Toothbrush Handles…Does It Matter?
August 24, 2010
I have received a great deal of feedback regarding my last article about toothbrushes. Many readers have requested more information concerning toothbrush selection.
I believe one of the most overlooked parts of the toothbrush is the handle. Believe it or not a great deal of research goes into the design of a toothbrush handle.
Straight handle: This handle usually accompanies a brush with a flat edge. This design acts to decrease pain in the gums when brushing.
Bent handle: Typically the end of the brush is wavy. This allows you to reach around turns in the month. It is especially helpful reaching around the back of second molars.
Handles with ridges: These are very important handles. They allow people who have a hard time holding a toothbrush to get a little better grip. People with big or little hands, weak hand muscles or anyone with a reduced hand / muscle function can benefit from this handle.
Handles with cute characters on them: Children’s toothbrush handles usually have alligators or cartoon characters on them. This serves two purposes, its fun to brush with them and it gives a child’s small, inexperienced hands something to grip.
Most importantly remember that no matter which toothbrush you select it will only be helpful if you brush three times a day for a minimum of 2 minutes and don’t forget to floss.
How Select A Toothbrush
Although I have a strong opinion on toothbrushes, I have to admit that I bought a new fancy toothbrush the other day. It had “space age” plastic components to the bristles that were supposed to massage the gums. Did I mention it has blue, yellow and clear bristles! I used this rainbow colored toothbrush for two days before throwing it away! The average American spends nearly 1,000 hours brushing their teeth over a lifetime. Finding the right toothbrush is very important. I am a strong advocate of a soft bristle or feather. I know many of you feel that it does not clean your teeth. But research shows it is a very efficient bristle and unlike harder bristles, it does not irritate your gums. The handles of toothbrushes are either straight, bent or round. Although all these handles have different purposes, the best way to select a toothbrush handle is buy the one which fits best in your hand. In reality, most of the modern, soft bristle brushes work well. What is most important is knowing how to brush correctly and brushing for at least two to three minutes. Select a toothbrush head size that can easily fit into the mouth and can brush one to two teeth at a time.