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right electric toothbrush and the secrets of choosing an oral irrigator.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.