Selecting the right toothbrush for you and your family
Each individual is unique and there are no fixed rules for selecting a toothbrush. The factors that help in choosing your toothbrush are:
1. There are basically two varieties of toothbrush available. They are Manual which is operated manually and Electrical which is battery operated. In India, manual toothbrushes are most commonly used. Electrical brushes are automatic and clean teeth by moving in a set pattern.
Preferences are individual based.
2. Tooth brush should be chosen based on the mouth size. Individuals with small stature or for children, toothbrush with smaller head is easier to handle. Toothbrush with large head can be quite uncomfortable for them, whereas these brushes might not clean all teeth in people with huge personality and big mouth.
3. Toothbrushes are available in various flexibilities and diameters.
Hard bristles generally apply higher pressure over teeth and can wear out the top layers of teeth. So please avoid them.
Medium bristles are generally ideal for all as their teeth cleaning efficiency is above average.
Soft bristles are used in children and for people with sensitive teeth. These toothbrushes are also good in people who are aggressive brushers.
Ultra-soft bristles of a toothbrush are generally suggested following gum surgery and for infant teeth.
4. Based on the type of bristle arrangement there are different indications for choosing the right toothbrush.
Wavy or Criss-cross bristle brushes reach difficult to reach areas of mouth and below the gum margins. Hence they might be chosen.
Some toothbrushes have polishing cups which help to clear stains from teeth surface. They can be your choice if you tend to develop stains on your teeth.
5. Choose the toothbrush with handle that is long, flexible enough to reach backside teeth with slip prevention grip handle to prevent accidental slipping of the toothbrush from hand.
