A friend once remarked that my brushing technique was both scientific and diligent, yet my teeth still weren't in good condition. Why was that?When I visited his home, I discovered the problem. His toothbrush cup sat in the bathroom, shared by both spouses. Positioned near the sink, the base of the bristles had developed a faint black tint. Yet he proudly declared, "Look how hygienic I am! Worried about contamination, I keep the brush head submerged in the cup and cover it."
Is this method correct?
A craftsman who wants to do his job well must first sharpen his tools. The same applies to brushing teeth. To brush effectively, you need a good toothbrush suited to you—with an appropriately sized head, bristles of moderate firmness, and regular replacement. It should feel comfortable and convenient to use, store hygienically and sustainably. Caring for our oral health and savoring our golden years begins with treating our toothbrushes well.
Our mouths are a moist, enclosed environment where bacteria multiply every second. Our mouths host more bacteria than the entire human population on Earth. Is our toothbrush clean? How should we clean it? How should we store it? How should we choose one?
In fact, toothbrush bristles are covered with countless bacteria invisible to the naked eye—yet they are the primary culprits behind dental diseases.How do we eliminate these pesky little demons?
This requires thoroughly cleaning the toothbrush to remove food particles and grime. Shake off excess water, store it in an individual cup, and avoid contact with others' toothbrushes to prevent cross-contamination. Keep the bristles facing upward in a dry, well-ventilated area.We should also monitor the condition of the bristles. Once they become deformed, frayed, or damaged, the toothbrush's cleaning effectiveness diminishes. Worse, it may scratch the gums, leading to bleeding and gingivitis. Therefore, replace it promptly. Even if the toothbrush seems fine, replace it no later than every three months to prevent excessive bacterial growth.
Additionally, when choosing a toothbrush, opt for one with a small head and soft bristles.The size of the brush head and the firmness of the bristles are important considerations. Ideally, the brush head should cover the surfaces of two front teeth. You can select based on age at the supermarket: for ages 0-2, the brush head is about 15mm long; for ages 2-6, about 19mm; for ages 6-12, about 22mm; and for ages 12 and above, about 25mm.
Avoid overly long brush heads, as they make it difficult to clean the back of the mouth. The width should not exceed four rows of bristles, and the top of the brush head should be oval-shaped for easier maneuverability. Choose bristles made of soft, fine nylon filaments with polished tips, which are durable and dry quickly. The bristle firmness should be moderate—too hard can damage tooth structure, while too soft may not clean effectively.The handle should feel comfortable in your hand, with flexibility and a non-slip grip. Which is better: manual or electric toothbrushes? Manual brushes meet most needs. However, electric brushes are a good option for those who struggle with manual technique or pressure control, or individuals with limited hand mobility—provided they choose reputable brands.Numerous specialized brushes exist—orthodontic brushes, interdental brushes, etc.—requiring professional guidance for selection.
By Chen Huizhen (Beijing Tongren Hospital)