According to the CDC, the risk of us developing periodontal conditions increases as we age. Close to 50% of adults above the age of 30 are experiencing some form of dental issue. Adults above 65 have a 71% chance of developing some oral conditions.
Dentists have pointed out that not brushing and flossing regularly can increase the odds of developing periodontal disease. And even if you follow an oral care routine, there is still a chance that you may develop some oral conditions if you don’t use the right toothbrush. The truth is that not all toothbrushes can effectively remove food remains and plaque. This is why you should be conscious when choosing a toothbrush.
This article is going to shed light on some tips that will help you narrow down the best toothbrush for periodontal disease.
Narrowing down the best toothbrush for your oral health
The right brand
Presently, there are so many brands that offer toothbrushes and other oral care products. Choosing between them may be a challenge for most people, as they can tell the one that offers the best products.
Narrowing down a good toothbrush brand isn’t as difficult as you think. All you need to do is to check if they have the ADA seal. For a brand to qualify to have that seal, everything about them has to be scrutinized by the American Dental Association.
Brands that don’t have the seal aren’t necessarily bad or offer low-quality products. But you can’t be fully sure their products will always be great. To be on the safe side, you should stick to brands with the ADA seal.
Headsize
See, if the head size of the toothbrush you are using is too big or small, you are not going to have a good brushing experience. Even worse, you may become prone to some periodontal conditions.
Since our mouth size is different, the one-size-fits-all approach won’t work when choosing a toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush with a large head will make it difficult for you to clean hard-to-reach areas. On the other hand, using a toothbrush with a small head may make you spend more time cleaning your teeth. Your goal should be to find a toothbrush that can clean hard-to-reach areas like the back of your mouth easily.
Bristle type
The bristles of a toothbrush remove food remains, debris, and plaque. There are toothbrushes with hard, medium, and soft bristles. Hard and medium bristles may not be the best for you as they can injure your gum and tooth especially if you apply too much force when brushing. Using a hard bristled toothbrush may also cause gum recession.
Dentists usually recommend toothbrushes with soft-bristled toothbrushes as they can clean the teeth without causing any issues.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrush
When it comes to preventing oral health conditions, electric toothbrushes are more effective than their manual counterparts. A recent study found that electric toothbrush is better at preventing tooth decay and other periodontal conditions.
Electric toothbrushes are an excellent option for people who have limitations when using their hands. Individuals with braces and other dental appliances may prefer an electric toothbrush.
Manual toothbrushes are also great. They can clean our teeth effectively. Unlike electric toothbrushes, they are inexpensive and easy to use.
Changing your toothbrush
Whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush, it is important that you change it every 3 months. The bristles may be worn out. Even worse, they may be loaded with bacteria that can cause some oral conditions.
Final note
Choosing the best toothbrush is somewhat challenging. With so many options out there, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Following the tips discussed in this article is going to help you pick the right toothbrush for your oral care needs.