The ultimate guide to choose the right toothbrush

Naveen D, from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, noticed a small black spot on his tooth. After neglecting it initially, he experienced pain while munching on hard foods like nuts and meat. The pain was temporary and occurred only while eating.  

“My pain got worse when I consumed ice cream. Tiny food particles like chilly seeds and mustard used to get stuck inside the hole and cause pain,” says the 27-year-old senior engineer. To get relief, he used safety pins to remove the particles. After consultation, his dentist prescribed some medication. However, after a thorough examination, the doctor asked him to undergo the root canal procedure as the cavity was deep.  

In Naveen’s case, continuous use of safety pins destroyed the layers of the tooth and worsened the condition. Experts suggest avoiding the use of toothpicks or pins to remove the food particles stuck in the mouth. Instead follow some simple oral hygiene measures like gargling with tap water, brushing your teeth without toothpaste, or flossing. 

Although Naveen’s condition got better after the procedure, he would have overcome it without pain if the cavity was treated when he first noticed the black spot.  

Choosing the bristles matter  

It is a common belief that soft-bristled toothbrush does not give a feeling of brushing. However, soft bristles are the way to go. They have minimal thickness and the brush head accommodates more bristles. The more bristles, the more efficient the cleaning.  

Moreover, soft bristles are more flexible and reduce damage to gums. It reaches the gaps between the teeth more easily than the hard bristles.  

Experts say that the common mistake people do is brushing the teeth in horizontal strokes. In the long run, it erodes the enamel and creates a dent in the tooth. In addition, applying excess pressure and using hard bristles result in the loss of gums and exposure of the roots of the teeth. This may also lead to tooth decay and sensitivity.  

Dr Roobavathi M, a dentist from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, says, “People with gum issues like bleeding and mild inflammation should use soft-bristled brushes.” Wetting the bristles before brushing also softens the bristles more. If there is sensitivity, it is better to use ultra-soft brushes, she adds. 

Electric toothbrush 

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Well, the answer is no. Dr Harsha Kawre, a paediatric dentist from Dr Mittal’s Kids & Family Dental Care, Bengaluru, says, “Both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively clean the teeth when used regularly and efficiently.” The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and requirements, she adds. 

A study published in 2022 by the International Journal of Dentistry states that the use of electric toothbrushes reduces debris and gum inflammation more than manual toothbrushes. It is especially beneficial for individuals who wear braces or lack fine motor skills.  

Another study published in 2013 shows that the use of electric toothbrushes by individuals with severe tooth wear and sensitivity could reduce further damage to the teeth.  

Read more about the brushing techniques here  

Brushing instructions  

Dr Roobavathi says, “Two minutes of brushing twice a day aids in effective plaque removal. However, brushing for more than eight to ten minutes damages the enamel and gums.”  

It is important to follow right brushing techniques and replace your toothbrush or brush head in electric toothbrush every three-four months, adds Dr Kawre.  

Usually, when individuals notice bleeding while brushing, they tend to leave that painful area and concentrate only on other areas. “However, that particular area requires more concentration while cleaning because the bleeding happens due to debris, gum infections, or food lodgement,” says Dr Roobhavathi.  

Besides, one should also floss or massage the gums regularly. If the bleeding continues, there might be an underlying condition and one must consult a dentist.  

Read more about gum bleeding here 

What does brushing harder do to your teeth? 

Brushing only cleans the teeth and does not make them whiter. There are different treatment procedures available for whitening the teeth. “Moreover, brushing hard degrades the enamel and makes the teeth appear more yellow by exposing the inner layers of teeth,” says Dr Roobhavathi. 

If you are one of those who brushes hard, switching to an electric toothbrush might help. They have an inbuilt warning light that gives an indication when excess brushing force is applied.  

Other things to consider 

A cleaner toothbrush works better and cleans the teeth and gums effectively. Clean your toothbrush by placing it in running hot tap water and use the thumb to rub against the bristles. Then use normal water and dry the toothbrush using a tissue or cloth.  

Read more about 7 hygiene tips for maintaining the toothbrush clean here 

Should we brush at night?  

Yes, brushing twice is better than doing it once. Experts say that any dental condition progresses faster at night. This is because the salivary flow decreases during sleep and creates an environment suitable for microbial growth and acid attacks. We chew our food more often in the daytime. Munching the food also aids in cleaning the teeth. Moreover, the saliva produced keeps the mouth moist and removes debris.  

Keep reading and happy brushing!