Toothbrush Types
Toothbrush Types – Do you go for soft or medium bristles? Round or square head? Angled or straight? Electric or manual? Watch this for a better understanding of all these toothbrush types.
Expert: Paul Fletcher, DDS Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Specialized Dentistry of New York »
Transcript
The toothbrush aisle at the drugstore can be overwhelming – so many different types to choose from! Do you go for soft or medium bristles? Round or square head? Angled or straight. Electric or manual? It’s tempting to just grab your favorite color and run to the register. But NOT SO FAST – all toothbrushes are not created equal.
First, let’s talk bristles. Many people think harder bristles remove more plaque, but they can cut into your gums and actually do IRREVERSIBLE damage by wearing down the enamel on your teeth and causing your gums to recede.
Most dentists recommend using a SOFT NYLON bristle that’s rounded at the tip. This is EXTRA important if you have sensitive teeth.
When it comes to the SHAPE of the brush, don’t let product claims fool you. NO design has been proven to work better than another. However, if the head of a brush is TOO BIG, it can be difficult to get into tight spaces – which is where a rounded tipped brush can come in handy.
Look for a brush with a small head, that’s about an inch in length and half an inch in width so it will fit comfortably in your mouth. Also, consider getting a brush with a long, wide handle for a better grip.
Lastly, check to make sure your brush has an American Dental Association seal of approval . Their standards require that brushes are made with sturdy bristles that won’t fall out and SMOOTH bristles that won’t damage your teeth and gums.
For more ways to make your teeth really gleam, check out other videos on this site.
Last Modified: 2012-11-17
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
