A toothbrush is one of the single
most important everyday cleaning tools that help to improve your oral hygiene
and health. Therefore, choosing the right toothbrush and following the correct
method of brushing is important for one to get the best hygiene outcomes.
Following the invention of the
toothbrush by the Chinese in 1498, using naturally available products such as
animal hair and bamboo, we have come a long way in terms of advancement
currently. The modern-day toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes, types,
materials and bristle varieties and can also be battery powered. The best
parameters to choose a toothbrush would be
Bristle Variety
Most dental professionals advise the
use of ‘Soft’ or ‘Medium bristle varieties. This choice can be made based on
the amount of pressure used while brushing. Brushes with a hard bristle variety
or the use of excessive force while brushing can lead to avoidable, commonly
irreversible damage to the outermost layer of the tooth- the enamel. This
enamel layer protects the tooth and prevents tooth sensitivity. Loss of enamel
can not only make the tooth sensitive, but it can also lead to yellowish
discoloration of the tooth and easy wearing off (attrition) of the tooth.
Hard bristle varieties are usually
only indicated by a dentist in patients having any neurological or cognitive
dysfunctions, making it difficult for a person to brush effectively. Likewise,
extra soft bristle varieties might be prescribed only in the event such as
widespread tooth enamel loss or hypoplasia. Therefore, using a soft or medium
bristle variety is suggested unless otherwise, a dentist prescribes a hard or
extra soft variety.
Brush size and shape:
This usually depends on individual
comfort, age, dexterity and ease of access. The brush should be effectively
used to access and clean hard to reach areas such as behind the molars and a
decision on size and shape should be made accordingly.
Manual or electric toothbrush:
For most healthy individuals with no
challenging conditions, both the manual as well as the electric toothbrush will
be equally effective to remove plaque from the teeth surface and maintain oral
hygiene. However, in those with any underlying conditions which affect dexterity,
hand function or movement, such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, stroke, etc.
Or in very young or elderly persons, an electric toothbrush might be a better
option.
When to change your toothbrush?
Research studies have suggested that
a toothbrush needs to be changed every 3 months. Even if a toothbrush appears
visibly in good condition after 3 months, it would be best to change it.
Reasons that warrant a toothbrush to be changed prior to 3 months are:
- Frayed/Damaged bristles- This usually means the person is applying too much
pressure while brushing. The brush needs to be changed immediately,
however, reducing the brushing pressure would be equally important.
- Post sickness/flu- Toothbrush bristles tend to gather micro-organisms and
can lead to harboring of these microbes for a long period of time.
Therefore, following sickness or an episode of flu, it would be best to
change the toothbrush to avoid any repeated infection.
- If you find your toothbrush
having traces of old tooth paste or dirt and you are unable to clean it,
it would be the best time to get a new one.
Toothbrush care
- Always keep the toothbrushes in a covered cabinet or
holder. This is to prevent any contamination by water in the washbasin,
shower or flush. It also prevents cross-contamination with other brushes
kept near it
- Keep the toothbrush in an
upright position, this will help excess water to drain away easily.
- Store the brush in a dry,
clean, ventilated environment
- Avoid storing a toothbrush in a
zipped pouch or closed space. This would facilitate the multiplication of
microorganisms on it
- Always wash the toothbrush
before and after use. Using warm water would be more advisable.
- Storing a toothbrush in 70%
alcohol solution occasionally is a good way to disinfect it
- Keep multiple brushes away from
each other, to avoid any contact between the bristles.
Tooth-brushing techniques
The most commonly advised brushing
technique is the Bass or Modified bass technique. Key points include:
- Place the brush bristles at a 45-degree angle, keeping
the brush parallel to the tooth surface.
- Use gentle, firm pressure and
move the brush in a vibratory, circular motion along the tooth surfaces.
- Continue to clean all the teeth
in a span of 2 minutes, covering all surfaces including the surface towards
the tongue and the chewing surfaces.
- For the lower front (anterior)
teeth, use the brush vertically, with a pushing stroke from the gum line
to the outer edge.
- Clean the tongue surface
- Brush twice daily, for 2 mins
each using a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste.
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