There are no problems with the purchase of toothbrushes now – they are presented in a large assortment in stores and pharmacies, but not everyone knows which one is better to choose to brush the teeth of adults and children. Specialists of the dental clinic “Dentika” talk in detail about the features of the choice.
History of appearance
Caring for the oral cavity began a very long time ago, even before our era. For example, in Babylon, special chewing sticks were used that acted as toothpicks. In Egypt, they were made from special types of wood. In Rome, even cleaning was one of the stages of a religious ceremony. Citizens from noble families were helped to carry it out by slaves. In our country, during the time of Ivan the Terrible, a toothbrush was a stick with bristles at one end.
It is believed that it was invented in China in 1498. We are talking about the prototype of the option that we are used to cleaning our mouths now – a bamboo or bone handle with Siberian boar hair. Since then, the device has undergone major changes. There is a huge selection of models on the market, so you can easily choose the most suitable type, following our recommendations.
Value in the cleaning process
It has been proven that the plaque that remains after eating food and various drinks has a bad effect on enamel. It is he who is the most common cause of the development of caries and inflammatory processes in tissues and bone structures. Using a bristle tool is the most effective way to get rid of it. Rinse and thread just won’t do it.
Varieties
There is a wide variety of mechanical and manual instruments for oral hygiene on the modern market. Let’s talk about all the existing models of toothbrushes.
Ordinary
Such options are distinguished by an affordable cost, due to the lack of interchangeable nozzles and a battery. As a result, they can be changed more often. In some cases, this type may be even more effective in comparison with electrical devices. For example, with too sensitive gums, which, when the head vibrates, are injured and begin to bleed.
However, it must be borne in mind that when using an ordinary model, you need to follow the toothbrush cleaning technique exactly so that it really gives the desired result. In addition, the whole process will take more time.
The effectiveness of hygiene procedures depends on the right choice, the photo below shows ordinary toothbrushes with rubber inserts for the tongue.
logic
Its distinguishing feature is the rod coated with titanium dioxide. When pressed on a special plate located on the handle, this metal releases negatively discharged hydrogen ions, neutralizing the negative effect of the acid that occurs during the life of microorganisms. Plaque on bone structures is destroyed at the molecular level. Moreover, ionized saliva has a therapeutic effect even for a long time period. In addition, the toothbrush saturates the oral cavity with oxygen, which is released in the electrolysis of water and normalizes the acid-base balance.
Another big plus of such devices is that when using them, it is not necessary to use paste. The ions themselves will cope with the task. If you are used to cleaning with it, then a small drop will be enough. In this case, the ion flow will enhance its effect.
Electrical
This model is very popular. However, it should be borne in mind that it is suitable only for healthy enamel, without hyperesthesia. It perfectly removes plaque, as well as stones in the initial stages of their formation.
Some manufacturers supplement the package with nozzles for cleansing the tongue. However, when choosing such a toothbrush, it should be borne in mind that regular replacement of nozzles will be required (at least 1 time in 3 months). It must be used carefully, as there is a risk of injuring soft tissues, which will cause bleeding. Some people have an intolerance to electrical devices. After cleaning, they have a headache and nausea. But this happens in isolated cases.
Ultrasonic
These models are among the most effective for oral hygiene. They will remove even strong plaque, as well as hardened deposits. Some manufacturers provide additional attachments for whitening and more thorough cleaning. Unlike the previous type, they do not injure the mucous membranes but are not suitable for hypersensitive gums.
This variety is not intended for daily use. It must be used 3-4 times a week, otherwise, the enamel coating can be damaged, provoking its thinning and the development of hyperesthesia. It is not recommended in the presence of braces and implants, as well as in heart pathologies.
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Therapeutic and prophylactic
The main feature is the unusual arrangement of the bristles. This gives more options during the hygiene procedure:
- elimination of plaque from the chewing and cervical region;
- Access to hard-to-reach areas;
- Gum massage.
Some models are equipped with special silicone inserts for polishing enamel and ribbing on the back of the head for cleaning the tongue.
Special
This includes devices that are prescribed by a dentist for increased pathological sensitivity of teeth and soft tissues.
For braces
They are also called orthodontics. Unlike ordinary ones, they have a V-shaped cutout on the bristles for the most thorough cleaning of the plates. Thanks to this, the cleaning of the surface on which the structure is installed will be more effective. There are practically no such models in stores, they are also rarely found in pharmacies. Therefore, it is best to order them on specialized sites. A consultation with an orthodontist is previously recommended – it is he who must select the appropriate variety.
What to look for when choosing a toothbrush
We talked about all existing models. Now let’s figure out what specific parameters to rely on when buying so that the device does its job perfectly.
Location
An oral hygiene instrument can have a different slope and length of the villi. This allows you to get to hard-to-reach areas, so it is recommended to give preference to just such options.
Pile material
It can be made from natural or artificial ingredients.
Natural bristles
Many people think that it is better to buy these particular models, but this is not so. Plaque and food remains remain on such villi, which becomes a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms. They are too soft, which does not allow for effective cleaning. At the same time, the tips of the hairs are pointed, which can damage the mucous membrane.
synthetic material
These models are mainly made of nylon. It undergoes a special treatment that prevents the vital activity of harmful microbes. In addition, such bristles will be more durable. However, it should be borne in mind that an allergic reaction may occur to it. In this case, you will have to purchase products from natural materials.
bundles
Before choosing a toothbrush, pay attention to the bundles in which the villi are collected. There should be a lot of them, while the ends are polished and rounded – this will prevent damage during the hygiene procedure.
cleaning head
Recommended length parameters:
- For adults – 2.5-2.7 cm;
- For children – up to 2.2 cm.
There should be no abrupt transitions, as this can lead to injury. It is desirable that the head has a rounded or oval shape, as it is more convenient to use.
Toothbrush Degree of softness
When selecting this parameter, it is necessary to rely on the state of the bone structures in the mouth and tissues. We will tell you how to choose the right toothbrush, and how hard it should be.
Soft
Intended for children, and adults with periodontal disease, non-carious lesions, and mucosal pathologies. They are also recommended for patients with diabetes, and pregnant and lactating women.
Medium
This is the best option for most people.
Rigid
Such models can only be used after being prescribed by a dentist. They are suitable for people with orthodontic constructions, smokers, as well as those whose professional activities are accompanied by the deposition of heavy plaque. However, it should be borne in mind that, due to their roughness, they must be used with caution so as not to damage the enamel and mucous membrane.
Pen
They are advised to give preference to those who have rubberized inserts. They are ergonomic and do not slip, even if you take them with wet hands.
Weight
Most of the options are pretty easy. The only exceptions are electric varieties, which can be quite heavy. This is due to the fact that they have many additional parts in the handle: battery, power supply, and so on.
According to the rules for choosing a toothbrush, it is better to use those whose weight does not exceed 200 grams. Otherwise, the hand will get tired, which will prevent a thorough hygiene procedure.
Toothbrush Additional functions
Some manufacturers offer more extensive functionality:
- Wear indicator. It notifies you when it’s time to change the head.
- Coating for cleansing the tongue. Located on the reverse side of the stubble area.
- Timer (provided for electrical versions). Notifies you when you can finish the hygiene procedure.
- Pressure meter. Gives a signal when too much pressure is applied to the surface.
Before buying, consider whether you need the listed features. If there is no special need, it is quite possible to do without them, as they affect the cost of the product and make it more expensive.
Recommendations for adults
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the previously described parameters. The shape of the handle is selected in accordance with the age, and condition of the teeth and gums. The length of the working surface should vary between 25-27 cm, and the width – 7.5-11 mm. Before buying, it is advisable to consult with your dentist so that he can give useful recommendations.
A simple and optimal option in terms of price-quality ratio will be the usual variety with synthetic villi. If there is an allergic reaction to nylon, you can buy a model with natural hair. However, in this case, it should be borne in mind that they accumulate bacteria faster and are a favorable environment for their development, so these varieties need to be changed more often. It is desirable that on the reverse side of the working area, there are rubberized ribbed inserts intended for cleaning the tongue.
If there is a financial opportunity and there are no problems with hypersensitivity, you can give preference to ultrasonic and electrical options. The cleaning process will take less time.
Recommendations for the child
By the age of one and a half to two years, children, as a rule, have already erupted 15 teeth. It is then that it is necessary to begin to accustom the baby to the implementation of the hygiene procedure 2 times a day. Until then, neglecting the care of the oral cavity is also impossible. It is carried out using a special silicone nozzle, which is worn on the finger. She needs to clean the gums and mucous membranes, even if there is not a single dental unit yet. Also note that when teething, it is necessary to show the baby to the dentist so that he can assess his condition in a timely manner and, in the presence of pathologies, prescribe an effective treatment regimen.
When choosing a suitable toothbrush, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Appearance. An option with bright colors and an unusual shape will interest the child. He with great desire will perform the procedure in the morning and in the evening.
- Bristle. Uniform pressure is necessarily exerted on milk teeth, therefore it is recommended to purchase models with the same length of villi – and it should be no more than 11 mm. Suitable soft pile and medium hardness. It is recommended that you first visit a dentist so that he can assess the condition of the enamel coating. During the period of changing the milk bite to the indigenous one, it is better to choose varieties with different bristle lengths.
- Work zone. The head should not be too big. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to use and the risk of injuring soft tissues will increase. It is optimal if it covers 2-3 dental units. Preference should be given to models with a rounded shape.
- Pen. Should fit the size of a child’s hand. It is desirable that it has an anti-slip coating. As the child grows, the length of the handle increases.
Care instructions: toothbrush cleaning and replacement
In order for the devices to efficiently and effectively carry out the oral hygiene procedure and not be a source of pathogenic microorganisms, they must always be kept clean and periodically replaced.
You can use plain water and soap to clean. There are also specialized sterilizers. Avoid strong cleaners.
However, even regular toothbrush cleaning does not cancel the replacement. This should be done at least once every 3 months.
Price
Approximate prices (in rubles):
- Ordinary – 100-350;
- Orthodontic and ionic – 100-1000;
- Ultrasonic – 2500-6000;
- Electric – 1000-5000.
The last two options are the most expensive. This is due to the complexity of the design, the presence of a large number of parts, as well as additional functions.
Which toothbrush model is more efficient
It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question. It will depend on various factors – age, the sensitivity of soft tissues, enamel, and so on. As for the model (electric, ultrasonic, and others), this is a personal choice for everyone. Some people find it convenient to use ordinary views, while others prefer the process to be automated.
We told you which toothbrushes are best to use, and how to choose them according to stiffness and other parameters. Before buying, it is recommended to visit a dentist first. Specialists of the dental clinic “Dentika” will be happy to give you useful recommendations on the selection.