What should your toothbrush be like?

This week we launch a very important topic that concerns us all. Just as to make a good work of art you need good brushes and good paints, for dental hygiene we need a good toothbrush and a good toothpaste.

There is no toothbrush that is perfect for all mouths, since each one is different and has different specific needs. For example, jaw size, age, and gum sensitivity are aspects that we have to take into account when choosing a toothbrush.

But how do I know which toothbrush is best for me?

• Depending on age: the jaw of a 4-year-old child is not the same as that of an adult. It is important that in the case of children it has a solid grip, a round yet small head, since it will allow us to brush all areas of the oral cavity.
• Depending on the hardness of the filaments: normally we can find 3 grades, from thicker to thinner. It is important to comment at this point that strong brushing does not indicate that you obtain greater hygiene and is better for your teeth by giving a greater sensation of dragging, just the opposite, it can even be harmful to both your enamel and gums. In this case, our recommendation is to select those brushes with the least possible hardness but that give us a feeling of total hygiene.
• Depending on the state of our mouth: if you have sensitive gums, if you are in the recovery period after oral surgery or if you have orthodontics, you have to use a specific toothbrush that your dentist will recommend.

Electric or not?

Depends. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and have the habit of brushing your teeth every day (3 times if possible). From here choose the one that best suits you.

The manual brush:

• The most economical option: it is important that you choose a medium-high quality brush. Not all brush bristles on the market are the same and for the price difference it is worth having a good brush.
• Portable: without the need for power, it fits in any toiletry bag and you can count on it for any trip.
• Options to choose from: there are countless options with colors, shapes and also hardness. You can choose the one that best suits you.

The electric toothbrush

It undoubtedly has a superior cleaning capacity than a manual one. There are many types of brushes, but sonic ones (up to 20,000 strokes per minute) are a good option to maintain good oral health. Especially to remove tartar and plaque that has begun to crystallize.

More technology, more comfort: in recent years, brushes have come out that notify you when you have to change areas, the total brushing time, brushing modes and some can even connect with your mobile phone. Just because it does more things doesn't mean it's more effective, but it can help you improve your habits, which is important.

As against electric toothbrushes, we can say that some are not practical to travel with due to their size. They are also more expensive although, from our point of view, it is worth it. On the other hand, current is necessary, although currently a toothbrush usually lasts more than 30 days with a complete oral routine. Finally, the issue of batteries, some of the brushes, the simplest ones, use disposable batteries. Obviously, we do not support these types of brushes for sustainable causes. For a few euros more you can have a brush with rechargeable batteries, much more sustainable.

If you buy an electric toothbrush, remember that when its useful life is over you have to take it to the green point or your trusted appliance store so that it enters the recycling circle to become a new device again.

Knowledge is power