Best Toothbrush – Top Pics Of A Dental Hygienist
Decisions Decisions – Choose wisely
What is the Best Toothbrush?
This is the most subjective question you can ask. Some will swear by the latest smartphone-linked sonic brush, while others want nothing more than the hardest manual toothbrush they can snag from the Price Mart. In other words, people are fickle with different wants and needs. I’ve been a practicing Dental Hygienist for the last 25 years. I’ve worked in all kinds of practices from community clinics to the high dollar cosmetic offices. Altogether, I’ve cleaned over 100,000 mouths, seen it all and smelt it all, but the question I’m most often asked is “What is the Best Toothbrush”?
Sonic vs Manual
In 2003 dental students participated in a study comparing manual vs. sonic toothbrushes. Half of the students used a manual brush while the other half used a sonic brush. Care to guess what the results were? There was absolutely no difference between the two brushes and their ability to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. The results had nothing to do with the brush but everything to do with the participants. Dental students see the teeth with the mind’s eye, which makes them exceptionally good at brushing. Think about that for a second; do you visualize your teeth when you brush? I loved this article because it reinforced everything I tell my patients, “It’s not the brush, it’s you, and how well you use it”.
The Facts
75% of the population brush their teeth on autopilot, using the technique they learned in 3rd grade, which is typically a random scrub method. For this reason, we created the MD Brush. Remember those dental students? They were using a brushing technique called the BASS method which places the bristles 45 degrees to the gum line using short back and forth strokes. This ensures that the bristles penetrate just below the gum line into the small pocket called the sulcus. If you can routinely keep the sulcus clean you will never get gum disease or experience bleeding gums. However, switching to the BASS method can be a significant challenge. Alternatively, bleeding gums do not mean you’ve traumatized yourself as we incorrectly assume. You have just discovered an area where bacteria was hiding.
Best Toothbrush (Electric)
The advantage of Power brushes is that they by-pass the necessity of good brushing technique via brute force. Just keep it moving for the required time and it will do the work. Ever wonder where the 2 min brushing recommendation came from? It came from a toothpaste company back in the 1940s. Most people assume that if you keep your toothbrush moving for two minutes, it’s doing you good.
Sonic Brush – Top End
Phillips Sonicare Diamond Clean – This is the Rolls Royce of the electric power brush. For this reason, you won’t be disappointed except for the price. This costly device is going to give you an established brand name with the latest advancements in toothbrush tech. I like the quad pace feature and the ability to regulate power settings. Sonic brushes are notorious for being too powerful which can cause sensitivity. The Diamond Clean has soft, end-rounded bristles which should last 3-4 months. If you like tech and have the cash to burn, this is your choice. $150 – $200
Sonic Brush – Budget
Fairywill Sonic Brush – This is a Chinese made sonic brush that’s been re-branded. The technology is similar to the Diamond Clean and even offers some of the same features. Hence, you’re getting a great sonic brush at 1/5th the price. From the standpoint of effectiveness, I see no difference between the cleaning ability of this brush and the diamond clean; but there is a slight difference in build quality. Amazons easy return policy and the 1-year factory warranty make this a no brainer. $25 -$30
Best Toothbrush (Manual)
The manual category is a little different than the power brushes. I’m only recommending brushes that enforce good technique and offer tapered bristles. Manual brushes rely on good user techniques to be effective so features like angled handles and floss tip bristles are crucial.
Manual Toothbrush – High End
MDB (MD Brush) 90% of users say it’s the best manual brush they have ever used and will never go back to their old brush. The handle is larger than a standard brush but ergonomically made for the average sized human hand. This brush takes a little thought to master but will absolutely break the cycle of routine brushing. Utilizes soft, end rounded and tapered bristles. $15-$18 (2 pack)
Manual Toothbrush – Budget
NIMBUS
In short, this is the only brush I’ve found that comes close to the MD Brush. The grip is adequately over-sized and offers exceptionally fine tapered bristles. This is a VERY soft brush. If you have reasonably good brushing technique there is no reason not to get this brush. The Nimbus, like the MD Brush, is designed to target the sulcus. $2.50 – 3.00 ea
Written by, Mike Davidson Maverick Dental Hygienist and CEO
