There are a variety of ultrasoft toothbrushes to choose from; for example, The EDEL + WHITE TOOTHBRUSH ULTRASOFT FLOSSERBRUSH - Swiss Made which earned an international design award nomination. This toothbrush is not only a one-of-a-kind fashion statement, but it also combines effective pressure-free technology with the latest ultra-gentle KONEX HD ® bristles, low activity, and unparalleled grip comfort. This toothbrush's Konex HD bristles are an important step toward ultrasoft toothbrushes lasting longer. KONEX HD® bristles are up to 5 times more resilient than traditional tapered bristles and are around 8 times thinner than standard soft bristles. KONEX HD® bristles clean deeper into niches than ordinary toothbrush bristles because of their enhanced surface activity.

The EDEL + WHITE TOOTHBRUSH ULTRASOFT FLOSSERBRUSH have the following features:

• Toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles
• Made in Switzerland
• No-pressure technology
• KONEX HD bristles with deep activity and is state-of-the-art.
• Nominated for international design awards
• It's a must-have for everyone who cares about their health and style.

The Edel+White ProGums UltraSoft Toothbrush with Anti-Stress Handle is the real deal when it comes to cleaning your gums expertly. This dynamic and, to be honest, an odd-looking toothbrush is a key to having healthy gums and thoroughly cleansed teeth. The brush functions in the following ways;

Sweep: the broader head brushes both your teeth and your neglected gums.

Dive: the UltraSoft bristles clean thoroughly all over without you even realizing it.

Relax: compared to traditional toothbrushes, the wide and flexible handle makes brushing faster and more comfortable.

Pro-Gums' broad head and flexible handle may appear odd, but they're essential to its ability to deliver on these three promises.

It is 1.5 times the size of a typical toothbrush head.

Pro-Gums is 1.5x the width of the normal toothbrush head, with six compact rows and 36 tufts of bristles. This guarantees lots of cleaning without giving it much thought, making it extremely simple. In addition to being broader, the head is also shorter. This allows you to move the brush from one tooth to the next by guiding it along the gum line. Your two minutes will be up before you know it, and your teeth and gums will be thoroughly cleaned effortlessly.

The Edel+White ProGums UltraSoft Toothbrush with Anti-Stress Handle

Lactona M38 Nylon Super Soft Toothbrush is a Toothbrush that's ideal for adults and children aged 10 and up. With a broad thumb grip and a rubber tip (gingival stimulator) at the end of the toothbrush handle, it has ultra-soft end-rounded polished bristles with a wide thumb grip. Best for sensitive gums and for those who have had dental surgery. This brush has four rows of bristles.

Lactona M38 Nylon Super Soft Toothbrush

Tepe Gentle Care Extra-Soft Toothbrush is a soft, gentle toothbrush that is perfect for sensitive gums and teeth. It is also recommended for use following oral surgery. Heating the neck under hot running water, bending it to the correct angle, and then chilling it in place with cold water are all options for angling the neck. TePe Gentle Care is a highly soft toothbrush that is recommended for people who have had oral surgery or who have sensitive tissues. TePe Gentle Care is an exceptionally soft toothbrush that is indicated after oral surgery, for individuals with painful or very fragile oral tissue, particularly sensitive root surfaces, severely dry mouth, and patients who have had radiotherapy.

TePe Gentle Care is a firmer version of TePe Special Care. It has filaments that are super soft for a gentle clean.

It’s a second brush stage after TePe Special Care.

The Tepe Gentle Care brush has the following features:

• SUPER GENTLE SPECIALTY: Extra soft toothbrush with 12000 bristles that is best used after surgery in the initial stage. For sensitive teeth and gums, this toothbrush is ideal.
• ULTRA SOFT BRISTLES: Gently rub delicate oral tissues while brushing your teeth. Even in hard-to-reach regions, this post-surgery toothbrush with its revolutionary soft bristle brush design gets the job done.
• SOOTHES PAINFUL MOUTHS: A ultra soft toothbrush for sensitive oral tissue, dry mouth, sensitive roots, or mouths recuperating from surgery or radiation. Adult toothbrushes with extremely soft bristles.
• ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Sturdy non-slip handle provides a firm and sturdy grasp, allowing you to securely place this gum toothbrush and reach rear teeth.
• HEALTHY SMILE: TePe products are produced in Sweden and dentists recommend them. For sensitive teeth, roots, gums, and post-surgical stress, extra soft oral surgery toothbrushes are the go-to toothbrushes.

Tepe Gentle Care Extra-Soft Toothbrush

The Dr.Collins Perio Toothbrush has extremely fine, supersoft tapered bristles, which are ideal for vigorous brushers who want firm bristles or persons who have sensitive teeth following gum treatment or gum recession. The Perio Toothbrush by Dr. Collins is unlike any other toothbrush on the market. The Perio Toothbrush has ultra-thin polyester bristles that reach deeper between the teeth to remove plaque and debris, thanks to its novel, patented tapering process.

The bristles of the Perio Toothbrush are also super soft, decreasing the risk of abrasion and recession while still stimulating the gums gently. The Perio Toothbrush has less porous polyester bristles, which makes brushing more hygienic. The bristles also last about half as long as regular nylon toothbrush bristles. The Perio Toothbrush is appropriate for people of all ages, including those who are receiving orthodontic treatment, have sensitivity, or are experiencing gum recession.

Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush

Dr.Collins Perio has the following features:

• Dr. Collin's Perio Toothbrushes bring smiles to life by using ultra-thin polyester bristles that reach deeper between the teeth to eliminate plaque and debris.
• Tooth enamel is protected by ultra-soft and ultra-thin tapered polyester toothbrush bristles. Because polyester bristles are less permeable than nylon, bacterial development is reduced.
• Tea Tree Oil and Magnolia Bark, which are natural antiseptics that fight germs and refresh breath, are included.
• Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush removes plaque and food particles between teeth and gums while gently massaging gums without causing discomfort or bleeding.
• Gums are softly massaged by unique tapered filaments that penetrate deep between the teeth and around the gums without causing discomfort or bleeding. Great for those who have sensitive teeth, gum recession, braces, or who have had gum treatment.

Unfortunately, brushing alone isn't always enough. Bits of food can get stuck between teeth and don't get dislodged by normal brushing. This debris along with plaque build up between teeth can lead to gum disease, and eventually tooth loss.

Fortunately, there is something you can do to prevent this. Using an interdental brush helps to remove the food debris and plaque from the places that your standard toothbrush can't reach.

Read on as we take a look at how to use an interdental brush properly.

What Is an Interdental Brush?

An interdental brush is a small brush designed to fit into the gaps between your teeth where the food and plaque can build up.

There are various designs from different companies, but the basic structure is the same. There is a thin wire covered in bristles attached to a handle that you use to grip the brush. By pushing the brush into the gap between teeth, plaque and food debris are dislodged.

Some brushes are straight, and others are designed with the handle at 90 degrees to the brush, to make them easier to use on back teeth.

Why Do I Need to Use One?

As we have already seen, using a standard toothbrush doesn't remove all of the plaque and food debris from between teeth.

If left in place, this build-up can lead to gum disease. Once the gums start to recede, there is a much higher chance of losing a tooth.

When you use a toothbrush alone, you are not cleaning every surface of the tooth. In order to give your teeth a complete clean, you need to use an interdental brush as well as your standard toothbrush.

Doesn't Floss Do the Same Job?

If you already floss, you may be wondering why you need to use an interdental brush. After all, floss is designed to clean in between your teeth, just like an interdental brush.

There are two main reasons why interdental brushes are recommended rather than floss. Firstly, you are much more likely to damage your gums using floss. Using the sharp tape too vigorously can lead to damage to your gums, where bacteria can take hold.

Secondly, the shape of your back teeth means that floss is far less effective. Since these teeth are slightly concave where you floss, there are parts of your tooth that are never touched by the floss at all. The bristles on an interdental brush expand into the gap, ensuring that every part of the tooth is given a thorough clean.

How Often Should I Use One?

Unlike normal brushing, you only need to use an interdental brush once a day.

Since one of the roles of an interdental brush is to dislodge food debris stuck between teeth, it can be a good idea to do it any time after your final meal of the day, but using it at any time will still reduce your risk of gum disease. You don't need to do it at the same time as you brush your teeth either; once you're used to the process you can use the interdental brush whilst you're watching the latest Netflix box set in the evening.

Should I Use an Interdental Brush Before or After Brushing?

Studies have shown that using your interdental brush before you brush your teeth is more effective than using it immediately afterward.

This doesn't mean you need to use your brush just before you brush, however. As long as it is done at some point prior to you cleaning your teeth, it will be most effective.

How to Use an Interdental Brush Correctly

Using an interdental brush is fairly simple, but does take some getting used to. Here are some tips to help.

Select the Right Size

The most important thing is to select the right size brush. If it's too large, it won't fit into the gap easily, and you may damage your gums. Too small and it won't be as effective at removing plaque.

Experiment with different sizes, or ask your dentist or oral hygienist for their advice. Some of your teeth may be too close together for even the smallest brushes. In these cases, use floss instead.

Insert in the Correct Place

As the name suggests, the brush is intended to clean in the interdental gap.

Your teeth are not perfect rectangles; they narrow as they near your gums, meaning there is a gap between your teeth at the very top of your gum. Looking between your teeth you will see your gum forming a triangle. The interdental gap is at the very top of this triangle.

Gently Push the Brush into the Gap

Gently place the tip of your interdental brush just above the top of this triangle.

With gentle pressure, ease the brush forward and into the gap. This may feel a little unusual at first, but will soon become second nature. Continue to push the brush until it has passed as far through as it will go.

Now gently pull the brush back out again.

To Repeat or Not to Repeat?

There are different schools of thought on how many times this action needs to be done.

Some say once is enough, others say you should slide the brush in and out a few times. It's really a personal preference, but remember not to be too forceful as you don't want to damage your gums.

Can I Reuse My Interdental Brush?

You can use the same interdental brush to clean your whole mouth; you don't need to use a new one for each gap.

It's up to you if you want to reuse the same brush again the next day or use a new one each day. If you do want to reuse the same brush, be sure to rinse it off after use to remove any plaque and debris, and replace it once it's no longer as effective.

Are You Looking for Interdental Brushes?

Using an interdental brush is a vital part of ensuring that you protect your teeth and gums.

If you're looking for high-quality interdental brushes from the best brands, then you're in the right place. We stock a wide range of interdental brushes from best-selling brands such as TePe, GUM, and . Whatever type or size of interdental brush you're looking for, we're sure you find something to suit your needs.

We also offer bulk packs for even bigger savings. Purchase your interdental brushes from KleenTeeth today!

The term "interdental" refers to the space between the teeth. InterDental Sticks are useful because you can bring them with you to a restaurant and can assist in the removal of larger pieces of food that get stuck between the teeth and may appear unpleasant.

Wood sticks were the first oral hygiene tool designed specifically to clean the interdental area, or the space between the teeth. The use of dental sticks fell as interdental brushes became more popular; nevertheless, thanks to recent developments and the introduction of new items, this category has made a surge in popularity. Wood sticks and now plastic sticks (often referred to as interdentals) are quick and simple to use, and they're especially handy when interdental brushes aren't an option. In addition to the two, wooden sticks and plastic sticks, there are also felt-tipped Inter Dental sticks.

Different Types of Dental Sticks

Edel+White Pick Sticks

Edel+White Pick Dental Sticks are silicon-tipped sticks that clean and remove plaque from between the teeth. This handy duo, which is conveniently linked in the middle, has everything you need for on-the-go cleaning between your teeth. A flexible rubber head on one end slides easily between teeth. A plastic hook on the other side removes any plaque or residue left between or on the teeth. Cleaning between the teeth, where toothbrushes can't reach, is simple and safe. Ideal for on-the-go and especially for individuals with bridges, implants, or braces.

Paro Brush Stick

Paro Brush Sticks are Felt-Tipped Sticks and due to their thorough cleaning and simultaneous massage action, they are an excellent remedy for treating and prevention of gingival irritation. The Paro Brush Sticks have a velvety flocking covering over a plastic base. This extra layer is not only comfortable to use, but it also helps to remove bacterial plaque more easily and thoroughly. The brush stick's ultra-thin shape makes it incredibly flexible, allowing access to virtually any interproximal (space between your teeth) area. Made in Switzerland, these are a longtime favorite choice worldwide.

Jordan Dental Wooden Sticks - Mint

Jordan Dental Wooden Sticks - Mint pocket pack includes single-ended mint-flavored dental sticks. The triangular cross-section of the single-ended dental sticks is intended to accommodate a wide variety of inter-proximal spacing between the teeth. The tapered design of the wooden dental sticks, along with the elasticity of birch wood, allows them to adapt to a wide range of inter-proximal shapes and sizes. The single-ended, mint-flavored dental sticks are suitable for persons with normal to broad gaps between their teeth and leave a refreshing aftertaste. Made in Norway from Nordic Birch wood.

Tandex Wooden Dental Sticks

Tandex Wooden Dental Sticks are made of nordic birch wood and are triangular in shape to fit between the teeth. They effectively clean without causing damage to the teeth or gums. This aids in the prevention of cavities and other dental maladies, such as gum disease. These are made in Denmark from Nordic Birch wood.

Dr. Collins CleanPics

Dr. Collins CleanPics aren't just any toothpick; they're a lot more! When you think of toothpicks, you probably imagine small round wooden sticks that quickly break and cause gum irritation. Dr.Collins Cleanpics work in the exact opposite way. Cleanpics resemble little swords with a curved edge. They are small, thin, and flat. It's easy to slip between teeth, even in tight spots, because of this. Each cleanpic is designed to be completely flexible, making it extremely simple to reach those difficult-to-get areas. Cleanpics are additionally textured on both sides to easily grip and pick up dirt. Each box is a portable carrying container that holds 32 cleanpics, allowing you to have one on hand at all times.

Gum Soft-Picks

Gum Soft-Picks are flexible, soft bristles that gently remove plaque, dislodge the food, and massage gums with Soft-Picks. The flexible synthetic rubber bristles readily fit between most teeth, eliminating dental plaque that toothbrushes can't reach. Dental specialists developed this product to eliminate plaque from hard-to-reach regions between the teeth that toothbrushing alone misses.

Soft-Picks make cleaning hard-to-reach regions where plaque accumulates and causes inflammation, bleeding, and gingivitis simple. Soft-Picks, which are highly recommended by dental hygienists, will help you achieve your objective of cleaning between your teeth at least once a day. Clean between your teeth at least once a day to remove dental plaque from places not reached by brushing alone, where tooth decay and gum disease are common! Plaque removal is just as effective as dental floss, but easier and more convenient.

Using dental sticks will ensure that your teeth and gums are cleaner and guarantee better oral healthcare generally. Depending on the spaces between your teeth, you have three options to choose from; wooden sticks, plastic sticks, or felt-tipped interdental sticks. Purchase a dental stick today for thorough cleaning of your teeth that brushing alone can't achieve!

  The three-sided toothbrushes are also 3D to enable brushing everywhere, at the same time. The CleanCurl 3D Toothbrush is three times more effective than traditional toothbrushes with only one side of bristles. As a result, brushing efficiency is increased by 300% when you use this toothbrush. The three-sided bristles guarantee that you brush the top of your teeth, both sides of your teeth, and the gumline all at the same time, resulting in a more effective and efficient brushing session. Brushing for 2 minutes with the CleanCurl 3D Toothbrush is equal to brushing for 6 minutes with a normal toothbrush. The Cleancurl 3D Toothbrush has soft, gum-friendly curled bristles that reach all the way down to the tooth/gum interface, cleaning all three sides of the teeth and gums at the same time. This is a toothbrush that has a hand-friendly toothbrush handle design with an ergonomic handle. Brushing should be done using a comfortable toothbrush that allows for effective control. During tooth brushing, the carpel tunnel-friendly shape provides for a firm ergonomic hold on the handle.

CleanCurl 3D toothbrush

  With its innovative and cost-effective design, the CleanCurl 3D toothbrush promotes brushing habits. It brings the manual toothbrush one step closer to its goal of perfection. Each toothbrush saves on average 50% plastic, lowering the product's carbon footprint and providing a more environmentally friendly alternative.

  Another great three-sided toothbrush is the Collis Curve Toothbrush. The curved bristles on the Collis Curve Toothbrush arch over the brush's head and meet in the middle. When you use the brush, the bristles separate, allowing you to clean both sides of your teeth. Short bristles at the base of the head brush the top of the teeth at the same time. Cleaning the teeth and gums requires fewer brush strokes, which is beneficial to people who tire easily or find dental hygiene stressful and unpleasant. Children and adults with sensory problems will benefit from this product. A caregiver or parent may also use the smaller brush head and softer bristles to assist their youngster getting used to having their teeth cleaned. People with disabilities have a higher prevalence of oral illness, thus oral hygiene and dental care are a top concern for them. Physical limitations that impede manual dexterity make it difficult for a person to sustain a plaque-removing method. Brushing one's teeth may require the aid of a caregiver for those with developmental and intellectual impairments. Individuals with low manual dexterity have been shown to benefit from using the Collis Curve Toothbrush. Caregivers who help people clean their teeth prefer it as well.

Collis Curve Toothbrushes

  The Collis Curve Toothbrush comes in different variations that serve different purposes. The Adult Soft Collis Curve Soft brush is a soft brush with a mildly massaging motion that is meant to improve circulation in the gum line area. Caregivers and brushers with limited ranges of motion will benefit from this product. Sensitive gums, bleeding gums when brushing, hyper-gag reflex, post-operative circumstances, and first-time curved bristle users are all indications for usage. As it has proven to be beneficial to them, an increasing number of chemotherapy patients are beginning to utilize it. The bristle is curved and flexible, allowing it to bend and spin softly over undercut or misaligned teeth. Brushing back teeth with the compact head and effective revolutionary Triplefit bristles eliminates gagging and any unpleasant poking motions that can occur with a brush with straight bristles. Parents who clean their children's teeth and gums have termed this a "lifesaver." This is an excellent brush to use until your gums are in good shape, at which point a Medium bristle will provide a more pleasant massaging sensation.

  The Adult Medium is the ‘stiffest' bristle with a Curve Medium (.009′′ diameter). It will offer you a pleasant massage and do a great cleaning job. This brush is intended for those with healthy gums who have previously used the Soft Collis-Curve. Cleaning braces with this brush is also an option. The plaque removal and cleaning performance of this medium brush with a.009′′ trim height and adult length 15/32′′ is outstanding. Another Collis Curve Perio brush is the Adult Periodontal, which is designed for individuals with recessed gums, long or longer teeth, dental equipment such as braces, caps, crowns, implants, and periodontal pockets. The longer, curled bristles softly wrap themselves around these sensitive regions. With a longer trim height, the bristle diameter is 28mm and 127 mm in length.

The Collis Curve youth for juniors has a tiny head that allows for simple manipulation in the limited areas of the mouth of the young patient. Start using this brush when the first molar appears, which is generally around the age of six.

DenTrust is a three-sided Toothbrush with Clinical Evidence. DenTrust is a revolutionary toothbrush with independent Ultralon bristles that give cleaning and gum care benefits that have never been seen before. DenTrust is a three-sided innovative design that completely surrounds the teeth for optimum coverage with each brushing stroke. DenTrust is, therefore, more effective than a traditional toothbrush. DenTrust not only provides good coverage in less time, but it also covers difficult-to-reach back teeth as well as inner tooth surfaces. DenTrust also has a unique system of expansion pleats and separate support arms that ensures that all sides of the tooth get equal pressure.

  With Dentrust, gumline cleaning is ensured. One of the most crucial aspects of home dental care is plaque removal near the gumline, which is often overlooked. Gingivitis, an early type of gum disease that affects three out of four Americans, can develop if plaque is not removed from the gumline. DenTrust bristles are automatically angled at a 45-degree angle to clean the gumline effectively. This ensures that the gumline is thoroughly cleaned and effectively, even in the most inaccessible locations.

Dentrust Toothbrushes

  Dentrust offers additional gum protection. Traditional bristles (even the soft, end-rounded variety) have been shown in clinical trials to contribute to receding gums and tooth abrasion. Compared to traditional bristles, DenTrust bristles are 225 percent softer. DenTrust stimulates the gums while cleaning the teeth to help keep them healthy.

  DenTrust has been shown to dramatically decrease plaque and gingivitis in 30 and 90-day clinical testing. These studies also show that when compared to a well-known brand:

• In difficult-to-reach regions, DenTrust had consistently lower plaque ratings.
• DenTrust reduced gingivitis in hard-to-reach regions considerably more effectively after two weeks.

  Brushing for at least three minutes is recommended by dental specialists, however, the typical individual only brushes for 30-60 seconds. DenTrust provides 100 percent to 200 percent more coverage per brushing stroke than comparable toothbrushes.

  Dentrust offers Simplicity, comfort, and flexibility. DenTrust's innovative "expansion pleats" adapt the brush to different tooth widths while you brush. Now you can be assured that each tooth will receive the care it requires. DenTrust's independent bristles are intended to reach and clean these difficult-to-reach places.

  The Superbrush is a product by Dr. Barman’s that was designed to help more individuals maintain good dental hygiene regularly. Dr Barman’s Superbrush allows children to brush their teeth from a young age. It cleans all three surfaces of the teeth equally well at the same time, requiring less time for thorough cleaning. The Superbrush is a great way to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy for people of all ages. It cleans both sides of the teeth, and because the bristles are angled 45 degrees towards the gumline, the gumline is also cleaned.

Get yourself a Three-Sided Toothbrush today for better access to all of the teeth' surfaces. Brushing is made easier for those who don't like having their teeth cleaned, and it also fosters independence by making tooth brushing more successful.

Three sided toothbrush selection on KleenTeeth

In fact, one in four adults in the US suffers from tooth decay. And, 46 percent of adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease.

To improve your oral health, you should make sure you're visiting the dentist twice per year as well as brushing and flossing regularly. If you're already doing all of this but still dealing with issues, then the products you're using may be to blame.

In particular, you need to make sure you're using the right toothbrush for your mouth.

But, how do you know that you're using the right toothbrush?

Check out this toothbrush bristle guide to find out.

Soft vs Hard Bristle

The first consideration when purchasing a toothbrush is whether you should buy one with soft bristles or hard bristles. There's also extra soft and medium softness to consider, so how are you supposed to decide which one is right for you?

Let's take a look at what each bristle strength means:

Extra Soft

An extra-soft toothbrush is actually a specialty brush, and you therefore won't be able to find it at your local drugstore.

If you suffer from gingivitis, receding gums, or periodontitis, then you may benefit from the gentleness of the extra soft bristles. However, make sure you check with your dentist or periodontist before you purchase one of these toothbrushes to see if it's really necessary.

Your dentist can also teach you the proper technique for brushing with extra soft bristles.

Soft

When it comes to choosing between a soft brush and a hard brush, many people assume that a hard brush is necessary to clean the teeth properly.

However, this isn't the case, as a soft toothbrush can clean just as well, if not better than, a hard toothbrush.

Because of this, a soft bristle toothbrush is the one that is preferred and recommended by most dentists.

To make sure you're cleaning your teeth properly with your soft brush, make sure to use circular strokes and angle the bristles toward the gum line.

Medium

Medium-strength bristles achieve very similar results as soft bristles do. However, you have a higher risk of damaging your gums with a medium-strength bristle toothbrush.

Therefore, you should choose soft over medium unless a medium is recommended by your dentist.

Hard

Last but not least we have hard-bristled toothbrushes. As we've already mentioned, you can remove the same amount of plaque with a soft-bristled toothbrush as you can with a hard one. But, you have a much greater chance of damaging your gums with a hard-bristled toothbrush.

Hard bristles can also chip away at your tooth enamel over time.

So, to make sure you're removing the stubborn plaque on your teeth, it's best to schedule an appointment with your dentist every 6 months.

Other Considerations When Buying a Toothbrush

In addition to the bristle strength, there are some other things you should keep in mind when buying a toothbrush. These include:

Electric-Powered vs Manual

More and more people are switching over to electric-powered toothbrushes and for a good reason.

While you can technically achieve the same results with a manual toothbrush as you would with an electric, this is only if you use the exact proper technique when brushing your teeth with a manual.

The great thing about an electric-powered toothbrush is that it takes the guesswork out of the technique by creating the circular motions for you.

Some electric toothbrushes even come with different settings so that you can be extra gentle on sensitive areas and tougher on areas with stubborn plaque build-up.

Another huge benefit of electric toothbrushes is that a lot of them come with built-in timers.

Dentists recommend that we spend a full two minutes brushing our teeth two times per day. Yet, most of us fall short of this recommendation. In fact, the average time people spend brushing their teeth is 45 seconds.

Of course, if you have a manual toothbrush, you can always set a timer on your phone. But, having a timer built-in can make it especially nice, as it means you never have to think about it.

Lastly, keep in mind that if you wear braces or you suffer from a condition that causes limited mobility (such as arthritis), an electric toothbrush is definitely the better option.

Shape and Size

Another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a toothbrush is the shape.

Basically, the handle of the toothbrush should be easy to maneuver so that you can brush those hard to reach places in your mouth with ease.

A flexible handle will also make it easier for you to clean the post exterior areas of your mouth, and it will help prevent excess trauma while brushing.

In terms of size, you want to make sure that the head of the toothbrush can easily fit into your mouth and that you can brush one or two teeth at a time. In general, you want to look for a head that's about 1 inch long and a half of an inch wide.

Handle

Last but not least, you want to consider the toothbrush handle when purchasing.

You want to make sure that you can fit the handle comfortably in your hand.

It's also important to remember that the grip of the brush will be a big factor in terms of how well you can brush your teeth. So, make sure you are comfortable with the brush's grip before buying.

Toothbrush Bristle Guide: Are You Ready to Buy a New Brush?

Now that you've read this toothbrush bristle guide, you should have a better idea of what you need to look for when buying your next toothbrush.

Also, if you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more dental hygiene tips and tricks. 

Additionally, there are actual oral screenings that every astronaut has to go through before being cleared for space travel. This is because of the immense level of pressure that is to be endured by the spacecraft which produces vibrations that can seriously harm poorly fit dental fillings and other areas of the jaw. Moreover, the pressure in the atmosphere and other changes in the environment can cause a great deal of pain in any tooth where even a slight cavity is present. The loss of bone mass that astronauts go through while in space also has a role to play in their potentially declining oral health.

In the early days before any major technological developments, the most common ways to maintain good oral hygiene in space was through the use of dry brushing and a product called dental gum. The use of electrical toothbrushes or anything that is needed to be recharged is strictly forbidden in space. Astronauts most commonly use regular toothbrushes accompanied by toothpaste that they have to swallow. Since water is recycled in space and waste kept to a minimum, flossing is also moved one step down on the list of most preferred ways of maintaining oral hygiene as compared to brushing.

There is no solid evidence indicating exactly which brand of toothbrushes was used in which space mission, there can be some estimates drawn from the items that were sold at auction. There can, however, be a progression observed through the years.

Py-co-pay toothbrushes

The final mercury flight was accompanied by the py-co-pay toothbrushes. These were manufactured by the Block Drug Company and were put to use by celebrity astronaut Gordon Cooper. Following that, the Gemini 10 group was also assigned the use of the same brand of toothbrushes. Moreover, they were also to be used in the later years by the crew onboard the Apollo 1.

The py-co-pay manual toothbrushes gained their popularity because of their strength and durability. Its average size and the full functionality as a long-term toothbrush gave it its well-deserved status on earth and in space as well.

The S-19 Lactona Tooth Tip Toothbrush used on Apollo 10 and 11 

A few years down the road, more development and advancements in technology brought to us the Lactona Toothbrush. These brushes were put to the test by the crew of Apollo 10 and 11. The Apollo missions included toothbrushes that followed the policy of the spacecraft; every rank in the crew had a separate color label. The meals that were assigned to each crew member also had designated colors and so did the toothbrushes. Examples include red signifying the Commander, and the Lunar Module Pilot was assigned the color blue.

Other brands

The crew aboard the Apollo 15 used a PRO Double Duty toothbrush that was effective in its job but did not gain as much popularity as the lactona ones.

The Oral B-40 was taken to space accompanying the crew of the Apollo 13, some members of the Apollo 15 and whole crews of Apollo 16, 17 and also Skylab 1.

Oral Hygiene Kits

The Apollo 11 missions include the requirement of the spacecraft to have one toothbrush and two ounces of toothpaste packaged with the food for each individual crew member. In later times, this was updated to 3 toothbrushes, one pack of edible toothpaste and an additional dental floss. These developments have since helped make sure that there is better oral care available for astronauts that risk their lives and spend countless days out in space all for their love for science.

The expensive toothbrush

While there have been numerous auctions of toothbrushes used in space by different astronauts, perhaps the most amazing story has been of Buzz Aldrin’s lunar-flown light blue S-19 Lactona toothbrush that he used on his Apollo 11 mission. Back in 2004, the toothbrush garnered so much popularity that it managed to be sold for a price of $18,400.

The lactona toothbrush's tooth tip point is slightly broken but otherwise the toothbrush is in excellent condition.

Reference links

http://www.spaceflownartifacts.com/flown_personal_hygiene_kit.html

https://omahadentists.net/blog/oral-hygiene-in-space/

https://astronaut.com/how-important-is-dental-health-for-astronauts/

http://www.holmdelimplantdentistry.com/blog/2016/05/05/great-oral-health-an-astronaut-s-169919

https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/16405272/hygiene-in-orbit