Currently on the market a wide range of toothbrushes. The toothbrush is effective for removing plaque instrument. All brushes consist of a handle and a head in which the bristles are inserted, forming tufts. Some also have a stem, wherein a narrowing of the handle is produced.
The features that should have toothbrushes in order to fulfill its function are described.
Head
The heads are small, flat and straight, are more comfortable to handle and can easily reach the most remote places, so they are more indicated that they are bulky.
Sows
An important criterion when selecting a brush teeth effectively is the number and quality of the bristles. More fibers having the head, the greater the cleaning and better results will brushing surface. In terms of length, it is best that the fibers are of different heights because it is better to the shape of teeth adapted, and better reach curved areas and the teeth.
The bristles also are classified according to their hardness and, as Glass (who investigated the possible contamination of toothbrushes with bacteria and viruses in an environment) can be:
- Soft, whose diameter is 0.17 mm.
- Of medium hardness, with a diameter of 0.30 mm.
- Hard, whose diameter is slightly greater than 0.35 mm.
Soft are less aggressive to the gums and tooth enamel, although the life of the brush is smaller. The stiff bristles remove dirt better and have a greater capacity for erosion, but this same wear out the teeth. Apparently, medium hard bristles are very effective, thanks to its flexibility. These bristles are made of nylon and with rounded tip, so there are no edges on the ends that could cause injuries to the gums. It is important to change your toothbrush approximately every three months (or sooner if deterioration is observed), since the shape of the tip and the flexibility of the bristles is lost with wear.