Did you know the earliest toothbrush dates back to about 5000 years ago? However, way back then it was just a stick with the end frayed. It was called a “chew stick” and was simply rubbed against the teeth to remove food. From about 500 years ago, toothbrushes began to be made with ivory, wood, or bone handles and bristles of hogs and boars. In 1938, the first nylon bristle toothbrush (the kind we have to do) came into being.
Skipping the concept of the best toothbrush for now, suffice it to say, without the toothbrush at all, our oral care would suffer greatly.
Toothbrushes help to remove plaque (bacteria) that sticks to the teeth and gets into the gum area, causing cavities and gingivitis. That’s one reason why so many of the oldest generations ended up with gum disease and dental bone problems – they didn’t have toothbrushes when they were kids!
Different types of toothbrushes & what is the best toothbrush for you and those you love?
Toothbrushes fall into two basic categories – manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes. Of course, that’s not 100% all there is to it today, but those are the two main kinds. Of those, which is the best toothbrush is kind of indisputable. However, both types have their pros and cons.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes, when used properly, can be effective at cleaning the teeth and preventing gum disease and other issues, such as cavities.
For pediatric dental care, children may prefer an electric toothbrush because it’s “different” and makes brushing more exciting. Additionally, because the toothbrush actually moves, as long as a pediatric-sized electric toothbrush is used, it may be more effective for little ones who don’t brush the surface of the teeth really well yet.
Likewise, people with diminished arm strength and/or seniors may prefer an electric toothbrush as well. It can reduce some of the movement required of manual tooth brushing and therefore, makes it slightly easier to brush as well and long as needed.
On the other hand, some people of any age just prefer a good electric toothbrush over a manual one because it simply makes them feel like their teeth are cleaner after brushing. Thus, the best toothbrush is really, the one that empowers the user to brush the right amount of time, in the right way.
Additionally, you should always be sure the toothbrush you (or your family) use / uses has the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. This seal must be earned by a company and is the given only after an ADA Toothbrush Evaluation.
When searching for the best toothbrush, here are some of the general guidelines from the ADA Toothbrush Evaluation:
- All components are safe
- Bristles are free of pointed or sharp edges
- The handle material holds up with regular use
- The bristles don’t shed under normal use
- The toothbrush, when used by an average adult, helps prevent cavities and gum disease
Electric toothbrushes must also meet the guidelines and demands of a safety laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Additionally, the manufacturer of the electric toothbrush must show that they have done a clinical trial showing the brush is safe on both natural and artificial teeth and soft and hard gum tissue.
Whether you are looking for the best toothbrush for you or someone in your family, a good toothbrush can be a great Christmas present.
Manual toothbrushes are great for stocking stuffers and a good electric or sonic toothbrush is a nice gift as an upscale toothbrush is often not something most people buy for themselves. Of course, while you’re out toothbrush shopping, it’s not totally out of the question to pick up a nice one for yourself too!