Types of Toothbrushes and How to Choose Them
There are various types and shapes of toothbrushes on the market. It is important for you to know the types of toothbrushes and their functions because the right type of toothbrush determines its effectiveness in cleaning teeth and gums.
Whatever the type, the role of a toothbrush, in general, is to remove plaque and food debris that builds upon the teeth and gums. This is important for preventing tooth and gum decay, as well as keeping your breath fresh.
Various innovations have been made to make toothbrushes that are most effective in cleaning the oral cavity and prevent health problems for teeth, gums, and tongue. This is why there are now so many different kinds of toothbrushes.
Various Kinds of Toothbrushes and How to Choose Them
The following are the types and functions of toothbrushes based on the size of the head, bristles, and how to operate them:
1. Toothbrush head size
The size of the toothbrush head determines how much reach and how effective it is in cleaning teeth. There are two types of toothbrush head sizes, namely toothbrushes with small heads and toothbrushes with wide heads. Choose a toothbrush that fits your needs.
Small head toothbrushes usually have a brush head that is 1 inch wide or smaller. Due to the small size of the brush head, this type of toothbrush is suitable for cleaning narrow nooks and crannies, especially if you use braces.
A wide head toothbrush has a brush head that is more than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Thanks to the wide brush head, this type of toothbrush can reach a wider area of the teeth and gums, making brushing more effective, faster, and cleaner.
2. Toothbrush bristles
In addition, choose a toothbrush that has sleek, soft, and strong bristles, so that the bristles are able to reach the narrow spaces between your teeth and are strong enough to pick up stubborn dental plaque on the surface or between the teeth.
3. Toothbrush operation
From how to operate it, there are 2 kinds of toothbrushes, namely manual and electric toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush whose bristles can move and rotate automatically. Meanwhile, with a manual toothbrush, you have to control the movement and rotation of the bristles yourself.
Although the price difference is quite large, the effectiveness of the two types of toothbrushes is not that far. As long as you brush your teeth the right way, both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in removing plaque on your teeth and gums.
How to care for and store a toothbrush
In addition to choosing the right type of toothbrush and according to your needs, you also have to take care of your toothbrush properly. The reason is, a toothbrush has the potential to become a nest of bacteria. The following is how to care for a good toothbrush:
Having a good toothbrush is not enough to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. You must also adopt good tooth brushing habits. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
When brushing your teeth, make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth down to between them, including between the gums and teeth. When brushing your front teeth, brush your teeth gently in a circular or vertical motion. Don't forget to rub your tongue too.
In addition, don't forget to do routine dental checks to the dentist every 6 months. If you are still unsure about choosing the right toothbrush because you have certain health conditions, you can consult a dentist.
Whatever the type, the role of a toothbrush, in general, is to remove plaque and food debris that builds upon the teeth and gums. This is important for preventing tooth and gum decay, as well as keeping your breath fresh.
Various innovations have been made to make toothbrushes that are most effective in cleaning the oral cavity and prevent health problems for teeth, gums, and tongue. This is why there are now so many different kinds of toothbrushes.
Various Kinds of Toothbrushes and How to Choose Them
The following are the types and functions of toothbrushes based on the size of the head, bristles, and how to operate them:
1. Toothbrush head size
The size of the toothbrush head determines how much reach and how effective it is in cleaning teeth. There are two types of toothbrush head sizes, namely toothbrushes with small heads and toothbrushes with wide heads. Choose a toothbrush that fits your needs.
Small head toothbrushes usually have a brush head that is 1 inch wide or smaller. Due to the small size of the brush head, this type of toothbrush is suitable for cleaning narrow nooks and crannies, especially if you use braces.
A wide head toothbrush has a brush head that is more than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Thanks to the wide brush head, this type of toothbrush can reach a wider area of the teeth and gums, making brushing more effective, faster, and cleaner.
2. Toothbrush bristles
There are three types of toothbrush bristles, namely soft, medium, and hard bristles. You are advised to choose soft and soft bristles because medium or hard bristles have the potential to cause mouth sores and damage to your gums, root surface, and tooth enamel.
In addition, choose a toothbrush that has sleek, soft, and strong bristles, so that the bristles are able to reach the narrow spaces between your teeth and are strong enough to pick up stubborn dental plaque on the surface or between the teeth.
3. Toothbrush operation
From how to operate it, there are 2 kinds of toothbrushes, namely manual and electric toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush whose bristles can move and rotate automatically. Meanwhile, with a manual toothbrush, you have to control the movement and rotation of the bristles yourself.
Although the price difference is quite large, the effectiveness of the two types of toothbrushes is not that far. As long as you brush your teeth the right way, both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in removing plaque on your teeth and gums.
How to care for and store a toothbrush
In addition to choosing the right type of toothbrush and according to your needs, you also have to take care of your toothbrush properly. The reason is, a toothbrush has the potential to become a nest of bacteria. The following is how to care for a good toothbrush:
- Avoid exchanging toothbrushes with others.
- Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly after use until there are no traces of toothpaste and dirt.
- Store the toothbrush in a standing position with the brush head at the top.
- Avoid storing toothbrushes in closed containers, as this can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Soak the toothbrush occasionally with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or liquid mouthwash to kill the bacteria on the toothbrush.
- Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months or every bristle of your toothbrush is damaged.
Having a good toothbrush is not enough to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. You must also adopt good tooth brushing habits. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
When brushing your teeth, make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth down to between them, including between the gums and teeth. When brushing your front teeth, brush your teeth gently in a circular or vertical motion. Don't forget to rub your tongue too.
In addition, don't forget to do routine dental checks to the dentist every 6 months. If you are still unsure about choosing the right toothbrush because you have certain health conditions, you can consult a dentist.
