Toothbrush: Applications & Health Benefits

Toothbrush is a basic and traditional tool that can be used to realize intensive mechanical care of teeth. However, when using the toothbrush, there are so many things to consider.

What is a toothbrush?

Daily use of a toothbrush is one of the basics of healthy oral hygiene. If brushing is often forgotten, tooth decay occurs very quickly. In dentistry, the toothbrush is considered a classic cleaning instrument, which enables optimal dental hygiene. In the course of time the most different models of toothbrushes have been developed, which have both disadvantages and advantages. A toothbrush is combined with a toothpaste, an additional cleaning agent. In addition, toothbrushes are used from the appearance of the first milk teeth. The main components of the toothbrush are the head with bristles, which is guided along the teeth, and the handle. In addition, toothbrushes are characterized by modern innovative elements.

Shapes, types and types

Nowadays, toothbrushes are offered in an almost confusing variety of shapes, sizes, degrees of hardness, materials and technical features. Probably the most common type of toothbrush is the manual toothbrush. Electric and rotary toothbrushes are equipped with an electric drive. The advanced models of the toothbrush include the sonic and ultrasonic collections. Patients with special features of the teeth can also use a special toothbrush. The degree of hardness of the toothbrush is quite decisive for the comfort of care and the achievable health-relevant effect as well as the hygiene of the teeth. Also of importance are the ergonomics of the handle, the nature of the bristles and the size of the brush head. Using a toothbrush with ultrasound can remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar. Among the exceptional toothbrushes are counted chewable versions. Also, very effective for dental hygiene are the interdental toothbrushes.

Structure, function and mode of action

Depending on what kind and type of toothbrush it is, other modes of operation are also typical. However, it is basically the case that when the toothbrush is handled, it moves along the surfaces of the teeth. In this way, the fissures of the molars and the small canines are thoroughly cleaned. The front teeth and the remaining teeth are also cleaned with the toothbrush on the outer and inner side surfaces. This measure also reaches the interdental spaces and the transitions to the gums. Under these conditions, tartar deposits can be removed with a toothbrush. However, tartar cannot generally be removed with a toothbrush alone. Only toothbrushes based on sound waves of different wavelength ranges can blast off tartar. However, this does not replace dental cleaning at the dentist. Interdental brushes are a more effective alternative to conventional manual toothbrushes. With a toothbrush of this type, the spaces between the individual teeth can be cared for extremely thoroughly. For children, the smaller children’s toothbrushes are provided. Little ones quickly get used to brushing their baby teeth with a toothbrush suitable for children.

Medical and health benefits

The medical and health benefits of toothbrushing are indisputable. Even the normal manual toothbrush yields benefits that, when used regularly, result in strong and flawless, caries-free teeth. A high quality toothbrush is not only a useful tool against typical plaque, from which tartar and caries form after a short time. The toothbrush also massages the gums and thus contributes to better blood circulation. Thus, the simply designed toothbrush can provide prophylaxis against inflammatory processes of the gums (periodontitis) and periodontal disease that develops from them. By using the toothbrush several times a day (brushing after every meal is recommended), bacterial deposits are eliminated. This prevents bacteria from attacking the tooth enamel, thus protecting the teeth from decay (caries). If there is no regular hygiene of the teeth by a daily dental care with the toothbrush, not only diseases of the individual teeth occur.Diseases of the gums and mucous membrane of the mouth are also prevented by proper use of the toothbrush. The toothbrush also supports the cosmetically appealing color of the teeth so that a healthy smile is supported. Teeth not brushed with a toothbrush retain their white color and do not discolor as quickly.