When fixed braces are attached to the tooth surface, the teeth will become much more sensitive, and oral hygiene will also be difficult. Therefore, customers need to choose some types of toothbrushes for braces wearers to ensure that the tooth surface and orthodontic appliances are cleaned effectively without damaging the enamel or gums.
1. Criteria for choosing a toothbrush for people with braces
For people who choose braces, oral hygiene is the most important issue, because if the teeth are not cleaned, it will lead to serious oral diseases later. To make oral hygiene easier, choosing a toothbrush should also be considered. Below are some criteria when choosing a toothbrush for people with braces:
1.1. Soft-bristled toothbrush
A toothbrush with soft bristles will help remove plaque on teeth more easily than products with hard bristles. In addition, hard bristles can wear down tooth enamel over time, causing gum pain, tooth sensitivity, etc.
However, bristles that are too soft will also affect the cleaning ability of the toothbrush. Therefore, to achieve the best results, customers should choose to buy toothbrushes with moderately soft bristles and good elasticity to easily clean plaque.
1.2. Safe materials
Choosing a toothbrush with materials that are safe for health is also a priority criterion. Customers should choose a toothbrush with bristles made from soft nylon fibers and a body made from tested plastic such as PP, TPR, etc. to ensure that it does not contain toxic BPA.
1.3. Handle size
Prioritize choosing a toothbrush with a handle size of moderate length and size, suitable for the hand. This will help the toothbrush move more smoothly, thereby making oral hygiene easier because it can remove plaque deep inside the molars.
1.4. Depending on age
Depending on each age, customers should choose the appropriate toothbrush to optimize oral cleaning. For example, for children from 9 years old and up, they can take care of their teeth like adults, but parents should still choose to buy a toothbrush with the right size, soft bristles and a small round head suitable for the child’s mouth.
2. What kind of toothbrush should braces use?
People with braces can choose the following types of toothbrushes for deep cleaning:
2.1. Slotted toothbrush
This type of toothbrush has a similar design to a regular toothbrush, but the difference is that there is a groove in the middle to clean the braces. In addition, the bristles on the brush surface are processed to be soft and thin, helping to clean teeth and braces effectively. Customers should note to replace the toothbrush periodically about every 3 months to ensure that bacteria do not have a chance to accumulate and attack, causing other oral diseases.
2.2. Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are similar in structure to regular toothbrushes, except that the bristles will automatically rotate and vibrate to deeply clean the tooth surface as well as the orthodontic system. The brush head is often designed quite small to easily clean the inside of the teeth without getting tangled.
According to experts, electric toothbrushes can clean twice as deep as regular toothbrushes, so this is one of the optimal choices for people with braces. However, customers should note the following when using an electric toothbrush:
– Do not press hard because the sonic mechanism of the toothbrush will automatically clean deeply even without using much force.
– Be careful not to slip your hand and damage the gums.
– Remove the brush head, rinse with water and let it dry after brushing your teeth.
– Pay attention to charging the battery regularly to ensure the brush runs at the correct speed as instructed.
2.3. Interdental brush
This is a specialized toothbrush for people with braces with a brush head design suitable for the tooth surface when attaching braces and archwires. The structure of the interdental brush is quite special with the head being a steel bar rolled in the middle, surrounded by soft bristles arranged from small to large. These bristles have good elasticity, easily threading into the positions between teeth and braces to completely remove plaque.
Currently, there are 2 types of interdental brush heads on the market:
– The L-shaped type has an L shape, helping to clean the front tooth surface.
– The L-shaped type has a fixed right angle to help clean the inside of the teeth.
3. Some popular toothbrushes for people with braces
Customers can choose the following types of toothbrushes with the best quality:
3.1. Dentrust 3-Sided Soft Bristles Toothbrush
Dentrust 3-Sided Braces Toothbrush is made in the United States and has been clinically proven before being launched on the market, so customers can feel secure when using the product. With a special design of 3 brushing surfaces, the product helps clean teeth effectively when wearing braces.
Advantages:
– Can be used for both children and adults during the process of wearing braces.
– Has a unique design.
– Cleans food debris stuck on the braces.
– The width of the bristle cap on the brush can be adjusted to different levels.
– Cleans all 3 tooth surfaces at the same time.
3.2. Oral-B Clic soft bristle toothbrush
The Oral-B Clic soft bristle toothbrush is designed with a prominent shape that is loved and chosen by many people. Some outstanding features of the product include:
– The handle and brush head are separate and can be flexibly replaced.
– The product is completed based on many suggestions from experts.
– Ensures clean teeth even when wearing braces.
– The brush handle uses 60% less plastic than other types.
– The angled bristles increase the ability to reach between teeth.
3.3. Curaprox Hydrosonic CHS 100 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Curaprox Hydrosonic CHS 100 is an electric toothbrush set from Switzerland, trusted by many people with its eye-catching, non-slip design and comfortable handle. This is definitely a product that supports comprehensive oral care.
Advantages:
– The brush head is designed for everyone, especially when wearing braces.
– Sonic waves oscillate from 32,000 to 42,000 times/minute to help clean deeply without damaging tooth enamel.
– The bristles are made from soft Curen fibers that do not cause sensitivity or pain during use.
– There are 3 modes: Sensitive teeth, cleaning and massage.
3.4. Oral-B Gum Care electric toothbrush
The Oral-B Gum Care electric toothbrush from Germany can remove 100% of plaque on teeth. The toothbrush has built-in Bluetooth that can connect to your phone to notify you of brushing time and habits.
Advantages:
– Protects gums and tooth enamel by removing plaque better than a manual toothbrush.
– Bluetooth technology connects to your phone.
– The toothbrush timer emits a signal every 30 seconds.
– There are many different dental care modes.
3.5. Philips Sonicare Healthy White Electric Toothbrush
This is an electric toothbrush from the US designed to support the oral hygiene process of people with braces more easily.
Advantages:
– Sonic technology helps increase the ability to clean 2 times deeper than a regular toothbrush.
– The 2-minute timer on the toothbrush helps ensure the correct brushing time combined with a 30-second timer indicating the time to move to another cluster of teeth.
– Integrated effective teeth whitening function.
3.6. Trisa Bracket Clean groove brush
The Trisa Bracket Clean groove brush is made in Switzerland and is specifically designed for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. With a bi-level bristle design, it allows cleaning every corner of the teeth as well as braces.
Advantages:
– The compact brush head can reach most areas in the oral cavity.
– The shorter inner bristles help clean braces effectively, the longer outer bristles clean the tooth surface easily.
– The body has a thumb rest, making it easy for users to control when brushing their teeth.
4. Other oral hygiene products
In addition to using a specialized toothbrush, customers should combine the use of other products to make the dental care process more effective:
4.1. Tongue scraping
In fact, the tongue is where the most bacteria accumulates. If not cleaned regularly, it will accumulate into a layer of white dirt on the surface of the tongue. This compound contains sulfur and is also the main cause of bad breath. Therefore, to completely remove dirt, customers should pay attention to cleaning the tongue regularly.
4.2. Dental floss
Dental floss is commonly used in Western countries but is not yet widely used in Vietnam. This is a tool that helps clean deep between teeth and in the grooves of braces where the toothbrush has not been able to clean completely. Especially for people with braces, they should not use toothpicks but should use dental floss.
4.3. Water flosser
Water flosser is also a convenient product for people with braces, small water jets with high pressure will help clean deep between teeth, effectively removing plaque. However, the cost of water flosser is a bit high, so customers can consider choosing a product that suits their economic conditions.
5. Instructions on how to properly clean teeth
When cleaning teeth, customers should note the following:
– Maintain brushing time of 2-3 minutes to ensure all teeth are completely cleaned.
– The best time to brush your teeth is in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before going to bed.
– You should also brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating to remove food debris on the surface of the teeth and between the teeth.
– Choose toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride to prevent tooth decay and support healthy teeth.
– Replace your toothbrush every 3 months to ensure that bacteria do not accumulate.
So choosing a toothbrush for people with braces needs to meet certain criteria to ensure that oral hygiene becomes easier. In addition, because teeth with braces become more sensitive and prone to pain, customers should consider choosing the right toothpaste to ensure that the oral cavity is always cleaned to the maximum.
