The function of toothbrush is to remove dental plaque
from the surface of teeth. For its method of use, please refer to “Oral
Care Tips”.
1. Manual toothbrush
Shape of toothbrush head
A toothbrush with any kind of brush head cleans teeth
effectively. However, the size of the brush head should be considered
according to the size of the oral cavity:
- 0-2 years
Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 10-cent coin (~15mm).
- 2-6 years
Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 20-cent coin (~19mm).
- 6-12 years
Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 50-cent coin (~22mm).
- 12 years and above
Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong
Kong one-dollar coin (~25mm).
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Bristle pattern
- Block pattern
The bristles are of the same length and are arranged neatly like a block.
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Wavy or V-shape pattern
The bristles form a V-shape or wavy pattern. According to the
manufacturer, this is intended to give the bristles a better
contact with the areas around the adjacent tooth surfaces.
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Advantage
If these toothbrushes are used correctly, it is claimed by the
manufacturer that their bristles will naturally be pointing
at the gum line at a 45 degree angle. It is also suggested that
since the bristles at the brush tip are longer, it enables the
toothbrush to reach the difficult-to-clean areas.
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In fact, any of the above brush head design can effectively
clean the teeth. Nonetheless, the bristles must be soft. Thus, you can
choose according to your personal preference.
Handle design
- Straight handle
All conventional toothbrushes have straight handles that are easier to control.
- Contra-angle handle
This handle design is similar to a dental instrument, intending
to access to the difficult to clean areas.
- Flexible handle
This kind of handle intends to reduce gum injury caused by excessive
brushing force.
- Slip prevention grip handle
This handle intends to prevent the toothbrush from slipping away during toothbrushing.
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None of the handle design possesses special tooth cleansing
effect. You may make your choices according to your personal preference.
2. Powered Toothbrush
Mechanical motions of different brush heads
- Brush head oscillates sideways, forwards and backwards.
- Each tuft of bristles rotates individually.
- The entire brush head rotates in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
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Is it suitable for you?
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People with special needs, such as the physically
and mentally disabled people, may choose to use powered toothbrushes.
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The oscillation/rotation speed of the powered
toothbrush may cause injury to the teeth if it is not used correctly.
The technique in using powered toothbrush is different from
that of the manual toothbrush. You should consult your dentist
to achieve an optimal cleansing effect with your powered toothbrush.
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As powered toothbrushes are more expensive
than manual toothbrushes, you may consider using it according
to your financial capability.
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3. Superbrush
Function
It is designed to simultaneously clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces
of teeth.
Toothbrush head design
Three brush heads are combined together in the Superbrush. When the brush
is placed on the chewing surface, all the three surfaces of the tooth
are cleaned simultaneously. It shortens the brushing time.
Is Superbrush suitable for you?
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User should have well aligned teeth.
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It is suitable for parents and health care
workers who have to brush the teeth for the children or disabled,
or for those whose manual dexterity is inadequate.
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The choice of toothbrush is a matter of personal preference.
If you are interested in using the Superbrush, you can try it.
4. Single-tuft toothbrush
What is a Single-tuft toothbrush?
It is a toothbrush with a very small head which can be used to clean wisdom
teeth and crooked teeth effectively. There are various shapes of the brush
head. The cleansing effectiveness of different shapes of the brush head
is the same.
Function and method of use
It is used to clean the areas which are unreachable by conventional toothbrush such as:
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Wisdom teeth
Method of use:
Hold the brush in a pen grip, and place the bristles at the
gum margin of the wisdom tooth and brush gently to clean every
tooth surface.
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Crooked teeth
Method of use:
Hold the brush in a pen grip, and place the bristles over the
tooth area where conventional toothbrush cannot reach and brush
gently.
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5. Interdental brush
Function and method of use
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Cleaning the adjacent tooth surfaces with
a wide interdental space.
In case of gingival recession due to Periodontal Disease, the
gap between the roots of the neighbouring teeth is wide. Under
this situation, an interdental brush may be used instead of
dental floss.
Insert the interdental brush into the gap between the roots
of the teeth, brush forward and backward to clean the adjacent
tooth surfaces.
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Cleaning tooth surfaces underneath fixed
orthodontic appliances.
It is rather difficult to clean the teeth with fixed orthodontic
appliances in place. Therefore, people wearing fixed orthodontic
appliances should pay special attention to their oral hygiene
in order to reduce the chance of Dental Caries development.
The teeth and the appliance should be cleaned in the morning
and before bed at night everyday as well as after each meal.
Suggested cleansing method:
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Firstly, brush the area between
the orthodontic appliance and gingivae (gums). Then,
brush the area between the appliance and the crown
of the teeth.
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Finally, insert an interdental
brush into the area between the teeth and the appliance
to clean.
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Flossing is difficult for people wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.
Hence, superfloss can be used to facilitate the removal of dental
plaque on the adjacent tooth surfaces.
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Designs of interdental brush
- Toothbrush head design
Different sizes of brush head suit different widths of the interdental spaces.
- Handle design
Long handle is suitable for home use, short handle (travel pack) is convenient to be carried around.
- Replacement pack
When the brush head is worn out, it can be replaced. It is economical.
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Which kind is suitable
for you?
All kinds of interdental brush have the same cleansing effect. You can
choose whatever you like. For example, a travel pack will be used when
traveling and a replacement pack will be more economical.
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It is essential that the toothbrush can move freely
in your mouth to clean every tooth surface and the bristles are soft
so that it does not injure the gums.
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The size of the toothbrush head should be appropriate
to the size of the oral cavity. In general, the size of a brush head
which is the same as the diameter of a one-dollar coin will be suitable
for adults.
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The bristle pattern and handle design should be
determined by personal preference and habit.
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Both manual and powered toothbrushes clean the
teeth effectively as long as they are used correctly.
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If you choose to use an interdental brush or a
powered toothbrush, you should consult your dentist first.
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