The Best Toothbrush for Gum Disease
There are two basic kinds of toothbrushes. Manual toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Powered brushes come with a variety of bristle movements. Both come with soft, medium and hard bristles. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend any specific brand of toothbrush for periodontal disease, but it does give its seal of approval to brands of toothbrushes that meet basic standards.
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Characteristics
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The toothbrush should fit in your mouth comfortably and allow you to reach all areas of your mouth. The ADA suggests talking to your dentist about what design might best work for your particular needs.
The ADA Seal
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The ADA seal indicates that the toothbrush you are using has been found safe and effective for cleaning your teeth, that the bristles have no sharp or jagged edges and endpoints and that the handle won't break during normal use, the bristles won't fall out and that it's safe to use by a child without adult supervision. The seal also indicates that the brush has been evaluated by scientists to show that it provides a "significant decrease in mild periodontal disease and plaque."
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Powered Brushes
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Powered toothbrushes with the ADA seal must also meet the same conditions as well as Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) approval that shows the instrument is safe for all hard and soft bristle variants that can be attached to the brush.
Prevention
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The ADA recommends you brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, many of which also bear the ADA seal of approval. All brushes with the ADA Seal are shown to help prevent gum disease and promote healthy teeth.
Warning
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Most gum disease can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing with an approved toothpaste. It's more important that the brush is comfortable than any other factor as an uncomfortable toothbrush will discourage the user from brushing and poor oral care is the leading cause of gum disease.
Recommendations
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The ADA does not recommend a bristle style or hardness for combating gum disease. The ADA suggests you select a style and hardness that is comfortable for you and will encourage you to brush frequently. It is the frequency of gum stimulation not the hardness of the bristles that does the trick. Pick something you like with the ADA seal on it. The ADA seal indicates that studies have shown the brush to be effective in combating gum disease.
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