home Drugs Regular or electric: which brush is better for teeth. Which brush is better to choose - electric or manual? Is an electric toothbrush good?

Regular or electric: which brush is better for teeth. Which brush is better to choose - electric or manual? Is an electric toothbrush good?

Cleansing efficiency oral cavity can be minimized by an incorrectly selected brush. Therefore, the use and selection of this tool should be taken extremely seriously.

The importance of using brushes

The health and beauty of your teeth directly depends on how high-quality the instrument you use. Enamel that protects them hard fabric, without necessary care begins to lose strength and collapse, which leads to the development of carious formations. In addition, a brush that is too hard can damage the gums and leave microtraumas. An instrument selected taking into account the current state of the oral cavity will allow you to most effectively remove food debris from the interdental space, protecting delicate mucous tissues.

What types of brushes are there?

The most important parameter for classifying toothbrushes is the stiffness of the bristles, from the point of view of which it (the brush) can be:

hard;
average;
soft.

The material used to make the bristles is of great importance. There is a small cavity inside the natural bristles, due to which they absorb moisture and promote the proliferation of harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity. Also, devices made from natural materials quickly become unusable due to brittleness and abrasion of the bristles. Ideal choice will become an instrument made of synthetic fibers (usually nylon).

Toothbrushes are made with cleaning heads different sizes and shapes. Products with rounded and rounded corners are considered less traumatic for the mucous membrane.

The cleanliness of the tooth surface depends on the width of the head. Its length is usually no more than 30 mm. Small size allows the brush not to injure the teeth or mucous membranes of the opposite side of the mouth during cleaning.

The area of the brush head affects the number of tufts of bristles located on it:

instruments for adults have from 47 to 55 tufts;
There are 23 tufts on children's brushes;
devices for teenagers are produced with 39 beams.

Mono-beam products are also worth mentioning. Using just one bundle, they help keep your mouth clean with orthodontic systems and irregularities in the dentition.

Depending on the cleaning method, there are manual (mechanical or conventional) brushes and electric ones.

Mechanical brush: features and selection rules

The simplest and most common tool for oral hygiene. It is distinguished by its reasonable cost and the absence of the need to select components and attachments.

When choosing such a brush, you should pay attention to the degree of stiffness of the bristles (it is always indicated on the packaging). The type of bristles is selected based on the individual characteristics of the person, the main ones being his age and the presence of dental/gum diseases. So, hard brushes should be used when advanced education plaque, dentures, smoking or overconsumption coffee. It is recommended to choose them only after talking with your doctor. Tools with soft bristles will be needed by young children, people with sensitive enamel, and the elderly. Medium hardness is the most popular because it is suitable for teenagers and adults who do not have significant problems with the oral cavity.

Depending on the age, you need to pay attention to the size of the product (both the handle and the cleaning head). For young children, instruments are produced in bright colors.

Mechanical toothbrushes also include orthodontic toothbrushes. They are designed specifically for those people who wear or dentures. There are three types of such instruments.

With V-shaped bristles. The bristles, located in the middle in the longitudinal direction, are made very short - in the shape of the letter V. This allows you to better clean both the braces and those areas of the teeth that they block.
With L-shaped bristles. The brush is a handle bent in the shape of the letter “L” with a small bunch of thin bristles at the tip. This design helps to effectively clean areas around orthodontic systems.
Cleaner brushes. Helps remove food particles under the arch of braces.

These devices can only be found in specialized stores.

Before purchasing a toothbrush, you should talk to your dentist. Instruments that are too soft may not sufficiently clean the enamel, while instruments that are too hard may cause microtrauma and irritate the mucous membrane. Only a specialist will give accurate recommendations regarding your teeth specifically.

Electric toothbrushes: types and differences

Electric toothbrushes have a small motor in their design that automatically rotates the bristles while cleaning the oral cavity. These products operate on AA batteries or rechargeable batteries. Each variety has its own differences.

Table. Types of electric toothbrushes based on power supply.

Nutrition method	Flaws	Advantages
	Many accessories that require additional space (stand, network adapter, brush directly). Expensiveness of the product.	The presence of an adapter that allows you to recharge the battery yourself and does not require any expenses. A large number of options and modes. The ability to combine rotational and pulsating movements of the bristles, providing the most effective cleansing.
	The need to periodically change the power supply (battery). There is no possibility of changing the nozzle. Modest number of options. Low cleaning efficiency.	Light weight of the device. Simple battery change system. Reasonable price.

The main advantage of such brushes in comparison with mechanical ones is the effectiveness of cleaning the surface of the teeth. For example, ultrasonic models are capable of performing up to 60 thousand scrolls in a couple of minutes. The same number of movements can be done with a regular brush in only half an hour.

Electric tools have several other benefits.

Are different high level safety, which can be suitable for cleansing sensitive enamel, gums, as well as veneers and braces.
Possess wide range options - pressure indicator, backlight, programmed shutdown system, head replacement timer and others.
They have different technologies (rotational or sonic) and operating modes (cleaning the surface of the tongue, gentle, whitening enamel, massaging and others).
They can really effectively remove plaque.

Depending on the speed at which the bristles move, electrical devices are divided into ultrasonic, sonic and standard.

Standard tools are considered a budget option because they cannot cope with plaque as effectively as sound ones. They usually have a minimum number of attachments and do not offer a variety of cleaning modes. The most common options are capable of performing up to 18 thousand spins in 2 minutes.

Sound products can perform many times more vibrating movements in 1 minute. Using a sound wave, they penetrate the upper layers of the gums to a distance of up to 5 mm, due to which plaque is eliminated even from invisible areas of the teeth. Sonic brushes are often recommended for use by people with oral health conditions who are not suitable for ultrasonic instruments.

Ultrasonic brushes are the most expensive of all those described. In technological terms, they are a complex device that removes stone and plaque without affecting the enamel. This effect is achieved through ultrasonic waves.

You can buy ultrasonic brushes only after consulting a doctor, since these instruments have a number of contraindications.

It is worth noting children's electric brushes for cleaning teeth. They have soft bristles that do not injure the oral cavity, are lightweight and have an interesting design for kids. Such a tool performs its functions of cleaning teeth in a veiled manner, in the form of a game. Light vibration, lighting and catchy design allow you to turn unloved hygiene procedures into an interesting adventure. Some models can be cleaned without using paste. There are devices with ceramic bristles that produce negative ions and preventing the appearance of bacteria in the oral cavity.

Table. Advantages and disadvantages different types electric toothbrushes.

Type of electric toothbrush	Minuses	pros
	Enough high price products.	Reduces the number of harmful microorganisms even in areas inaccessible to cleaning with an irrigator. Effective destruction of pigment plaque using ultrasonic waves. Maximum frequency of rotational movements.
	High price compared to standard brushes. Low frequency of bristle movements compared to ultrasonic instruments.	Safe for use on fillings, veneers, braces, sensitive gums and areas with damaged enamel. Provides a dynamic influx of liquid penetrating into hard-to-reach areas. Exposure to sound vibrations can reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the teeth.
	Risk of damaging the mucous membrane if used carelessly. Low efficiency of enamel cleaning.	Modest price. The ability to alternate circular and pulsating (down-up) movements.

In order not to get lost in front of the variety of electronic brushes, it is enough to follow a few simple recommendations.

There are a number of contraindications to using this type of brush. The most important of them are white pigmented spots on the surface of the teeth, high abrasion of the enamel, the presence of wedge-shaped defects on the necks of the teeth, as well as inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Rating of popular toothbrushes

Having identified with the help of a specialist the problems in the oral cavity that require attention, it is time to take care of choosing an effective cleaning tool. Many well-known manufacturers (and others) will surprise you with the variety of brush models and their modifications.

What care does a toothbrush require?

In addition to the characteristics of the brush, it is important to monitor its storage conditions. The classic method is a suitable glass near the sink. However, such conditions do not ensure long service life of the product and preservation of hygienic properties. This especially applies to tools that are stored in a cup along with the brushes of other family members. In this case harmful microorganisms easily move from the bristles of one product to the bristles of another.

Most favorable conditions creates the use of a special holder for brushes. They fix the dental care tool in a suspended position, which ensures maximum ventilation. This is detrimental to bacteria and prevents their penetration from one device to another.

Do not forget that after cleaning the bristles must be thoroughly rinsed with water and dried.

For those who travel frequently and take the brush with them, it is necessary to purchase a case that will protect it during the trip and keep it clean.

Video - Review of the best models of ultrasonic toothbrushes

Our expert - dentist Tatyana Chernova

Conventional or electric?

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a brush is the condition of your teeth and gums: this means you need to decide on the degree of its hardness. Considered universal average degree stiffness of the bristles, however, those who have problems with gums or tooth enamel, as well as children under 12 years of age, are recommended to use brushes with soft bristles.

The effectiveness of cleaning is ensured by intersecting tufts of bristles (not visible to the eye, the inscription on the packaging informs about this), they are located at an angle to each other in opposite directions, which means they penetrate deeply between the teeth, removing plaque not only from the front surface, but also in hard to reach places.

Pay attention to the handle of the brush: it should be long, this allows you to regulate the pressure of the brush on the teeth and avoid injury to the enamel and gums. It is important that the handle has rubber elements so that the hand does not slip. The best option is a brush with a movable head.

Quality guarantee

And finally, to buy a quality brush, read the inscriptions on its packaging: the information must indicate the name of the manufacturer, its postal address and have the “Rostest” sign.

Well, what about an electric brush? It is important to use it correctly: if pressed too hard against your teeth, it can damage the enamel. The most “advanced” option is an ultrasonic brush. It has a built-in generator that produces high-frequency ultrasonic waves, and the ultra-fast vibrating pulsation of the bristles allows you to quickly loosen and remove plaque and kill almost all harmful bacteria.

In addition, this method of cleaning activates biochemical processes in the oral cavity, improves blood microcirculation in the tissues, thereby improving the condition of the gums. However, an electric brush is contraindicated in cases of increased tooth mobility, stomatitis, gingivitis and some other diseases.

Everything is according to the rules

It needs to be changed once every three months: otherwise the bristles will become frayed and the effectiveness of such a hygienic device will be reduced to nothing. Therefore, it is better to choose brushes with an indicator: a special coating is applied to the surface of their bristles, which changes color as the “working tool” wears out, which tells you: it’s time to throw away the brush! The attachments on an electric toothbrush are changed as often as a regular one.

By the way, after suffering from an oral disease (stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.), the brush must be replaced with another one, even if it is new.

Those who wear braces should change their toothbrushes every two weeks. In general, in this situation, doctors also recommend using an oral irrigator. This is a device into which water or an antibacterial solution is poured, it allows you to wash your teeth with a jet under pressure, which effectively removes even the smallest food residues.

Few people know: after morning and evening brushing of teeth, it is necessary to brush your tongue - it is on it that 60% of harmful bacteria accumulate, which can cause inflammatory gum diseases, increasing the risk of developing caries. Of course, you can perform this procedure by running a clean and wet tongue over your tongue several times. Or turn the brush over back side the heads of which have a special coating. But it is much more effective to use special spoons for such a procedure - they are sold in pharmacies. 2-3 light “scraping” movements - and your mouth is in perfect order!

Today, toothbrushes come in a variety of types, models and shapes, so the question arises of what kind Toothbrush better – electric or conventional. To choose the right hygiene item, it is necessary to take into account both the principles that it must comply with and the properties of the product. When purchasing a device, you should remember individual characteristics the structure of the oral cavity, the condition of the gums and enamel.

Do you need an electric toothbrush?

The electric model has both advantages and disadvantages, but in the presence of diseases, including dental ones, an electric toothbrush is used only with the permission of a doctor. For healthy people For those who regularly visit the dentist, the electric device is convenient and makes it easy to perform hygienic procedures.

The source of energy for operating electrical appliances is batteries or accumulators. According to the principle of operation, mechanical, sound and ionic models are distinguished.

Mechanical devices can be reciprocating or combined. With a reciprocating design, the brush head is capable of moving both in a circle, rotating in opposite directions, and vertically. With a combined design, additional cross bristles are installed on the head of the device, which effectively clean areas that are inaccessible to a regular brush.

Electric brushes using sound technology are equipped with a special generator that produces sound or ultrasonic waves. Sound vibrations soften plaque and food debris. At the same time, the bristles moving with high speed, quickly clean the oral cavity.

Ultrasound, acting in a non-contact manner, destroys bacteria and removes plaque.

Ionic products use a rod coated with titanium dioxide. This material, when combined with a liquid, attracts hydrogen ions, which destroy pathogenic flora. The device is used to clean the oral cavity without the use of toothpaste.

To make the right choice, you need to know the pros and cons of an electric toothbrush.

Ultrasonic and ion models

In the ultrasonic model, the movements of the bristles are ensured by the action of a piezocrystal, a charge on the faces of which leads to the appearance internal vibrations(1.6 MHz), transmitted to the bristles. Simultaneously with mechanical cleaning of the enamel, the device acts on the teeth with ultrasound.

Difference in Ultrasound Absorption Rate bone tissue and plaque leads to detachment and removal of plaque.

Dental care with an ultrasonic brush has the following advantages:

removal of dental plaque and pigmentation leads to a whitening effect;
ultrasound has an antiseptic effect on the oral cavity;
the medicinal components of toothpaste penetrate into tissues under the influence of ultrasound;
The device gently cleans braces, dentures and sensitive areas.

The ion device contains a titanium dioxide rod in the handle. By creating different polarities between plaque and the surface of the teeth, the brush attracts plaque and cleanses the oral cavity of germs. Its long-term use reduces gum bleeding and enamel sensitivity.

How to use a fancy brush correctly

To maintain the electric brush in working condition, it is necessary to change the batteries or charge the battery on time. To avoid damaging the enamel, do not apply increased pressure during the cleaning process. Before cleaning, the bristles of the electric brush are moistened with water, and toothpaste is applied in a small amount (about the size of a pea).

To properly brush your teeth with an electric brush, you must follow these rules:

When cleaning the lateral surface of teeth from the outside and inside The product is held at an angle of 45° and the cleaning head is slowly moved in one direction, pausing for 2 seconds on each tooth.
When cleaning the front surface of the teeth, the device is held vertically.
The chewing surface of the teeth is cleaned with horizontal position brushes.

The ionic brush provides a cleaning effect due to the ionic process and allows you to do without toothpaste. After moistening the bristles with water, use the ionic device to brush your teeth like a traditional brush, spending 2-3 minutes on the process.

Contraindications

Electric toothbrushes, the pros and cons of which you should know, have a number of contraindications for use. You should not use an electric brush if you have the following oral diseases:

When the ionic brush operates, an ionic flow is created. Therefore, people who smoke and have problems with the oral mucosa should use the device with caution, because galvanic currents produced by the device irritate the mucous membranes and aggravate negative impact nicotine If you suspect oral diseases, consult a dentist.

Brushes for children

The toothbrush should be age appropriate and have an attractive design. To ensure that the child enjoys the cleaning process, select a product whose head and handle have a comfortable shape and suitable size. For children under 2 years old, it is better to choose a brush with silicone bristles, a rubberized head (1.5 cm in size) and a handle up to 10 cm long. For children under 5 years old, a brush with soft bristles is suitable, with a head size up to 2 cm, and handles up to 17 cm long. cm.

Children can use an electric brush from 3 years old. It removes plaque well and protects the enamel from caries. To kid suitable for children a variant of the classic electric brush of a reciprocating or combined type with soft and low bristles.

The batteries powering the device are protected by a waterproof case, so the electrical device is safe for children. To make sure that the device is suitable for your child, you should visit your pediatric dentist before purchasing an electric toothbrush. The child must be taught to use a brush, and he must brush his teeth under adult supervision.

Which models are the best?

If the question of which toothbrush is better - a regular or an electric one - has been resolved, then you need to choose the best model. When choosing a traditional brush, models with the following parameters are suitable:

polymer bristles with antistatic properties,
rounded top;
silicone inserts on the handle;
flexible connection between handle and head.

You should choose products with bristles whose degree of rigidity corresponds to the condition of the gums and teeth. The best option An electric brush will be a product with a powerful battery and has replaceable attachments. The most popular models for both children and adults are products under the Oral B and Braun brands.

If you regularly change heads, the electric brush will last a long time, and special types nozzles increase cleaning efficiency. Working nozzles use the following operating modes:

1D technology – movement occurs in a circle in one direction;
2D mode – circular motion is performed in forward and backward directions;
When working using 3D technology, circular and pulsating movements are combined.

The attachments included with electric brushes have different cleaning properties and effects. They perform operations such as polishing, whitening, massage, cleaning sensitive teeth, double brushing, removing hard plaque, and cleaning teeth with braces.

How to care for your device

In order for the electric brush to serve for a long time and provide high-quality teeth cleaning, you should follow the rules for caring for the device:

Before and after cleaning, rinse the nozzle under running water;
dry the device only in a vertical position;
change the nozzle every 3-4 months;
store the product in a clean, dry stand;
Check the battery charge periodically.

Before choosing an electric toothbrush, you should evaluate the condition of your oral cavity, this will determine suitable type and device model. An individually selected device will make the cleaning procedure convenient and maintain dental health.

For every person, a toothbrush is an object that is used when carrying out hygiene procedures. Everyone remembers well the need for daily brushing of teeth and periodic replacement of this personal hygiene item, but not everyone knows what a toothbrush should be like. We will now talk about which toothbrush to choose so as not to harm your gums and teeth, and also not to provoke the formation of oral diseases.

Nowadays on store shelves and pharmacy kiosks can be found a large number of different toothbrushes, each of which has its own specific features. May occur:

A mechanical or in other words a regular toothbrush is the most popular and is in high demand among the population. This is explained by the fact that it is not so expensive, it can be changed often and selected to suit the characteristics of the teeth and gums.
An electric toothbrush. It will save time and minimize the expenditure of effort when brushing your teeth. Besides positive thing is that such a brush thoroughly cleans the teeth and removes plaque, preventing the formation of stones on the teeth. Please note it may have various functions, which make it more convenient. The question of which electric toothbrush to choose for yourself is up to you.

A very good 3D brush, because it is characterized by movable bristles that effectively remove plaque even from hard-to-reach places, eliminate darkening of the enamel, which in turn makes teeth whiter.

An electric toothbrush can be equipped with a special timer that regulates the duration of cleaning not only the entire oral cavity, but also individual areas.

An electric toothbrush can also have special replaceable heads, for example with a dental floss effect. It easily penetrates into areas that are located between the teeth and where the bristles of a regular brush cannot reach. As a result, teeth cleaning will be more perfect and effective. This fact answers the question of which brush is better, electric or conventional.

Please note that despite the large number positive aspects It is necessary to remember that it can only be used by people who have healthy teeth and gums. In some people it may cause headache and nausea, such pathological symptoms appear in response to vibration.

Ultrasonic. Its peculiarity is that teeth cleaning occurs at a distance. Such cleaning can be called non-contact, because the removal of plaque and the destruction of pathogenic flora occurs at a distance of 5 mm. from the surface of the teeth. Positive properties what is also considered is that it provides therapeutic effect on the gums and eliminates inflammatory processes in them. Brushing your teeth with this brush does not require the use of toothpaste. There are several manufacturers that improve ultrasonic brushes with additional attachments to remove hard plaque and whiten tooth enamel.

The only downside is their high price. Please note that you are only allowed to use this type of oral hygiene products three times every seven days. An important point What requires attention is that the use of such brushes is prohibited for persons with implants and braces, as well as those who suffer from diseases of the heart muscle.

Orthodontic. Designed specifically for those people who wear braces, it is considered mechanical, but it has a special groove made for structures that are localized on the surface of the teeth. It is almost impossible to find it on pharmacy shelves and in stores, this is explained by the fact that it is made to order and has a high pricing policy.
Ionic. By appearance practically no different from a regular brush with even bristles, the only difference is that the handle body includes a rod made of titanium dioxide. When pressing on the metal plate located on outer surface The handles create a flow of negatively charged ions, which are endowed with the ability to attract positively charged ions of dental plaque. It allows you to recover faster and more intensively acid-base balance in the oral cavity and activate positive influence toothpaste.

Characteristics of brushes by degree of hardness

Depending on their hardness, toothbrushes are classified into:

Very soft – intended for children and people suffering from inflammatory diseases gums or non-carious enamel lesions. In any case, choosing an item for oral hygiene of this type, you must consult a dentist.
Soft. Dentists recommend using them for patients with a tendency to bleeding, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as persons with a history of such illness as diabetes. It is the listed conditions that require thorough and at the same time gentle cleaning.
Medium hardness. They can only be used by adults who do not have problems with the condition of their teeth and gums.
Hard - considered an option for individuals who are overly addicted to smoking and drinking coffee. Please note that they can only be chosen by those people who have strong enamel and healthy gums.
Very hard, which are recommended for use by individuals suffering from excessive plaque on their teeth or who have orthopedic or orthodontic structures.

Characteristics of brushes depending on the location of the bristles

Over time, items intended for oral hygiene have been improved and now their production uses bristles of varying hardness, which are collected in bunches and arranged in rows. Depending on how the bristles are arranged, toothbrushes are:

single-level;
two-level;
three-level;
multi-level.

In brushes good quality the bundles are placed parallel or at an angle to each other, depending on this, oral hygiene products are divided into:

treatment and prophylactic;
hygienic;
special.

Hygienic - equipped with bristles of the same length, which are arranged in parallel. Brushes of this type are used extremely rarely, because they are characterized by poor cleaning of the tooth surface.

Therapeutic and prophylactic brushes have multi-level bristles, those that are long, clean hard-to-reach places between the teeth, short chewing surfaces, and soft bristles, which are located obliquely, clean the areas where the teeth meet the gums. The surface on which the tufts of bristles are localized may additionally have various inserts made of rubber; they massage the gums and polish the tooth enamel. Nowadays, these brushes are considered the most popular and most often used.

Special ones are usually single-beam or small-beam, they are considered the option of choice for cleaning teeth with uneven surfaces, orthopedic structures and implants.

Nuances to pay attention to when choosing a toothbrush

When choosing a brush special attention requires:

The length of the working part should be at least 2-2.5 cm, this is the size that will allow you to grab several teeth when brushing. This allows for thorough cleaning of teeth that belong to the chewing group.
Head and its working part. This part should have a rounded shape, this is what will prevent injury to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. On the back side of the working part there should be inequalities (roughness), which will provide the opportunity to cleanse the mucous membrane of pathogenic microorganisms.
The area where the head and handle connect. In the case of a movable connection, the pressure on the areas of localization of soft and hard tissues is regulated, which in turn minimizes the risk of injury to these areas.
Pen. It is necessary that it be thick and have inserts made of rubber on its surface; this will give additional convenience when using the brush and prevent it from slipping.

Features of care

First of all, you need to remember to regularly replace your toothbrush and keep it clean. However, not all people know how to properly care for this personal hygiene item. Care is very simple, all you need to do is wash it periodically using regular soap and water. If possible, you can use a special sterilizer, but even its use does not eliminate the need for periodic replacement.

It is not recommended to use the same oral hygiene item after past diseases viral or infectious nature(for example, after pharyngitis, stomatitis, flu, sore throat), it must be replaced with a new one.

So you have learned about what types of brushes there are and what you need to pay attention to when purchasing them.

To summarize, I would like to say that there is no categorical answer to the question of which toothbrush is better, because it is selected individually for each person, depending on the characteristics of his teeth, the condition of his gums and financial capabilities.