We all have a simple mission: brush our teeth for two minutes, twice a day. However,
with such a packed toothbrush aisle these days, deciding which one to buy can be a
challenging decision. Choosing the appropriate toothbrush can mean the difference
between a successful mission and a failed mission.
The best toothbrush for you would be with a traditional or electric bristles, soft or
medium bristles, and the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Not everyone requires an electric toothbrush, and softer is generally preferable when it
means keeping your teeth plaque-free. It all boils down to how you brush your teeth.
How to Choose a Traditional or Electric Toothbrush
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial because
it stops bacteria from developing plaque on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and
gum disease. The most important factor in selecting a manual or electric toothbrush is
to ensure that a minimum of "two minutes a day, twice a day" is met on a daily basis.
Electric toothbrushes have a minor advantage over manual toothbrushes in order to
reduce dental plaque and gum inflammation, and they can help reduce recession and
sensitivity caused by poor brushing. For people who lack the dexterity or grip required to
use a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush is an excellent alternative because it is
easy to grasp and does the rotating action for you.
Overall, either a traditional or electric toothbrush can keep your mouth healthy.
However, dentists may advise an electric toothbrush for a variety of reasons, including:
● Poor dexterity: If you have difficulty gripping a toothbrush and brushing all of your
teeth.
● Tracking Time: Because you don't always hit the two-minute threshold, many
electric models include a timer.
● Too tough: Many people brush their teeth too hard while using a traditional brush,
so an electric toothbrush can allow you to take it easy on your pearly whites.
Electric toothbrushes range in price from $9 to $250 or more. However, higher prices do
not always imply higher quality. Consumer Reports' testers preferred Oral-B and Philips
Sonicare.
One advantage of using a manual toothbrush is that you have more control over how
you brush your teeth. You have control over how fast and hard you scrub your gums,
teeth, and tongue. This results in a more painless cleaning for those that have sensitive
parts in their mouth or find the frequent vibrations of electric toothbrushes irritating.
Finally, the equipment that you will use to clean your teeth will be the most effective. It is
merely a matter of personal taste whether the machine is manual or electronic. If you're
happy with your existing oral hygiene routine, there's generally no reason to change it. If
you’re in search for a dentist in Malibu or orthodontist contact Calabasas Smiles
immediately to set up an appointment for your individual case.
Whatever you select, as long as you brush and floss regularly and don't use too much
pressure, you'll be well on your way to a healthy grin.
Why Do Bristles Matter?
As previously said, many people wash their teeth excessively hard. Brushing too hard
can do more harm than good, such as wearing down your enamel. The truth is, you
don't need to exert that much pressure!
When choosing between soft and medium bristles, always go with soft unless your
dentist tells you otherwise. Soft bristles are more flexible, gentler on your teeth, and
more effective.
What Does the ADA Acceptance Seal Mean?
There are several reasons why choosing a toothbrush with the American Dental
Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is crucial.
First and probably most important, the ADA is a collection of independent specialists
who have established high safety and quality standards for dental products. Companies
submit their products for ADA clearance, and to earn the seal of approval, they must
meet several criterias.
ADA standards actually go above and beyond what is required by federal legislation, so
if your brush has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it signifies that it satisfies the highest
criteria available.
Brushes and other oral hygiene products are not required to be submitted for the ADA
Seal of Acceptance. Purchasing a toothbrush with the ADA seal, on the other hand,
provides assurance that it is both safe and effective to use. The ADA has approved both
traditional and electric toothbrushes.
When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
Not only do you need to buy the greatest toothbrush, but you also have to find the right
time to throw it out and buy a brand new one. Researchers discovered that toothbrush
bristles and handles can support the growth of thousands of microorganisms. Most are
innocuous, but others can cause cold and flu viruses, herpes viruses that cause cold sores, staphylococcus bacteria that cause many ear, nose, and throat infections, and
germs that can cause dental infections. Brush bristles wear down over time and then
become perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
When you detect wear and tear on the bristles, or you've recovered from a cold or flu, or
you've used the toothbrush or head for three to four months, it's time to get a new
toothbrush or change a toothbrush head.
The bristles lose their form and thus their capacity to leave your teeth clean over time.
Furthermore, bacteria accumulate on your toothbrush bristles, especially while you're
unwell. If you share a toothpaste tube, those germs could cause an infection or make
others in your home sick.
When the bristles no longer bounce back to their original shape, it's time to change! You
can also use technology to set a reminder on your calendar when it's time to inspect
and replace.
If you are looking for a dentist in Malibu, contact Calabasas Smiles at (818) 878-7300
for an appointment. Whether you need a checkup or have some dental issue that needs
to be looked at, the team at Calabasas Smiles is experienced and ready to diagnose
and treat your dental concerns. From teeth whitening and veneers to orthodontics, the
dentists at Calabasas Smiles are experienced and focused on patient care. Contact
Calabasas Smiles today to set up an appointment!