According to the council on Dental Association, a toothbrush is primarily designed to promote cleanliness of the teeth and oral cavity.

Objectives of Toothbrushing:

  1. To clean the teeth and interdental areas
  2. To prevent plaque formation
  3. To stimulate and massage the ginival tissue
  4. To clean the tongue

TYPES OF TOOTHBRUSHES:

1. MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH:

A manual toothbrush is a brushing tool that is not electrically powered, which helps clean gums, teeth and interdental spaces. The handle of a manual toothbrush is usually made of plastic and the bristles of nylon. A toothbrush is gently moved under the gum line using an up and down motion to remove plaque, food remnants, and debris.

2. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH:

An electric toothbrush is a battery operated brush and when the button is pressed, its head starts oscillating, rotating, or vibrating, which helps clean the teeth effortlessly. In an ordinary electric toothbrush the frequency of oscillation may be around 40 Hertz (HZ).

3. ULTRASONIC TOOTHBRUSH:

An ultrasonic toothbrush is a manual toothbrush with a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (a device used to convert energy into ultrasonic vibration) fixed his head, which helps destroy bacteria, besides eliminating debris and stains from teeth. It also helps remove stains beneath dental braces.

4. INTERDENTAL BRUSH:

An interdental brush helps clean the interproximal and furcation areas of the teeth. It can even reach under dental bridges and prosthetic units. Interdental brushes are available in varying sizes and thicknesses. An interdental Brush can also be used around the arch wires in a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment or those using space maintainers or periodental splints.

5. KIDS TOOTHBRUSH: 

A kids toothbrush should have soft round bristles to help clean a child's teeth efficiently. Its head should be small enough to fit in the mouth of a child and clean all the areas in the oral cavity.

RECENT ADVANCES

1. DISPOSABLE TOOTHBRUSH:

A Disposable toothbrush is usually a small, inexpensive oral hygiene tool, most often used only once before its disposal. Usually, it comes with toothpaste on a toothbrush which is ideal for use during short trips.

2. CHEWABLE TOOTHBRUSH:

A Chewable Toothbrush is a miniature plastic moulded toothbrush requiring no toothpaste or water. It is simply chewed and rolled around the mouth and is disposed off after use. A chewable toothbrush contains xylitol, flavoring aqua, and polydextrose.

3. ECO- FRIENDLY TOOTHBRUSH: 

An Eco-friendly toothbrush is an environment friendly oral hygiene tool. The handle of an eco-friendly toothbrush is made from biodegradable objects like bamboo and the bristles are made of bamboo viscose or pig bristles.

4. END-TUFT-BRUSH:

An end-tufted brush is best for cleaning hard to reach areas, such as between dental bridges, crowns, or crowded teeth. It can also be used around Fixed Orthodontic Appliances.

TIPS FOR REGULAR ORAL HYGIENE:

  • A soft to medium nylon bristle toothbrush helps clean the teeth and gums efficiently. Besides it will not traumatize the gums.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Brush the teeth for not more than 3 to 4 minutes.
  • A toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.


MAINTENANCE OF A TOOTHBRUSH:

  • Do not store a toothbrush in a closed container.
  • Store a toothbrush upright in a dry place.
  • Rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse after brushing to get rid of residual toothpaste and debris.
  • Rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse after brushing may help reduce bacterial growth on a Tooth brush.

Conclusion:

A toothbrush is an inevitable tool for the removal of debris and plaque from the surface of the teeth. The type of toothbrush used and the method of brushing greatly affect the removal of plaque; hence it is important to select a suitable toothbrush for keeping the oral cavity hygienic and healthy.