Even though it sounds trivial, choosing a toothbrush can greatly affect the health of your teeth and mouth. If you use the wrong toothbrush, your teeth and gums can actually hurt. For the toothbrush to function optimally and not actually damage it, know how to choose a toothbrush and how to care for it.
Currently, there are many variations of forms and brands of toothbrushes that are sold freely in the market. However, apart from the various types of toothbrushes available, you must prioritize the one that can work optimally and is the most comfortable for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Here are some things that can be your consideration in choosing the right toothbrush.
Toothbrush size
Choose a toothbrush head with a narrow end, so that it is easier for the toothbrush to reach the entire surface of the teeth, down to the ends. The handle also needs to be long enough to make it easier for you to move it.
Also, choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth. For children, choose a toothbrush according to their age. A toothbrush that is too small can make it difficult for you to brush all your teeth and spend more time. Meanwhile, a toothbrush that is too large in the mouth can nudge and injure the gums.
Brush bristle type
Choosing the type of bristle actually depends on how hard you brush your teeth and the strength of your gums and teeth. Toothbrush labels often say soft, medium, or hard.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums that bleed easily, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. This type of soft toothbrush bristles is actually more recommended for the general public because there is less risk of injuring the gums.
Toothbrush bristles that are medium (medium) or hard (hard) are indeed more effective in cleaning dental plaque. However, bristles of this type can damage the gums, roots of the teeth, and even the protective layer of the teeth if you brush your teeth too vigorously.
Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can be the right toothbrush choice for certain people, such as people with arthritis or the elderly with stiffness in their hands, arms, or shoulders. People who use braces also find it easier and more precise when cleaning their teeth and wires if they use an electric toothbrush.
Although the price of an electric toothbrush is quite expensive compared to a manual toothbrush, the actual effectiveness of the two types of toothbrushes is not much different. As long as you brush your teeth the right way, both manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective in cleaning plaque on your teeth and gums.
Tips for Caring for Toothbrushes
The tools you use every day to clean your teeth are not necessarily clean. However, there are some tips that you can apply to take care of your toothbrush to keep it clean, including:
- Rinse your toothbrush under the tap to remove food residue or toothpaste suds.
- After use, do not place a wet toothbrush inside the cover.
- Place the toothbrush on a shelf or in an open cup, so the bristles can dry. Position the toothbrush head on top.
- Avoid contact between toothbrushes when stored
- Avoid lending or borrowing toothbrushes to other people because of the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses that cause infection.
- Soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash every few days to kill bacteria that has accumulated on the toothbrush bristles.
- Avoid boiling or heating the toothbrush to kill bacteria as this will only damage the toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or when the bristles look worn out.
The toothbrush has a big role in efforts to maintain the health and hygiene of teeth and mouth. The tips for choosing a toothbrush above are essential for you to apply because often the wrong toothbrush actually injures and adds to tooth and gum problems.
Also pay attention to how to care for it, because an untreated toothbrush will not effectively clean your teeth and mouth. In addition, don't forget to check your teeth with the dentist at least once every 6 months, so that the health of your teeth and mouth is always monitored.