Introduction 

Everyone needs to brush their teeth, but not everyone needs the same kind of toothbrush. It’s easy to just pick up whatever brush looks the best or costs the least, but if you want to get the most out of brushing, you need the right tools. Using a toothbrush that’s not right for you can leave plaque on your teeth, erode the enamel, stain your teeth, or cause your gums to recede.  Wondering whether your toothbrush is the right fit for you? To help you pick a toothbrush that’s right for you, we’ll examine the difference between manual and electric brushes, the role that brush shape and size plays, and orthodontic and pediatric brushes.  

Manual or Electric? 

Here’s the key: technique matters more than toothbrush type. You don’t need an electric toothbrush to achieve a deep clean, as long as you have good brushing technique. However, in the last few years, many have shifted to electric toothbrushes, enthralled by the array of benefits. 

Benefits of an electric toothbrush 

For some, an electric toothbrush may be worth the investment. A scientific review and meta-analysis conducted by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that electric toothbrushes get rid of more plaque than manual brushes. 

In 2014, a Cochrane review reported that using electric brushes led to an 11% decline in gingivitis, a gum disease. 

Different modes and settings  

If you have specific brushing needs, an electric toothbrush might be worth the investment. Some electric toothbrushes offer different modes and settings, which can offer a variety of brushing options.  Some powered brushes feature a timer to make sure you brush for long enough. Others feature a pressure sensor, which can alert you if you’re brushing your teeth too aggressively. This feature can be immensely helpful in preventing enamel erosion, as well as gum sensitivity. For some, this customization is necessary for dental health, so consider buying an electric toothbrush. 

A 2019 study in the ‌Journal of Clinical Periodontology‌ reported that people who use power toothbrushes have healthier gums, less gum disease, and have on average 20% more teeth than people who use regular toothbrushes. These benefits make the benefits of an electric toothbrush worth the cost. 

Manual toothbrushes 

There’s a good reason manual toothbrushes continue to be the default: they’re cheap, easy to use, and effective. A manual toothbrush is smaller in size, which makes it a good option for small bathrooms with limited counter space. They don’t require charging or batteries, and they cost a fraction of the price of an electric toothbrush. They’re lighter and easier to handle, especially for children. For individuals with sensory issues, it can be much easier to brush with a manual toothbrush, because it is quieter. If you use it with the right technique, a manual toothbrush can still deliver a deep clean. 

Although electric toothbrushes deliver better cleaning in studies, much of this is due to technique. Electric toothbrushes cut down on the need for technique, whereas manual brushes require a good technique to achieve the same effectiveness. Dentists say that with the right technique, both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively get rid of plaque. 

Bristle Textures 

Once you determine whether a manual or an electric toothbrush best fits your needs, it’s time to decide your bristle preferences.  Different bristle textures and lengths create a wide range of toothbrushes that cater to individual demands like tooth sensitivity or brushing habits. 

Soft bristles 

Although they do not clean as quickly, soft bristles are easier to use. If you struggle with aggressive brushing, consider buying a soft-bristled toothbrush to lessen the impact on your teeth. This will protect you from enamel and gum damage. Soft bristles will bend if you accidentally apply too much pressure, instead of digging into the gums. Although soft bristles are gentle on your gums, they may wear out faster than stiffer alternatives. Because of this, if you choose to buy a soft-bristled toothbrush, be prepared to replace it every 2-3 months, or as soon as it shows signs of wear. Finally, soft toothbrushes carry the ADA seal of approval. The American Dental Association recommends softer bristles, as opposed to medium or hard bristles, because they will not damage your gums. 

Medium and Hard Bristles 

A study in Oral Health & Preventative Dentistry found that medium and hard bristles scrape off more plaque than soft bristles. Yet this same study discovered that they can create more microtears along the gum line. Microtears are tiny rips in the gum tissue, and they are caused by a common dental mistake. Many Americans make the mistake of brushing too aggressively. You won’t make your teeth any cleaner by violent brushing. The only result will be to damage your gums. According to the ADA, hard bristles can exacerbate this mistake. So the next time you brush your teeth, watch out for this common mistake. If you realize that you’re brushing too aggressively, switch to a brush with softer bristles 

Bristle Patterns 

There are a few key differences in the way bristles are arranged, and they affect cleaning effectiveness. The ‌International Journal of Dental Hygiene‌ released a study comparing the different bristle shapes: flat, multilevel, and angled. According to this study, angled brushes removed the most plaque. 

Angled bristles: Best for Plaque Removal 

Do you struggle to reach the back of your mouth with a regular toothbrush? An angled toothbrush features slanted bristles, which can help you reach your back teeth. The areas in the back of your mouth are the most susceptible to tartar buildup. Most people struggle to reach them with a regular toothbrush head. For some, angled toothbrushes may be the solution to this issue. 

Multilevel: Best for Polishing 

To give an effective clean, multilevel brushes utilize both short and long bristles. This lets you polish the tooth surface, and effectively scrub off all the plaque. If dexterity is not an issue for you, consider a toothbrush with a multilevel bristle pattern. 

Size and Shape 

Rounded vs Pointed 

A 2016 study published in ‌the Brazilian Oral Research‌ Journal found that toothbrushes with rounded tips are better at getting rid of plaque than brushes with pointed or tapered tips. For specifically targeting the teeth at the back of your mouth, a diamond-shaped brush is more effective than a square or oval brush. 

Full-Sized vs Compact 

Compact toothbrush heads are smaller than full-sized heads because they contain fewer bristles. For people who have small mouths, a compact brush size may be easier to use. However, many still prefer a larger brush head because it cleans more quickly. Therefore, dentists recommend that you try both and choose the size that works best for your dental needs. 

Specialty Toothbrushes 

Specialty toothbrushes, like orthodontic toothbrushes, are specially designed for people with braces. It can be very difficult to clean your teeth while wearing braces. The wires and brackets interfere with the bristles on a normal toothbrush, and make it harder to maneuver your toothbrush. Orthodontic brushes feature long bristles on the outside of the toothbrush and shorter bristles in the middle. This makes it easier to clean around the wires and brackets on your braces. Orthodontic brushes help you keep excellent oral hygiene while undergoing an orthodontic treatment, such as braces. 

Handle Designs 

Ergonomic handles make it easier to grip your toothbrush while brushing your teeth. For optimum maneuverability, a comfortable hand grip gives you better leverage on your toothbrush. Some features to look for when picking out your next toothbrush are: a width that is not too wide or slender for your hand, enough length that your hand fits comfortably, and a soft grip, preferably with ridges or hollows.  

Replacements and Sustainability 

Lastly, let’s look at replacing our toothbrushes. Ideally, you should replace your toothbrush every two to three months. After this period, the bristles on your toothbrush start to wear down, and bacteria starts to accumulate. Worn bristles don’t clean as effectively, and bacteria buildup leads to disease and infection. This means that by continuing to use an old toothbrush, you risk cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

You may think it’s frugal to keep using an old toothbrush, but a new toothbrush is significantly cheaper than paying to fill a cavity. Some toothbrushes have options to replace only the head, making them more affordable and more eco-friendly. Regarding eco-friendly toothbrushes, you should consider options like buying a bamboo toothbrush, or one made of recycled materials. If you go through 4-6 brushes a year, the amount of plastic builds up. Eco-friendly toothbrushes will break down, unlike plastic, and are not significantly more expensive than their plastic alternatives. 

Conclusion 

When picking your toothbrush, remember to consider type, bristle texture, handle, and head shape, and look for the ADA seal of Acceptance. This seal is issued by the American Dental Association, verifying that your brush has been clinically demonstrated to be safe and effective. Furthermore, no toothbrush is as effective as the cleaning tools your dentist uses. In addition to brushing your teeth thoroughly with the right brush, remember to schedule regular dental cleanings. At your next appointment, talk to us and we can help you pick out a toothbrush that’s the best fit for your needs.  

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all toothbrush, so pick the one that’s best for you. 

Chattanooga Family Dental ensures our patients have access to all the dental equipment and care they need. If you need help deciding what toothbrush is best for you or need dental care beyond what a toothbrush can provide, schedule an appointment with us today!