History of the bristled toothbrush
The bristled toothbrush dates to 1498 in China. It was made from the hairs of a hog’s neck fixed to bone or bamboo handles. In 1938, the nylon bristled toothbrush was created. It quickly became popular in America. Today, bristled toothbrushes vary in firmness, size and shape. Read on to learn the suggested bristle firmness for your toothbrush and more features you should think about.
Soft versus hard bristled toothbrushes
When you are looking to buy a toothbrush in the store, it can be hard to tell the difference between bristle firmness. Extra soft, soft, medium and hard bristles are all readily available and seem to have the same oral health benefits. But do they?
Hard bristled toothbrushes, including firm or medium-strength bristles, can cause damage to the gums. Cuts or bleeding can be a sign that your toothbrush bristles are too hard. It is also important to remember that your teeth are not cleaner if you use more force on the teeth and gums. In fact, added force can cause gum loss and sensitive teeth.
Soft bristled toothbrushes are suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA). These bristles are easier on the teeth and gums, keeping them healthy and giving you comfort.
More bristled toothbrush features to think about
There are a few other steps to choosing the right toothbrush. Your soft bristled toothbrush should have a flexible handle with an easy grip. This allows better access to every part of your mouth. A small or standard-size head with angled bristles will help you to reach those hard-to-reach spots between and behind the teeth. You may even think about extra features like a tongue scraper to cut down on bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath.
Electric toothbrushes often come with soft bristled heads and may feel better than a manual toothbrush. The rotation and vibration of an electric toothbrush take away the need for more force. Built-in timers help keep healthy brushing habits.
Seek advice about bristled toothbrushes from a dental professional
If you feel like you are not getting your teeth and gums clean enough, schedule an appointment with a dentist near you. A dental hygienist or dentist can help you find the right bristled toothbrush.
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