What Toothbrush Should I Get?

The basic response to this question is: whichever toothbrush you will actually use. For a more detailed answer, let’s discuss why we brush, and what types of brushes are available.

A simple Google search reveals the history of toothbrushing. The practice of toothbrushing was thought to have started in 3000 BC by the Egyptians and Babylonians and the first bristled toothbrush was developed in China during the Tang Dynasty in 618-907 AD. These earliest toothbrushes were apparently made with hog hair bristles attached to bamboo or bone handles!  Our modern toothbrushes have come a long way since then! While we can’t ask our ancestors exactly why they decided to develop dental brushes/tools; we do know why we use them today. It’s all because of bacteria. You might know it as: plaque. 

We know that the mouth contains over 700 known species of bacteria, yeast, viruses and some protozoa. Some of these are harmless and even helpful while others contribute to destructive diseases like decay and gum disease; not to mention bad breath!  Most of these bacteria thrive and communicate in groups called biofilm. Since the mouth is a perfect environment for bacterial growth due to its moisture and nutrient-rich nature, it is impossible to entirely eliminate the bacteria in the mouth.  We can, however, disrupt its destructive power and communication by mechanically breaking up the biofilm on a regular basis. This is why we brush and floss our teeth in the current age. (Sidenote: toothpaste is NOT needed to effectively break up biofilm.)  

To be effective in oral hygiene, we know that we must break up those bacteria at least 1x every 24 hours. Technique is everything. We see patients every day who do an impeccable job with a manual toothbrush, and others who do a drab job with a powered brush. With that said, some brushes on the market will make the technique easier because the brush is able to do a lot more of the work via vibrations, spinning, etc. 

So…what is the proper toothbrushing technique?

With a manual toothbrush, we recommend angling it into the gumline at 45 degrees so that part of the bristles are on the gums and part are on the teeth. Then, with light pressure, use small circular motions to remove plaque down and away from the gums. Repeat this on the inside of the teeth as well and then finish by brushing the chewing surfaces. It’s important to brush in a pattern so that no teeth are missed, and it should take no less than 2 minutes to complete the whole mouth. We recommend an extra-soft or soft toothbrush. These types of bristles will be able to flex to sweep under the gumline. The tendency will be to press harder with this type of brush because it feels so soft. But MORE PRESSURE IS NOT BETTER. It is important to keep the tip of the bristle in contact with the tooth and gums to be effective, not the sides of the bristles. Too much pressure will cause the bristles to flare out too far and become less effective. Manual toothbrushes should be routinely replaced every 3 months to maintain effectiveness—even if they look brand new. 

With powered brushes, the angles and pressure are the same, but built-in features replace the extra movement needed with manual brushing. Powered brushes are designed with a “point and hold” approach. Angled toward the gumline with bristles partially on gums and partially on teeth, with the same light pressure, start the brush and slowly move around the arch. Repeat on the insides and the chewing surfaces. Do NOT perform the circular strokes. The time of brushing is still 2 minutes, but many of the powered brushes also have the additional benefit of a built-in timer that will indicate when brushing time is over. Some powered brushes on the market even boast plaque removal beyond the bristle tip via sound/vibration. Like manual brushes, the brush heads for powered brushes must also be replaced every 3 months to maintain effectiveness—even if they still look brand new. Some of the newer powered brushes have a built-in indicator that will make an alert when a new brush head is needed. 

Now that we’ve explored manual vs powered toothbrushing techniques, it’s time to decide which you should use. The best way to do that is to test the effectiveness of what you are currently doing…and the best way to do THAT, is to visit your friendly neighborhood dental hygienist. At your cleaning appointment in our office, the hygienist will evaluate your plaque levels, tissue type, disease level, signs of decay, your current brushing/flossing techniques, dexterity and other issues unique to you. Afterward, the two of you can make a plan that is specific to your needs.