Toothbrushes are not limited to the generally known toothbrush options on the market. It would be better to decide the most suitable brush for you together with your dentist. After using several different brushes, patients can choose the one that is more suitable for them.
Whether the toothbrush can be angled or not and whether the handle is angled or not is a matter of user preference. The size of the brush tip is very important when choosing a brush. The depth of the patients’ gums and the ability to move the brush in that area is a very important issue. Therefore, brushes with very large heads may cause problems in use. Brushes with smaller heads may be more useful. It is recommended to choose brushes that can easily reach the back parts.
The best toothbrushes for cleaning your teeth and gums are those with soft, rounded or polished bristles. Tight or hard toothbrushes can damage your gum tissues.
The size and shape of the toothbrush should be such that it can reach every tooth. There are toothbrushes of various sizes for children and adults, as well as toothbrushes with various bristle shapes. Remember, only the tips of the bristles on the toothbrush do the cleaning, so there is no need to press the toothbrush with great force.
Renew your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are bent. This way, you’ll always be using a toothbrush with bristles that better remove plaque (bacteria and sugar) from the surface of your teeth and gums. Bristles bending outward indicate that it is past time to replace your toothbrush.
Buying Toothbrushes for Children
It is most appropriate for children to start brushing their teeth between the ages of 2.5 and 3. However, what is important at this age is to make them love brushing their teeth in order to gain this habit, rather than brushing itself. For this purpose, we can choose special colored and sweetened children’s pastes and toothbrushes available on the market. Children generally perceive this as a game and brush only the visible, front surfaces. For this reason, it is best for the mother and father to accompany the child and teach him how to brush his teeth.
First of all, since children’s teeth and gums are much more sensitive than adults, the product used must be suitable for this sensitive structure. Brushes with soft bristles suitable for the child’s mouth size should be purchased. Hard toothbrush bristles are not suitable for use as they will abrade teeth. It will be sufficient to ensure that children brush their teeth for three minutes after breakfast and before going to bed at night.
What should adults pay attention to when buying a toothbrush?
It is important to buy various toothbrush brands that are suitable for our mouth and tooth structure and approved by doctors. In addition, flossing once a day is ideal for cleaning areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Mouthwash especially helps us have fresh breath. The toothbrush should neither be too hard nor too soft, but if the person has very sensitive gums or is sick, it is appropriate to choose soft-bristled brushes. The toothbrush used by a normal adult should have medium-hard bristles and the head should be of a suitable size for the mouth. Instead of brushes with very thin handles, we should choose brush handles of a certain thickness and softness; Thus, it provides ease of movement while brushing our teeth.
In addition, brushes with tongue cleaner features, which are new to the market, may also be ideal for us. For our oral and dental health, we should brush not only our teeth but also our gums and tongue. Cheek cleansers are also recommended, especially for people with gum or oral problems. Of course, besides the toothbrush, toothpaste is also very important. Toothpastes containing fluoride and, if possible, recommended by our doctor may be the best for us.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes, which provide more effective results than normal toothbrushes, eliminate plaque formation. Electric toothbrushes, which do not harm the gums and minimize gum diseases, do not harm the gums and do not bleed the gums compared to normal toothbrushes, according to research. Since electric toothbrushes are smaller and rounder, they move more easily in the mouth and provide deep cleaning. Experts state that electric toothbrushes are more effective against the formation of bacteria and plaque.