Which toothbrush is best and how do I choose it?

Oral hygiene is one of the most important habits for keeping our teeth and gums in good health. Brushing your teeth after every meal is essential to prevent the proliferation of bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of problems such as caries and periodontal diseases that can lead to tooth loss. This is why many patients ask us if there is one toothbrush that is better than another. While the best toothbrush is the one that you will use every day with the right technique, we are going to talk a little more in detail about this topic to clear up any doubts.

What to consider when choosing the right toothbrush.

1. The size of the brush head.
2. The material and arrangement of the bristles.
3. The hardness of the bristles.
4. The type of brush: electric vs. manual.
5. Proper brushing technique.

1. The size of the brush head.

The size of the brush head should fit the space in your mouth. For this reason, you will have noticed that there are brushes with smaller, narrower brush heads and others that are conventional in size. In this sense, you should prioritise being able to access all corners easily and comfortably.

In many cases, you will have to try different brush head sizes to find the one that best allows you to perform proper hygiene. And if with a toothbrush designed for children’s oral hygiene (as their brush heads are generally smaller), your brushing is optimal, keep using it.

Likewise, if you still have any doubts about which brush head size is best for you, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist. Remember that both dentists and hygienists, during check-ups and professional cleanings, can see which corners are less accessible and need the most hygiene, so we can help you decide.

2. The material and arrangement of the bristles.

On the other hand, in addition to the size of the brush head, it is also important to take into account the type of bristle material. And although we are committed to the use of ecological brushes, for example, by using reusable handles, it is true that, when opting for a synthetic or natural material in the bristles, it is better to choose synthetic bristles.

Synthetic material allows for better plaque removal and repels bacteria more easily than bristles made of organic materials. Especially if these bristles are crossed, as a crossed arrangement of these fibres allows better access to the interdental spaces, which are more difficult to clean.

3. The hardness of the bristles of the toothbrush.

In this case, the choice will depend on the sensitivity of the teeth and the state of the enamel and gums. For this reason, it is essential that, when in doubt, you follow your dentist’s recommendations and don’t be afraid to ask if you have never discussed which toothbrush to choose. He or she will probably recommend:

• Very soft and soft bristles if the patient is a child or an adult with tooth sensitivity, an oral mucosa affected by an injury or who has previously suffered from periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), or dental abrasion.
• Medium hard bristles are recommended for most patients without major tooth and gum problems and for children from 12 years of age.
• Hard bristles, when there is no contraindication and it can be recommended for cleaning prostheses, or for patients with fixed orthodontics, as this type of treatment makes oral hygiene difficult, so special attention must be paid.

4. The type of toothbrush: electric vs. manual.

The best one will be the one that encourages you to perform effective oral hygiene after every meal. Although many people have heard that electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes, this is not entirely true. Each one has certain characteristics that can make its use more optimal for some people or others. Let’s see which ones:

• The electric toothbrush allows you to exert controlled pressure and, with some, even control the time you spend brushing. The movements of the brush head are optimal for removing plaque; however, some people find it more difficult to reach all areas.
• Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, are much easier to handle. They allow you to control the pressure exerted, they give you full control over the movements, you can access all the nooks and crannies, and they are also cheaper and easier to carry.

So it all depends on the individual’s preference, as both can be equally effective when used rigorously after meals and the proper brushing technique is applied with them:

5. The right brushing technique.

As we have already mentioned, in addition to the characteristics of the bristles (which must be adapted to the health conditions of the gums and teeth), what is important is the technique applied when performing effective oral hygiene. A technique that is too aggressive can wear down the enamel and even damage the mucosa.

On the other hand, insufficient brushing in terms of duration and technique as well as frequency can also be detrimental to oral health even if the brush is appropriate. So what should you consider when brushing your teeth for effective oral hygiene?

• Brushing should ideally be done about 20-30 minutes after each meal, if not, at least after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Brushing should last about three minutes, or longer if brushing must be done very carefully in the presence of an illness or problem.
• Place the brush horizontally and make gentle movements in this direction to reach the space between the gums and teeth, where plaque accumulates the most.
• Then, use circular movements tilting the brush 45º with respect to the axis of the gum to complete the brushing of the teeth.
• Remember to spend a reasonable amount of time on all sides of the teeth. Especially the molars, which should be brushed in all directions.
• To avoid the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the interdental spaces, it is essential to complete the brushing with the use of interdental floss.
• You must not forget to clean the gums and tongue either. Many toothbrushes have a special side for this purpose, but it can be done with a regular toothbrush.
• After each brushing, the mouth should be rinsed with water or oral rinses, depending on the specific needs of each person.

Remember to change or replace your toothbrush head when the bristles are worn or in poor condition. If you feel that the bristles are still good, it is advisable to change them every 3 months, as this will help prevent the build-up of germs that can affect your oral health.

Last but not least, although oral hygiene at home is essential, it cannot replace professional hygiene at the dentist’s office. It is important to visit the dentist to check the health of your teeth and gums and to have them professionally cleaned to effectively remove bacterial plaque.