Toothbrush

Manual toothbrush

Shape of toothbrush head

Photograph of several toothbrushes with their brush heads in rectangular shape.

Conventional

All conventional toothbrush head designs are effective in cleaning every tooth surface.
Photograph of several toothbrushes with their brush heads in diamond shape.

Diamond shape

The tips of these toothbrush heads are narrower than those of the conventional ones. These tips are designed for easy access to posterior teeth.

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:

Photograph of a toothbrush head comparing with the diameter of a Hong Kong 10-cent coin.

0-2 years

Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 10-cent coin (~15mm).
Photograph of a tooth brush head comparing with the diameter of a Hong Kong 20-cent coin.

2-6 years

Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 20-cent coin (~19mm).
Photograph of a tooth brush head comparing with the diameter of a Hong Kong 50-cent coin.

6-12 years

Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong 50-cent coin (~22mm).
Photograph of a tooth brush head comparing with the diameter of a Hong Kong one-dollar coin.

12 years and above

Brush head size should be approximately the diameter of a Hong Kong one-dollar coin (~25mm).

Bristle pattern

Photograph of several tooth brush heads in block pattern.

Block pattern

The bristles are of the same length and are arranged neatly like a block.
Photograph of several tooth brush heads in wavy or V-shape pattern.

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.
Photograph of two Advantage tooth brush heads.

Multilevel trim pattern

The manufacturer claimed that it enables the brush to reach difficult-to-clean areas.
Photograph of a toothbrush head in criss-cross pattern.

Criss-cross pattern

According to the manufacturer, this design can lift up plaque effectively.
Photograph of a toothbrush head in cup shape.

Polishing-cup bristles

It is claimed that the bristles can clean surface stains effectively.

In fact, any of the above brush head designs can effectively clean the teeth when used correctly. Nonetheless, the bristles must be soft. Thus, you can choose according to your personal preference.

Handle design

Photograph of several tooth brushes with straight handles.

Straight handle

All conventional toothbrushes have straight handles that are easier to control.
Photograph of several tooth brushes with contra-angled handles.

Contra-angle handle

This handle design is similar to a dental instrument, intending to access to the difficult-to-clean areas.
Photograph of two tooth brushes with flexible handles.

Flexible handle

This kind of handle intends to reduce gum injury caused by excessive brushing force.
Photograph of several toothbrushes with slip prevention grip handles.

Slip prevention grip handle

This handle intends to prevent the toothbrush from slipping away during toothbrushing.

None of the handle designs possesses superior tooth cleaning effect. You may make your choices according to your personal preference.

Powered Toothbrush

Mechanical motions of different brush heads

  1. Unidirectional motion.
  2. Rotational motion.
  3. Ultrasonic vibration.

Is it suitable for you?

  • It has been shown that powered toothbrushes with a rotation oscillation action reduce plaque and gingivitis more than that of manual toothbrushes. However, to clean the teeth thoroughly, the most important is to adopt a proper and effective toothbrushing technique. For people with special needs, such as the physically and mentally disabled people, choosing powered toothbrushes may enhance the cleaning effect.
  • The technique in using powered toothbrush is different from that of the manual toothbrush. You should consult your dentist to achieve an optimal cleaning effect with your powered toothbrush.
  • As powered toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes, you may consider using it according to your financial capability.

Superbrush

Function

It is designed to simultaneously clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of teeth.

Photograph of different sizes of superbrush.

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.

Photograph of the brush head of superbrush.

Is Superbrush suitable for you?

  • User should have well aligned teeth.
  • It is suitable for parents and caregivers to assist brushing for the children or disabled, or for those whose manual dexterity is inadequate.

The choice of toothbrush is a matter of personal preference. If you are interested in using the Superbrush, you can try it.