Choosing right type of toothbrush (continued)
According to the style of bristles
1. Rippled: It doesnât matter how many bristles your toothbrush has, but these days manufacturers are more or less focusing on rippled bristles. They are most effective in deep cleaning between two teeth. They have zigzag bristles. Long bristles help to remove plaque along the gum line, while short bristles clear the plaque and debris in a more easy and efficient way.{{more}}
2. Flat: Flat bristles are usually not preferred as they are not very effective in clearing plaque and calculus. It is difficult for flat bristles to adjust to the grooves of teeth.
3. Dome Shaped: Flat bristles are generally trimmed or cut to a dome shape. Their main aim is to prevent gum irritation while brushing. They have a space between the base of head and the membrane so that they can attain the shape of the tooth. This way they increase the cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush.
There are general characteristics that your toothbrush should have. These help them to effectively cover even the most posterior molars and adequately remove plaque and calculus.
Size of toothbrush head
Half inch wide and one inch tall head is considered the ideal head size of a normal adult toothbrush. Also the handle of toothbrush should be such that it can easily clean the proximal surface of molars.
Ideal time for changing the toothbrush
There are brushes with indicators. When the blue colour of the bristles goes below half, that signifies that they are no longer effective and should be changed. But not all toothbrushes come with such indicators. For those toothbrushes, three months is the maximum shelf life. After three months, itâs compulsory to change your brush. Also after a viral infection like the cold or flu, change your brush, as the bristles provide a home for those viruses and can lead to re-infection.
Dr Keith John
email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com
Clinic: SVG Dental
Corporation
Telephone: 784-456-2220
Cell: 784-526-0752
Comments
