Brushing your teeth daily is something similar to breathing. Before going to bed and after waking, brushing has become a habit that comes naturally as part of the routine. One of the two key items required for brushing includes a good quality toothbrush. Choosing the right toothbrush could go a long way in ensuring flawless oral health. And maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation has become a priority. Specifically in the post-pandemic period. Like most products, the market today offers a variety of different toothbrushes. From manual ones to electric models that run on batteries, each variety has its perk. Now an article like a toothbrush plays a big role in your daily life. They prevent cavities and caries. Toothbrushes are also responsible for keeping away diseases like pyorrhea and bleeding gums. It might not be very apparent, but as you can see a first-rate toothbrush could be a great friend.
Why Choose Manual Toothbrushes At All?
Technology has been advancing fast. Even the smallest gadgets receive upgrades. And toothbrushes are not far behind. As mentioned before, dental hygiene brands offer tons of thousands of options to choose from. However, the classic manual toothbrush has always maintained its market. There are a few reasons why. Electric toothbrushes are great. They have inbuilt modes for different cleaning motions and many other features. Yet the quintessential toothbrush is here to stay. The most ancient version of the toothbrush also came with a handle and end branches. Studies show that the oldest form of a teeth cleaning device dates back to the Chinese tang dynasty. Though they do not come with a timer, there are other benefits. And one of the biggest perks of this manual toothbrush is its availability and functionality. You can use them anytime, anywhere. They do not need to be recharged after some use either. Most importantly, they are available everywhere. A local drugstore might not have their electric toothbrushes. But the chances of them keeping the manual ones, stocked is pretty high. These toothbrushes are also really affordable. These toothbrushes cost much less than even the worst graded electric toothbrush out there.
How Exactly Do You Select Your Manual Toothbrush?
Most manual toothbrushes indeed look the same. There is the typical set of bristles attached to a handle which is used for brushing. The only visible difference lies in the style and color. But that is not it. Several different factors play key roles in deciding the quality of the brush. While hard bristles are great for plaque, they can affect the gums. Again the one with the softer bristles might not be as efficient on the plaque situation. At the end of the day, you choose the brush you feel most comfortable with. At the same time, At a loss about the perfect toothbrush for you? Read on to find out what characteristics you should be looking for.
- The bristles arrangement
- The bristles variety
- Tongue scrubbers on the brush head( if any)
The Type And The Make Of The Bristles
To put it simply, the bristles are the most important part of a toothbrush. They are the main cleaning agents that do all the work of scrubbing and cleaning. The bristles can be broadly divided into three distinct types. These include hard, medium, and soft varieties. Many of you might not be aware but applying extra pressure during brushing is not very healthy. Yet this is something a majority of the people do unconsciously. Soft bristles, therefore, are a winner here. They prevent damage to the soft gums that might be caused due to the extra pressure. The uppermost layer of a tooth, the enamel is also protected by them. Hard bristles and the moderately hard types are effective against plaque but the risks of harming your gums increases by many folds. The bristles might make the gum bleed or cause tears on it. Thus, soft bristles are more popular in this context.
The Arrangement Of The Bristles— Block, Wavy And Multi-Level
Just like the type of the bristles being used, their placement on the brush is equally important. There are three separate types of bristle arrangements that are widely circulated to consumers. They are– block format, wavy arrangement, and multi-level arrangement. Each kind has its own set of pros and cons. It depends entirely on the user when it comes to which arrangement suits their needs best. The wavy bristle setup has been named so because the side view looks ecstasy like a wave. The bristles are positioned such that they reach all nooks and crannies of the oral cavity. They not only clean the teeth but also the areas around them. The most basic arrangement is the block arrangement. All the bristles are of the same shape and size. The most common option, block bristles are easy to use and super effective. The multi-level arrangement of toothbrush bristles is the latest addition. Like the wavy bristles set, the length of the bristles on the toothbrush head varies. Both of these wavy and multilevel presentations are better suited for removing plaque and food particles. and they help you get a whiter, brighter set of teeth.
Toothbrushes With Tongue Scrubbers
Some of the more recent versions of the manual toothbrush come with an added feature. The region at the back of the bristles on the brush head has some tiny spikes. These spikes or tongue scrubbers are meant for cleaning the tongue, as the name suggests. After a hearty meal, especially a colorful and flavorful one, our tongues turn yellow. Tongue scrubbers are a great way of getting rid of food stains, particularly of this type. Germs and bacteria settling on the upper surface of the tongues get cleaned as well.
So now that you know what are the elements necessary for a great toothbrush, what are you waiting for? Get your manual toothbrush today for healthier gums and whiter teeth.