Toothbrushes – Which One Is Right For You?
08 Sep

Toothbrushes – Which One Is Right For You?

Demystifying Toothbrushes – Which One Is Right For You?

One of the most important self-care tools in your arsenal is your toothbrush. Think about it. You start your day by brushing your teeth and end it in much the same way (hopefully). From electric toothbrushes to vintage-inspired versions like the ones from Acca Kappa, these utilitarian devices are central to oral hygiene, but many people think they’re all the same.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Consider the modern toothbrush’s predecessors that date back to 1498. Boar’s hair bristles on bamboo or bone handles were common until Dupont de Nemours created nylon bristles in 1938. Combine better bristles with the good hygiene habits of soldiers returning home after World War II, and it’s easy to see how daily brushing became standard practice in American households.

Since modern practices date back less than 100 years, Acca Kappa created toothbrushes reminiscent of the 1940s. And made sure to give you as many options as possible, so you can care for your gums and teeth in the best way possible.

Which Brush Is Right For You?

Choosing a tool of any kind requires knowing whether or not it can effectively do its job and whether or not you’ll enjoy using it enough to make it part of your daily routine. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), standard toothbrushes as well as electric versions do an effective job when used regularly. One of the biggest differences is the price point, but you might be surprised to learn that toothbrush heads, even in power models, need to be replaced approximately every 90 days because bristles degrade with usage.

Hard, Soft, or Somewhere In the Middle?

Remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Picking a toothbrush with the right bristles is all a matter of personal preference and desired outcome. Hard toothbrushes make quick work of removing stains, and they’re especially good for people with dentures, which can be difficult to clean. As an every-once-in-awhile tool, having a hard toothbrush in your arsenal makes good sense … just don’t use it every day.

The ADA recommends soft toothbrushes for twice daily brushing because they clean effectively and don’t irritate the gums. But vigorous brushing with even the softest brush can erode tooth enamel and injure gums, causing them to recede, which exposes more of the tooth and may lead to increased sensitivity and periodontal disease.

And now you can see why medium toothbrushes have legions of devotees. They sweep away trapped food particles without causing gum abrasions. If you’re worried that you’re not getting your teeth clean enough with a soft brush, this may be the “just right” tool for you.

Choose a Brush You’ll Enjoy Using

What matters most isn’t whether your brush is soft, medium, or hard, but how effective it is at consistently removing debris while keeping your gums happy. So select a toothbrush that looks beautiful and feels good in your hand, and you’ll reap the benefits of healthy teeth and gums. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush three to four times each year or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

Keep smiling!

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